Transcript What is Computer Software?

HARDWARE VS SOFTWARE
Got to have both to get the job done!
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 hardware
 Examples:
 Operating systems
 Utilities (diagnostics, servers)
 Language translators
OPERATING SYSTEMS
Helps user communicate with computer
Uses a desktop to provide on-screen work area (graphical user interface)
 Windows
 Linux
 Mac-OS
 DOS
 Networking Operating System
 Two or more computers to be connected
UTILITY SOFTWARE
Helps perform housekeeping chores
Tasks include:
 Antivirus programs
 Copy file from hard drive to another location
 Convert graphics file to be used in another program
 Backup copy of hard drive (image, ghost)
 CD/DVD Burning
USER INTERFACES
•
What you see, touch, click
•
Part 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 this
•
Have to memorize codes
•
Not very user friendly
•
Not colorful – usually
written in black and
white
•
No pictures
EX: DOS
GRAPHICAL USER INTERFACES (GUI)
•
Came about with menus
•
Graphical user interface
(GUI)
•
Pictures (icons) represent
software
•
Colorful
•
Reason for explosion of
computer use (after DOS
scared people)
THE END!