Computer SoftwareComputer TechnologyDay 5

Software

Provides step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to perform

Categories System Software Application Software

System Software

Controls computer’s operations Manages computer’s resources Includes operating system, utilities,

and computer programming tools

Operating System Software Controls the allocation of hardware

resources Handles basic input and output (I/O)

for data flowing from and to storage devices and peripherals

Enables application software to access system resources

Allocates resources and processing time between several programs that are running at the same time (also known as multitasking)

Multitasking

More than one program can run at a time.

Instructions and data from one area of memory do not interfere with memory allocated for other programs.

Enables users to perform multiple tasks at the same time Copy a chart from an open Excel document,

then pasting it into a report in Wordand

Download a document from the Web

Operating Environment

Operating system software or “platform” Windows Macintosh

Types Command-line interface—user must type

in commands to control the computer Graphical user interface (GUI)—users

interact with the computer by using a mouse to point and click on icons, buttons, and menus

System Software Terms Device driver—controls input and output

to the peripherals Virus checker—searches files for

potentially harmful programs (for example, viruses, worms, or Trojan horses)

Firewall—protects your computer from unauthorized access over a network

Utilities—programs that perform a very specific task (for example, managing system resources)

Application Software

Runs on top of the operating system Enables the user to perform a specific

task Word processing a letter Calculating payroll in a spreadsheet Reading e-mail messages Manipulating digital photos Managing a database of information

Application Types Word Processors (for example, MS Word)

Users can create a variety of business documents

WYSIWIG (What You See Is What You Get) display

Spreadsheet (for example, MS Excel) Worksheet consisting of rows and columns Enable business and financial people to create

“what if” scenarios Database Management (for example, MS

Access) Graphics (for example, Adobe Photoshop)

Application Types

Presentation (for example, MS PowerPoint)

Web Authoring (for example, Dreamweaver)

Integrated Packages–combine functions from several different application programs