What is Computer Software?
Dec 29, 2015
How does Software Work?
Computer Algorithms Step by step
directions telling computer what to do
Software development First programmer –
Grace Hooper – created FLOW MATIC (later known as – COBOL) Programming language
that was close to English
Applications Software
Programs designed to make users more productive
Assist with personal tasks Word PowerPoint Media Player
Variety of uses: Business Graphics and
Multimedia Home/Personal/
Educational Communications
Systems Software
Interface between the user, the application software, and the computer’s hardwareExamples:
Operating systemsUtilities (diagnostics, servers)Language translators
Operating Systems
Helps user communicate with computerUses a desktop to provide on-screen
work area (graphical user interface)WindowsLinuxMac-OSDOSNetworking Operating System
Two or more computers to be connected
Utility Software
Helps perform housekeeping choresTasks include:
Antivirus programsCopy file from hard drive to another locationConvert graphics file to be used in another
programBackup copy of hard drive (image, ghost)CD/DVD Burning
Language Translators
Convert English code, to computer instructions
Helps computer process data
I don’t understand! I
need a translator.
User Interfaces
What you see, touch, clickPart we interact with when using the
computer“User friendly”Command-line interface such as DOS
(not used frequently)Graphical interfaces such as Windows
Command Line
Early computers used only thisHave to memorize codesNot very user friendlyNot colorful – usually written in black and
whiteNo pictures
Graphical User interfaces
Came about with menusGraphical user interface (GUI) Apple’s development of Macintosh
FinderPictures (icons) represent softwareColorfulReason for explosion of computer use
(after DOS scared people)