Part 1, Computing Fundamentals Chapter 1, Computer Basics Lesson 1-3, What is computer software? Robert Crawford, MBA West Middle School
Dec 23, 2015
Part 1, Computing FundamentalsChapter 1, Computer Basics
Lesson 1-3, What is computer software?
Robert Crawford, MBAWest Middle School
Describe what an operating system does. Summarize why compatibility is an issue for
computer users. Explain what utility software does. Identify four different types of application
software and way s to obtain them.
UNIT O BJECTIVES
Remember, last week we discussed hardware,◦ the physical pieces that make up the computer.
What is software?
Remember, last week we discussed hardware,◦ the physical pieces that make up the computer.
Software includes all of the programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it.
What is software?
Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software◦ Application software
Types of Software
Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software
Programs that are needed for the computer to work properly
◦ Application software
Types of Software
Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software◦ Application software
Programs that are designed to help you perform tasks
Types of Software
System software is also divided into two major categories:◦ Operating Systems◦ System utilities
System Software
System software is also divided into two major categories:◦ Operating Systems
In its simplest definition, the operating system is the layer of software that exists between the applications and the hardware. However this doesn’t tell us much
◦ System utilities
System Software
Operating Systems◦ The operating system
actually performs a lot of different tasks.
◦ So, instead of defining it as what it is, let's define it by what it does
System Software
Operating Systems◦ The operating system lets the hardware devices
communicate with one another.◦ It supports the hardware when applications
programs are running
System Software
Operating Systems◦ The operating system lets the hardware devices
communicate with one another.◦ It supports the hardware when applications
programs are running◦ The most widely used OS’s are
Microsoft Windows UNIX
Apple OSx Linux
System Software
System software is also divided into two major categories:◦ Operating Systems◦ System utilities
System Software
System utilities◦ These are programs that help the computer work
properly. Maintenance and repair that the OS does not do by
itself Repairing damaged files Compressing files
System Software
Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software◦ Application software
Types of Software
There are four main categories of application software.◦ Productivity◦ Graphics◦ Communication◦ Home, Education, and Entertainment
Application Software
There are four main categories of application software.◦ Productivity
These are the programs people use to be more productive at work. Word processors Spreadsheets Databases Etc.
Application Software
There are four main categories of application software.◦ Graphics
These are programs that make it possible to draw, paint, and touch-up photos
Application Software
There are four main categories of application software.◦ Communication
These are the programs used to: Connect to the internet Send email
Application Software
There are four main categories of application software.◦ Home, Education, and Entertainment
This is a broad category that includes: Games Tax Preparation General learning
Application Software
Remember, There are four main categories of application software.◦ Productivity◦ Graphics◦ Communication◦ Home, Education, and Entertainment
Application Software
There are two ways to obtain application software:◦ Custom ◦ Off-the Shelf
◦ Both have advantages and disadvantages
Application Software
Function of an operating system Function of utility software Four types of application software Two ways to obtain software
◦ An advantage and disadvantage of each method
Things to remember