TYPES OF SOFTWARE

Learning Goals for Today

1. To discuss the role of software in computing systems

2. To learn to differentiate among software belonging to the system and application categories

3. To learn about software ownership

• SOFTWARES - are programs that make a computer run. They are sets of instructions which tell the computer what to do to come up with the desired result.

DEFINITION

Concept• The HW needs SW to be useful; the SW

needs HW to be useful

• When the user needs something to be done by the computer, he/she gives instructions in the form of SW to computer HW

• These instructions need to be written in a language that is readily understood by the computer.

Machine Language• That language is called the machine language

• Machine language, though readily understood by microprocessors, is very difficult to write in for human programmers

• Language translators were invented to overcome this problem

Language Translators

• Human programmers write programs in a language that is easy to understand for them

• They use language translators to convert that program into machine language – a language that is easy to understand for the uPs

The Software Development Process

Categories of Computer Software

• General-• Purpose

• Programs

• General-• Purpose

• Programs

• Application-• Specific

• Programs

• Application-• Specific

• Programs

• System• Management

• Programs

• System• Management

• Programs

• System • Development

• Programs

• System • Development

• Programs

• Application• Software

• Application• Software

• Computer• Software

• Computer• Software

• System • Software

• System • Software

HardwareOperating System

Utility LanguageTranslator

Device Driver

ScientificApps.

BusinessApps.

ProductivityApps.

EntertainmentApps.

System software

Application software

SystemSoftware

ApplicationSoftware

Software

System Software- Programs that work automatically once you open or boot your computer.- Their task include loading and running programs, checking and protecting computers, and controlling hardware.- It is the control software that operates the hardware and allows the application to run.

Operating System (OS)• Performs its work invisibly to control the internal functions

of a computer, e.g. maintaining files on the disk drive, managing the screen, controlling which tasks the computer performs and in what order

• It interacts directly with the computer HW

• Other SW normally does not directly interact with the HW, but through the OS

Examples

• Windows XP – home and business• Windows 2000 – business network use• Mac Operating System – GUI, graphics• OS/2 Warp – commercial work• UNIX – general purpose, mainframe• Linux – alternative to Windows• Dos – command driven

Operating Systems

• Operating Systems run in the background without the users being aware of it.

• It controls the inputs, outputs, interrupts, and storage of files as requested by the applications software.

LINUX

DOS

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

• Are programs installed in the computer. It enables the user to do different tasks.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

• Used for a specific purpose or application.– Word processing;– Numerical analysis and storage;– Recording of data;– Designing and graphics;– Image processing;– Presentations;– Desk top publishing;– Web design.

WORD PROCESSORS

• Used in creating letters, memos, reports and other write-ups.

Examples: WordstarMS WordWordPerfect

MS Word

ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET

• Software that are equipped with rows and columns where data may be entered and processed automatically or tabulated.

Examples:Visicalc Quattro

Supercalc Ms WorksLotus 123

Excel

VISICALC – the first Spreadsheet

SuperCalc

EXCEL 2007

QUATTRO PRO

DATABASE

• Programs that can be use to organize data in a customized way.

Examples:MS Access MySQLDbase OracleFoxbase Lotus Approach

Dbase

Oracle Database

Utility Programs

• Virus checking and cleaning.• Security using identification and passwords.• File and hard disk management for efficiency and

storage.• Customising the computer to the users requirements,

i.e. short cut menus from mouse click.• Setting peripheral devices to the users requirements,

i.e. setting the monitor resolution.

UtilitiesComputer programs that perform a particular

function related to computer system management and maintenance

Examples:

1. Anti-virus SW2. Data compression SW3. Disk optimization SW4. Disk backup SW5. Disk cleaner

Entertainment Software

• Specially designed for fun and relaxation.

ExampleReal PlayerWinAmp QuickTime

Windows Media Player VLC Media

Multimedia, Desktop and Image Editing Software

• Used to create graphics and publications and to edit images

ExamplesAdobe Photoshop Adobe PagemakerCorel Draw Publisher