Transcript Computer Software - California State University, Dominguez

Computer Software
Objectives
• Describe the software components of a typical
software package
• Describe the way an operating system manages
each computer resource
• Describe key features of popular software
• List types of software available
• Explain how to install and uninstall software
• Describe rights associated with software: for
users and programmers
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Software
• Software is the instructions and associated data,
stored in electronic format, that direct the
computer to accomplish a task.
• Software includes
– A computer program is a set of detailed, step-by-step
instructions that tells a computer how to solve a
problem or carry out a task
– Main executable file
– Support module
– Data module
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Programmers and Computer
Languages
• Computer programmers write the instructions
for the computer programs
• Software publishers distribute the software,
they specialize in packaging, marketing, and
selling commercial software
• A computer language provides the tools that a
programmer uses to create software
– Source code
– High-level languages
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Programmers and Computer
Languages
• A compiler translates all of the instructions in a
program as a single batch
• The resulting machine language instructions are
called the object code
• An alternative to a compiler is an interpreter,
that converts one instruction at a time while
program is running
– Scripts
• JavaScript
• VBScript
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software Types
• Software is categorized as either
application software or system software
– Application software is designed to be used
for a purpose such as drawing designs,
creating documents, etc.
– System software is designed to help the
computer carry out the basic operating
functions
• Operating systems, utilities, and drivers
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Operating System
• An operating system (OS) is the master
controller for all of the activities that take place
within a computer.
– Microsoft Windows XP, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX
• The operating system also interacts with the
next functional layer called application software.
• An operating system manages resources (any
component that is required to perform work)
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OS manage processor resources
• It ensures the microprocessor doesn’t spin
its wheels waiting for input while it could
be working on other processing tasks
• Ideally, the OS is able to help the
microprocessor switch tasks so that
everything seems to be happening at the
same time
• The OS also must ensure that the
microprocessor does sit idle
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OS keep track of storage resources
• The OS acts as a filing clerk
• It remembers the names and locations of
all your files and keeps track of empty
spaces where new files can be stored
• OS controls peripherals to ensure input
and output proceeds in an orderly fashion
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User Interface
• A user interface can be defined as the
combination of hardware and software that
helps people and computers communicate
with each other
– Graphical user interface (GUI)
– Command-line user interface
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Where is the operating system?
• The OS’s small bootstrap program
resides in ROM and provides the
instructions to load the core parts into
memory when system boots
• This component is called the kernel
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Operating System Types
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Single-user operating system
Multi-user operating system
Network operating system
Multitasking operating system
Desktop operating system
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Windows,
Mac OS,
Linux,
Unix, and
DOS
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Application Software
• Word processing software is used for
producing reports, letters, papers, and
manuscripts.
• Desktop publishing software helps you
use graphic design techniques to enhance
the format and appearance of a document.
• Web authorizing software helps you
design and develop customized Web
pages
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Application Software
Accounting and Finance, Mathematical
Modeling, and Statistical Software
– Accounting and finance software
• Personal finance software
– Tax preparation software
– Small business accounting software
– Statistical software
– Mathematical modeling software
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Application Software
• Data management software helps you to
store, find, organize, update, and report
information
– File management software
– Database management software
• Graphics Software: a software you do
need to work with drawings, photos, and
other pictures?
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Application Software
• Graphics – refers to any picture, drawing,
sketch, photograph, image or icon that
appears on your computer screen
• Graphics Software
– Paint software
– Photo editing software
– Drawing software
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Application Software
• Music Software
– Audio editing software – lets you make your own
digital voice and music recording
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MP3
MP3 Player
CD ripper
MP3 encoding software
Ear training software
Notation software
Computer-aided software
Midi sequencing software
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Application Software
• Video Editing Software
– Video editing software provides a set of tools for
transferring video footage, editing video, adding
special effects, and adding a sound track
• Educational and Reference Software
– Educational software – helps you to learn and
practice new skills
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MindTwister Math
3-D Froggy Phonics
SAT
GMAT
LSAT
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Application Software
• Reference software – provides you with a
collection of information and a way to
access that information
– Encyclopedias
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Microsoft Encarta
Grolier’s encyclopedia
Comptons encyclopedia
World Book
Britannica
– Dictionaries
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Application Software
• Entertainment Software
– Computer games
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Role-playing games
Action games
Adventure games
Puzzle games
Simulation games
Sports games
Strategy games
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Application Software
• Business Software
– Vertical market software
– Horizontal market software
• Payroll software
• Accounting software
• Project management software
– Groupware
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Why is it necessary to install
software?
• When you install software, the new software
files are placed in the appropriate folders on
your computer’s hard disk
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Copy files from distribution disk
Uncompress files
Analyze computer’s resources
Analyze hardware components and peripheral
devices
– Look for any system files and players
– Update necessary system files
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Software Installation Issues
• A setup program guides you through the
installation process
• Following the program will make installation
easy
• Sometimes files are zipped, so they must be
unzipped
• Other types
– Self-installing software
– Self-executing zip file
– Manual download and install
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• Uninstall routine deletes the software’s files
• A copyright is a form of legal protection
– Purchaser has right to copy software to a computer’s hard disk in
order to install it
– Purchaser can make a backup copy
– Purchaser is allowed to copy and distribute sections of a
software program for use in critical reviews and teaching
• Most software displays a copyright notice
• A software license is a legal contract that defines the
ways in which you may use a computer program
• A shrink-wrap license goes into effect as soon as you
open the packaging
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