Software provides the instructions that tell the computer what to do. These instructions are called programs. Programs enable you to use the computer.

SOFTWARE

What is software? Software provides the instructions that

tell the computer what to do. These instructions are called programs.

Programs enable you to use the computer without being a computer programmer.

System Software System software provides the

instructions that the computer needs to run.

Contains the directions needed to boot the computer and check that everything is working.

Enables you to interface with the computer and its peripheral devices so you can use them.

The Operating System The operating system or OS is a

special computer program that is present on every computer.

Controls the way the computer works from the time it is turned on until it is shut down.

All computers need some type of OS.

OS as the Traffic Cop

Communicating with the OS

The OS provides a user interface that you can use to interact with the computer.

Early computers used a command-based interface that required the user to type specific instructions to accomplish tasks.

Current operating systems provide a graphical user interface (GUI). GUI’s use the mouse to allow the user to point and click icons or menus.

Microsoft Windows Found on most of today’s

desktop and notebook computers.

Provides a GUI. Capable of multitasking.

Early versions

Early versions

Early versions

Today’s versions

Today’s version October 22, 2009 release date. First OS release to use less system

resources than its predecessor.

Tomorrow’s version Coming in 2012! App based http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p92Qf

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Application Software Enable you to accomplish tasks and use

the computer in a productive manner. There are many different categories of

application software: Financial Business-related Graphics Educational and reference Entertainment Productivity

Productivity Software

Word Processing Software Used to create, edit, format, and save

documents and other text-based files.

Spreadsheet Software Enables you to perform calculations and

other mathematical tasks.

Database software Used to store and organize large amounts

of data. Help you to enter, store, filter, retrieve, and summarize data.

Presentation software Used to create graphic presentations,

known as slide shows, that can be shown to large groups.