COMPUTER SOFTWARE

TC2-Computer LiteracyMr. Sencer

February 8, 2010

Software

Software, sometimes called a program, consists of a series of instructions that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them.

You interact with a program through what is called the user interface.

User Interface

The user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen.

Almost all software today has a graphical user interface.

Using the graphical user interface (GUI), you interact with the software using text, graphics, and visual images such as icons. GUI - pronounced gooey

Software before GUI

Microsoft Word for DOS

Software Now

Microsoft Word 2007

Types of Software

Two categories of software exist: System software Application software

Examples of Application & System Software

System Software

System software are the programs that control/maintain the operations of the computer and devices connected to it.

System software is the interface between the user, application software, and hardware.

Types of System Software

Two types of system software exist. Operating system

What operating systems have you used?

Utility programs What utility programs do you have/use on

your computer?

Operating System

What is an operating system? An operating system is a set of programs

that coordinate all the activities among computer hardware devices.

It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software.

Many of today’s computers use Microsoft’s Windows or Mac OS, Apple’s operating system.

Operating System

When a user starts their computer, portions of the operating system are loaded. Where does the Operating System load

the information? Why do we have to wait for the

computer when we shutdown?

Utility Programs

What is a utility program? A utility program allows a user to perform

tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or its programs.

Most operating systems include several utility programs for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices and media.

You also can buy utility programs that allow you to perform additional functions.

Application Software

What is application software? Application software are programs

designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks.

A widely used type of application software related to communications is a Web browser. What does a Web Browser do?

Allows users with an Internet connection to access and view Web pages or access programs.

Application Software

Other popular application software includes: word processing software spreadsheet software database software presentation software

Many other types of application software exist that enable users to perform a variety of tasks.

Installing and Running Programs

In most cases, when you purchase software from a store, you receive a box that includes an optical disc(s) that contains the program.

If you acquire the software from a Web site on the Internet, you do not receive media, instead you download it from the site.

The instructions in software are placed on storage media, either locally or online.

Installing Programs

Installing is the process of setting up software to work with the computer, printer, and other hardware.

To use software that is stored locally, such as on a hard disk or optical disc, you usually need to install the software first.

Do you have to install Web Applications?Web applications are stored online, and usually do

not need to be installed, but sometimes require a component to be installed so they can be used.

When you buy a computer, it usually has some software preinstalled on its hard disk.

Installing Programs

Depending on how you obtained the software you either insert the media into a drive or launch a file you downloaded, and follow the instructions to install the software.

Once installed, you can run the program.

Installation Process

Running Programs

When you instruct the computer to run an installed program, the computer loads it. What does “loading” the program mean?

It means the program is copied from storage to memory

Once in memory, the computer can carry out, or execute, the instructions in the program so that you can use the program.

Software Development

Where does software come from? Who creates it? Software is created by a programmer, sometimes

called a computer programmer or software developer.

The job of a programmer is to develop software or write the instructions that tell the computer how to process data into information.

Programmers write these instructions using a programming language or a program development tool.

Some popular programming languages are C++, Java, JavaScript, Visual C#, and Visual Basic.

Sample Payroll Application - Code

Sample Payroll Application - GUI