Transcript System Software - Indiana State University

Software
• Application Software
performs useful work on
general-purpose tasks
such as word processing
and data analysis. The
user interacts with the
application software.
• System Software
Enables the application
software to interact with
the computer hardware.
The operating system is
the most important
system software.
Software
System software
• System software deals with the complexities
of the computer hardware.
• System software consists of four kinds of
programs:
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Operating systems
Utilities
Device drivers
Language translators.
• Operating systems operate the computer
by coordinating computer resources,
provides interface, runs applications
• Utilities (service programs) manage
computer resources to help identify
problems, locate lost files, and back up data
• Device drivers are designed to allow
particular input or output devices to
communicate with the computer
• Language translators convert
programming instructions into computer
actions
Operating System Software
Operating systems manage . . .
• Resources: coordinate all computer resources,
including mouse, keyboard, printer, monitor,
storage devices, and memory.
• User interface: most operating systems provide a
windows-like graphical user interface (GUI) in
which graphical objects (icons) are used to
represent commonly used features.
• Applications: load and run applications such as
word processors and spreadsheets. Most support
multi-tasking, or the ability to run more than one
application at a time.
Microsoft Windows
• Designed to run with Intel-compatible
microprocessors
• Variety of versions: 95, 98, 2000, ME, XP
• Named from rectangular window-like boxes
used to display information and run
programs
• Multiple windows can be open at the same
time for easy multi-tasking
Windows interface is called the desktop.
Desktop has two basic views:
classic desktop view
Web page desktop view
Utilities
• Troubleshooting programs recognize and correct
problems, ideally before they become serious.
• Antivirus programs guard against damaging virus
programs that can invade the computer.
• Uninstall programs allow user to safely remove
unneeded programs.
• Backup programs make copies of files in case
originals are lost or damaged.
• File compression programs reduce the size of files
so they require less storage space and can be sent
more efficiently over the Internet
Windows Utilities (System Tools)
• Backup allows user to create backup for
hard disk
• Disk Cleanup helps identify and eliminate
nonessential files to free up disk space and
improve performance.
• Disk Defragmenter locates and eliminates
unnecessary fragments, rearranges files and
unused disk space to optimize performance
Utility Suites
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Anti-virus programs
Clean-up suites
Crash-protection programs
Web-service monitors
Best known are McAfee and Norton.
Application Software
•“End-user” software
•Tasks are controlled by
the user to affect useful
operations that generate
production of some kind.
•Basic applications
•Specialized applications
Basic Applications
• Word Processor – prepare written documents
• Spreadsheet – analyze and summarize numerical
data
• Database management system – organize and
manage data and information
• Presentation graphics – communicate a message
or persuade other people
• Browser – navigate, explore, and find information
on the Internet
• Information manager – maintain electronic
calendars, address books, and to-do lists
• Voice recognition – hands-free operations and
writing
Specialized Applications
• Multimedia – integrate video, music, voice, and
graphics to create interactive presentations
• Web publishers – create interactive multimedia
Web pages
• Voice Recognition – dictate wording for
document preparation
• Graphics programs – create professional
publications: draw, edit, and modify images
• Virtual reality – create realistic three-dimensional
virtual or simulated environments
• Artificial intelligence – simulate human thought
processes and actions
• Project managers – plan projects, schedule
people, and control resources
MS Word
MS Excel
MS PowerPoint
MS Access
Browser
Information Manager
Review
• Spreadsheet, word processing, presentation
graphics are examples of __________
software.
• Software that enables the application
software to interact with the computer
hardware is called ________ software.
• Programs that protect and manage computer
resources are called __________.
• The basic interface (work area) that
Microsoft Windows utilizes is called the
___________.