Prof. Dr. M. H. Assal

Introduction to Computer

3. Computer Software

Introduction to Computer

AS 26/10/2014

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Types of software Systems software

o It is a computer software designed to operate and control the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software.

o System software can be separated into two different categories:• Operating Systems (i.e. Microsoft Windows, OSX, Linux) • Utility software

Application softwareo For end userso Programs that help users solve specific computing

problemso Examples: Microsoft Office, Internet Explorer, Skype, …

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Software Trends Software licensing

o Protection by software vendors to prevent unauthorized use

o Types of Software Licensing (or Ownership)• Freeware• Shareware• Public-Domain / Open Source

Software upgradeso A revised version of software that usually

includes fixes of known problems, plus enhancements to existing capabilities.

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Types of Software Licensing

Freewareo Copyrighted software given away for free by the author. o The author retains the copyright, which means that you cannot

do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by the author. o Usually, the author allows people to use the software, but not

sell it.

Sharewareo Most shareware is delivered free of charge, but the author

usually requests that you pay a small fee if you like the program and use it regularly.

Public-Domain / Open Sourceo Refers to any program that is not copyrighted. o Public-domain software is free and can be used without

restrictions.

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Roles of Systems Software

Operating Systemso Controls the Computer Hardware deviceso Allows the parts of a computer to work together by

performing tasks such as transferring data between memory and disks or rendering output onto a display device.

o It also provides a platform to application software.o Examples: Microsoft Windows, OSX, Linux, … etc.

Utility software o helps to maintain the computer, such as virus

protection.o Examples: Antivirus.

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Roles of Systems Software

SystemSoftwareApplication

Software

Users

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User Interface User interface is the function of the operating

system that allows computer users to access, command and use the computer.

Types of User Interface:o Command-based user interface

• A particular user interface that requires text commands be given to the computer to perform basic activities

• i.e. Unix, DOS

o Graphical user interface (GUI)• A user interface that uses pictures (icons) and menus displayed on

the screen to send commands to the computer system• i.e. Windows, Mac OSX

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Application Software Application Software is a computer program

designed to help users perform an activity. Application software cannot run on itself but is

dependent on system software to execute. Types of application software may include:

o Accounting softwareo Media playerso Office suites (Word Processing, Spreadsheet,

Presentation … etc.)o Database Management