 Software is a general term for the

various kinds of programs used to

operate computers and related devices.
(The term hardware describes the
physical aspects of computers and
related devices.)
 Inside your computer (and on
 Your computer is
made up of the web), you will find
 Hardware. Software.
 This includes: Software works with your computer to get
• Computer things done, such as :
• Monitor • Write a letter
• Keyboard • Connect a printer
• Mouse • Balance your checkbook
• Printer • Video call a friend
• And more • And more…
 There are 2 types of software: System and Application.
 System Software

Operating System with Utilities

1. Perform basic tasks (coordinating
keyboard, display, keeping track of
files, and controlling peripheral
devices like disk drives and printers)
2. Helps programs to work at the same
time without interfering with each
other
3. Provides a platform for application
software
4. Includes basic utilities (notepad,
calculator, media viewer).
 Application Software
1. Perform more specialized tasks
(word processing, spreadsheets,
email, photo editing,
bookkeeping)
2. Installed onto your computer with
disk or downloaded
3. Can be web based, with no need
to download program onto
computer
• Installed: Putting program onto computer
• Downloaded: Takes program from Internet, brings it down to your computer
• Uploaded: Takes something from you computer and brings it up to the “cloud”
• Cloud: Computers online which store files and folders
• Update: When the program fixes a bug, it will then ask you to download and install
these changes…IMPORTANT
• Apps: Programs that do one thing really well which you will download to your
computer or device (MapQuest, Skype)
Purchase software

▪From a store (Target, Office Depot, Costco)

▪Online (From a manufactures site, Amazon, other online
store)
Decide whether you want a disk or to download
If you want a disk, you will install it using your computer CD drive.
It may
come with instructions. It may also come with a special “key” which you will
need to “unlock” your program
If you download the program, you will probably want to “save it” to your
computer, check for viruses, and then install. You may also need a key, or to
“validate it” in some way
• Usually free
• You may have to download it (such as
Skype)
• There may be information to give in
order to use it (Facebook, email)
• Can be used on all computers
• You will have to remember your login
and passwords
 Definition:
System software (systems software) is computer
software designed to operate and control the computer
hardware and to provide a platform for running
application software.
Types of System Software:
 Operating System
 Programming Language Translator
 Utility Programs
 Communication Software
 An operating system (OS) is a software, that
manages the computer hardware, and provides
common services for execution of various
application software. For hardware functions such
as input and output and memory allocation, the
operating system acts as an intermediary between
application programs and the computer hardware.
1. Convenience: makes computer user friendly.
2. Efficiency: allows computer to use resources
efficiently.
3. Ability to evolve: constructed in a way to
permit effective development, testing and
introduction of new functions without
interfering with service.
As computers have progressed and developed,
so have the operating systems. Types of
operating systems are given below:
 GUI (Graphical User Interface)
 Multi-User Vs Single-User
 Single processing and Multiprocessing
 Multitasking Vs Single Tasking
 Distributed
 Embedded
Software that works at the point of contact (interface)
between a computer and its user, and which employs
graphic elements (dialog boxes, icons, menus, scroll bars)
instead of text characters to let the user give commands to
the computer or to manipulate what is on the screen. GUI
elements are usually accessed through a pointing device
such as a mouse, pen, or stylus. All programs running under
a GUI use a consistent set of graphical elements so that
once the user learns a particular interface, he or she can use
all programs without learning additional or new commands.
Pioneered by Xerox and developed by Apple computers,
GUI is now employed by all modern operating systems and
application programs.
 A multi-user operating system allows multiple users
to access a computer system concurrently. Time-
sharing system can be classified as multi-user
systems as they enable a multiple user access to a
computer through the sharing of time. Single-user
operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user
operating system, are usable by a single user at a
time. Being able to have multiple accounts on a
Windows operating system does not make it a multi-
user system. Rather, only the network administrator
is the real user. But for a Unix-like operating system,
it is possible for two users to login at a time and this
capability of the OS makes it a multi-user operating
system.
Single-processor Systems:
On a single-processor system, there is one main
CPU capable of executing a general-purpose
instruction set, including instructions from user
processes.
Multi-processor Systems:
A multiprocessing operating system allows a program to run on
more than one central processing unit (CPU) at a time. This can
come in very handy in some work environments, at schools, and
even for some home-computing situations.
 Asymmetric multiprocessing:
In this each processor is assigned a specific task. A master
processor controls the system; the other processors either look to
the master for instruction or have predefined tasks. This scheme
defines a master-slave relationship. The master processor
schedules and allocates work to the slave processors.
 Symmetric multiprocessing (SMP):
In this each processor performs all tasks within the operating
system. SMP means that all processors are peers; no master-slave
relationship exists between processors.
 When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the
system is grouped under a single-tasking system, while in
case the operating system allows the execution of
multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as a multi-
tasking operating system. Multi-tasking can be of two
types namely, pre-emptive or co-operative. In pre-
emptive multitasking, the operating system slices the
CPU time and dedicates one slot to each of the programs.
Unix-like operating systems such as Solaris and Linux
support pre-emptive multitasking. Cooperative
multitasking is achieved by relying on each process to
give time to the other processes in a defined manner. MS
Windows prior to Windows 95 used to support
cooperative multitasking.
 A distributed operating system manages a
group of independent computers and makes
them appear to be a single computer. The
development of networked computers that
could be linked and communicate with each
other, gave rise to distributed computing.
Distributed computations are carried out on
more than one machine. When computers in
a group work in cooperation, they make a
distributed system.
 Embedded operating systems are designed to
be used in embedded computer systems.
They are designed to operate on small
machines like PDAs with less autonomy.
They are able to operate with a limited
number of resources. They are very compact
and extremely efficient by design. Windows
CE and Minx 3 are some examples of
embedded operating systems.
It is another system software which convert the high
level language to machine level language for the
purpose of machine understanding.
The Machine can only understand the machine level
language or binary language 0's & 1's. The language
translator rectify the errors within the program through
different ways.
There are 3 types of language translator, they are as
follows:-
 Compiler.
 Interpreter.
 Assembler.
 A Compiler is a computer program that translates
code written in a high level language to a lower level
language, object/machine code. The most common
reason for translating source code is to create an
executable program (converting from a high level
language into machine language)
 An assembler translates assembly language into
machine code. Assembly language consists of
mnemonics for machine opcodes so assemblers
perform a 1:1 translation from mnemonic to a direct
instruction. For example:
 LDA #4 converts to 0001001000100100
 Conversely, one instruction in a high level language
will translate to one or more instructions at machine
level.
 An interpreter program executes other programs
directly, running through program code and
executing it line-by-line. As it analyses every line,
an interpreter is slower than running compiled code
but it can take less time to interpret program code
than to compile and then run it, this is very useful
when prototyping and testing code. Interpreters are
written for multiple platforms, this means code
written once can be run immediately on different
systems without having to recompile for each.
Examples of this include flash based web programs
that will run on your PC, MAC, games console and
Mobile phone.
UTILITY PROGRAM
System software that performs maintenance-type tasks
  Detects and corrects problems on
hard disk or floppy disk
 Searches for and removes
unnecessary files
What is a backup utility?

 Copies selected files or entire hard disk onto another disk

or tape
 compress files during backup to require less storage space
 Reorganizes files and unused space on hard disk
so programs run faster
fragmented disk file before defragmenting
file after
defragmenting
 Causes monitor’s screen to display moving
image or blank screen if there is no activity for
a specified time
 To secure computer,
user configures screen
saver to require
password to
deactivate
 Compiles technical information
about hardware and some software

 Prepares report outlining problems

What is a virus?
 Potentially damaging computer program
 Affects computer without user’s knowledge

SIGNS OF
VIRUS
INFECTION
What is an antivirus program?
 Identifies and removes viruses in memory, storage media,
and incoming files
 Must be updated frequently
WHAT IS A FILE COMPRESSION UTILITY?

 Shrinks size of files to free up room and

improve performance

 Compressed files are sometimes called

zipped files

 Two popular utilities:

PKZIPTM and WinZip®
 WHAT IS A PERSONAL FIREWALL?

Protects personal computer from unauthorized intrusions

 Monitors all transmissions

to and from computer
•Allows us to connect with other computers or
mobile devices via text, video or audio
formats.
• some means of communication, such as
email, are asynchronous.
• Web conferencing and video chat are
synchronous.
 VIDEO CHAT
 Voice over Internet Protocol or VoIP allows you
to communicate with others over the Internet
without using phones.
 Costs are minimal. With most services, you
can communicate directly from one computer
to another, usually at no charge, or connect to a
cell phone or landline for a small fee.
Is available for Windows, Mac, Linux and mobile
devices. With a webcam on your computer, you can
video chat with up to 10 people at once or even send
a video message.
 Works similarly as
Skype , although it
does not allow for
group chats at this
time. It runs on all
Apple products
• It is not amedium for discussions.
•you send a contact a short video in
lieu of a text; the recipient can watch it
instantly or whenever he wants.
•Glide and Samba are examples of this
type of software; both are available for
mobile devices only.
Generally used by
businesses for
meetings, training
events or to relay
other information to
people in a remote
location.
•Started in 1965.
•Electronic mail, or e-mail,
is the most frequently used
service.
 Send a message any time, anywhere and the
recipient can read it at his or her convenience.
 Send the same message to multiple recipients.
 Forward information without retyping it.
 The messages can be notes entered from
the keyboard or electronic files stored on disk.
 Definition: Application software, or
simply applications, are often called productivity
programs or end-user programs.
 Working: they enable the user to complete tasks.
 such as creating documents, spreadsheets, databases,
and publications, doing online research, sending
email, designing graphics and e.tc.
 When you begin creating a document, the word
processing software has already set the margins, font
style and size, and the line spacing for you. But you
can change these settings.
 A software suite or application suite is a
collection of computer programs
 usually application software or programming
software of related functionality.
 having ability to smoothly exchange data
with each other.
 Microsoft Word is a popular word-processing
application that is included in the software
suite of applications called Microsoft Office.
 Types of application software:
Word processing software.
Spreadsheet software.
Database software.
Presentation graphic software.
Multimedia software.
Communication softwares.
Word Processing Software: Allows users to create, edit a
document. Example: MS Word, Word Pad etc.

Spreadsheet Software: Allows users to create document

and perform calculation. Example: Excel, Lotus1-2-3 etc.

Database Software: allows users to store and retrieve a vast

amount of data. Example: MS Access, MySQL, Oracle.
 Presentation Graphic Software: Allows users to
create visual presentation. Example: MS Power
Point.
 Multimedia Software: Allows users to create
image, audio, video etc. Example: Real Player,
Media Player etc.
 Communication software: Communications
software manages the transmission of data
between computers over wired or wireless
channels. Examples are ProComm, Smart corn
and Crosstalk.
 ADVANTAGES
 Their single biggest advantage is that they meet the exact needs of
the user. Since they are designed specifically with one purpose in
mind, the user knows that he has to use one specific software to
accomplish his task.

The threat of viruses invading custom-made applications is very

small, since any business that incorporates it can restrict access and
can come up with means to protect their network as well.

 Licensed application software gets regular updates from the

developer for security reasons. Additionally, the developer also
regularly sends personnel to correct any problems that may arise
from time to time.
 DISADVANTAGES

 Developing application software designed to meet specific purposes can prove to be

quite costly for developers. This can affect their budget and their revenue flow,
especially if too much time is spent developing a software that is not generally
acceptable.

 Some software that are designed specifically for a certain business, may not be
compatible with other general software. This is something that can prove to be a
major stumbling block for many corporations.

 Developing them is something that takes a lot of time, because it needs constant
communication between the developer and the customer. This delays the entire
production process, which can prove to be harmful in some cases.

 Application software that is used commonly by many people, and then shared
online, carries a very real threat of infection by a computer virus or other malicious
programs.
 SOME BASIC DIFFERENCES B/W SYSTEM
AND APPLICATION SOFTWARES

 System software gets installed when the operating system is installed on the
computer while application software is installed according to the requirements of the
user.

 System software includes programs such as compilers, debuggers, drivers,

assemblers while application software includes media players, word processors, and
spreadsheet programs.

 Generally, users do not interact with system software as it works in the background
whereas users interact with application software while doing different activities.

 A computer may not require more than one type of system software while there
may be a number of application software programs installed on the computer at the
same time.

 System software can run independently of the application software while

application software cannot run without the presence of the system software.