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Computer software is set instructions that instruct the computer on what to do and how to do it. Computer software
is also called programs. Unlike computer hardware, computer software cannot be seen and cannot be touched.
Computer software is categorized into two:1) System software
2) Application software
System software
It is a type of software that controls the general working of the computer. System software consists of programs that
control the operations of a computer and its devices. System software serves as the interface between a user, the
application software, and the computers hardware. Before application software can be run, the operating system,,
must be loaded from the hard disk into the computers memory. The two main examples of system software are
Operating System (OS) and utility programs.
Operating System
-It is a set of programs that controls how the application software interacts with the computer hardware. It enables
the application software to use the computer hardware and other resources.
It is software that controls the general operation of a computer.
Functions/roles of an operating system
The OS has many functions including the following:
1. Input and output control
2. Error handling
3. Resource allocation
4. Providing a Human Computer Interface.
5. File handling.
6. Managing the computer system security
7. Interrupt handling.
8. Job scheduling.
Utility programs
These are programs that perform routine tasks that help the user to maintain the computer making other
application software to run better. To carry out routine tasks that is often needed by the user
Functions of utility software
1) compressing a file to save space on backing storage
2) Defragmenting a disk drive
3) Recovering data from damaged file
4) Checking a disk for faults and recovering them
5) Formatting a storage disk.
6) Checking the files on a dish for computer viruses - checking a dish for faults and recovering them.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software consists of programs designed to enable the user to perform specific tasks. It is software
designed to do a specific task or job.
a) Custom designed / tailor made/ in-house software
Is a type of software designed to save a specific problem within a specific organization
Advantages
1.) It is a designed to solve the problem it was meant for exactly
Disadvantages
1.) It is an expensive type of application software.
2.) Doesnt come with health instructions.
Application specific software
Is application software used to solve a specific problem that is common in different organizations?
Examples
Stock control software
payrou software
Advantages
1.) It can be used in more than 1 organization
2.) The program is well tested and document
Disadvantages
Is only meant to solve specific tasks
General purpose application software
Is an application software used to save more than 1 task. Examples include:
i.)
Word processors
ii.)
Desktop publishers
iii.)
Databases
iv.)
Spread sheets
v.)
Graphics software
vi.)
Presentation software
vii.) Web authoring software
viii.) Project management software
ix.)
Control software
x.)
Integrated software
Word processors
These are programs used for preparing documents. Examples of documents include letters, summary reports and
memos?
Features of Word processors
1) Has text formatting tools such as underlining, bolding, italics etc
2) Has spell checking and grammar checking tools
3) Has a verity of font faces
4) Has facilities for printing and addressing a set of letters
5) Has templates that control the layout of documents e.g. changing magazines, pg numbering etc
Application of Word Processors
1) Writing letters/ summary reports and other documents an office
2) For producing of articles issued letters-producing
3) For producing personal used letters a set of similar letters to be posted to a number of people
Examples
i.)
ii.)
iii.)
iv.)
Microsoft Word
Word perfect
Word star
Wang Writer
6) Has the importation feature that allows, the user to important feature project, task dependencies, resources,
calendar and allocation from one of several ms project files.
Examples
Microsoft office project management software
Application
1) Designed project plans
.
Web authoring software
-is a type of software that enables the user to develop a website.
-is a web site development system that allows web pages to be visually created like desktop publishing
program.
Examples
A) Micro media dream /weaver
b) Microsoft from page.
C) Html (hyper text market language)
Features.
1) Has facilities that allow text and pictures to the imported.
2) Has tools to create and menu plate tables to petition objects like text and graphics.
3) Has tools to create hyperlink from text or and graphics
-Hyperlink- is a piece of text or graphics that link the user to the specific webpage
4) Has links to create hot spots over parts of pictures
Hotspot- is a small area of a picture or a graphic that links to specific web page
5) Provides multiple view of webpage you are working on e.g. standard or normal design view
It is a software that makes it easy to join, trim and modifying audio and edit the audio and video
separately.
Features of audio video editing software.
1.)
2.)
3.)
4.)
5.)
Application
1.) Washing machine
2.) Microwave cooker
3.) Dish washer
4.) Electric kettle
5.) Video recorder
6.) Fridge
7.) Remote control television
8.) Control heating system
9.) Bugler alarm system
10.) Air conditioning system
11.) Lifts
12.) Automatic dotes
13.) Factory robots
14.) Traffic light system
15.) Car park barriers etc
Integrated software
Is an application software that consists of several general purpose program which can use the same
data .
Features of integrated software
1.) It includes a word processer, a spread sheet, a data base, graphic and desktop publisher
usually
2.) The program come together in one package
3.) Data produced in one program can be easily transferred for use in another program
4.) Menus ,icons and other features are similar to each program
5.) The individual program may not be quite as powerful as separate programs to do the things
Applications
1.) To produce report which consists of a well presented document that includes list facts and
finger and graph
Used in situations where a spread sheet, database or graph are used but not often enough to justify. The expense of
buying separate package.
EXAMPLES OF INTERGRATED SOFT WARE
1) Microsoft office
2) Open office
3) Lotus suite
REVISION
1) processing hard ware
CPU -alu
2) control unit
3) Ram
4) Rom
ALU (ARITHMETIC LOGIC UNIT)FUNCTIONS
1) To perform logical Booleans function
2) To perform mathematical calculations
CONTROL UNIT (FUNCTIONS)
1) controls the flow of instructions
2) fetches decides and executes instructions
RAM FUNCTIONS
Stores screen
HUMAN COMPUTER INTERFACE
An interface is an interaction between the computer and the user .
- is a method through which the user communicates with the computer
TYPES OF INTER FACES
1) Command line driven
2) Menu driven inter face
3) Graphical user inter face
COMMAND LINE INTERFACE
Is a type of interface that allows the user to, interact with the computer typing in commands
E.g. C: 17cdwindows
ADVANTAGES OF COMMAND LINE INTERFACE
1) Fast in execution
2) Does not require a computer with a large ram or memory
DISADVANTAGES
1) requires the knowledge of commands
2) it is prom to syntax/typing errors
3) it is not good interface for novice
MENU DRIVEN INTERFACE
It is a type of interface that allows the user to choose options from the list
MAIN MENU
1) load program
2) back up files
3) exit
ADVANTAGES
1) easy to use
2) it does not need knowledge of commands
3) go interface for novice
Disadvantages
1.) has to go through a series of steps before reading the required options
2.) not fast execution
My document
recycle bin
my computer
Advantages
Doesnt require the knowledge of commands
Good interface for no voice
It is not pron to syntax/typing errors
It is a user friendly
Disadvantages
Require a computer with large RAM memory
Slow in execution
Uses of ict system
Simulation and modeling
Simulation is the use of computer system to predict the outcome of real situation by using a model of that situation
Is the creation of a model of areal system tin order to study the behavior of the system
Is a program that models the real system
Is a special type of computer model which recreates a real system from outside the computer
Examples of simulations
1.) A flight simulator that is used for training pilots