COMPUTER SOFTWARE

INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE
The usefulness of computer hardware depends on
available.
Software is the detailed instructions that
control the operation of a computer system.
It can be defined as a set of instructions that tell the
hardware how to work.
Software is a collection of programs that control
the working of the computer hardware.
A program is a set of instruction arranged in a logical
way that a computer can run
Hardware is tangible whereas software is intangible, i.e.
it cannot be touched
 CHARACTERISTIC OF GOOD SOFTWARE
1). Good software should provide the required
functionality.
2). Good software should be usable even by the
inexperienced users.
3). Good software should be reliable and dependable.
4). Good software should function efficiently.
5). Good software should have a "life-time" at least
measured in years.
6). Good software should provide an appropriate user
interface
7). Good software should be accompanied by complete
documentation
8). Good software should be "easily" maintained
 FUNCTIONS OF SOFTWARE
 Manage the computer resources of the organizations.
 Provide tools for people to take advantage of these
resources.
 Act as an intermediary between organizations and
stored data and information.
CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
SOFTWARE
 CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER
• Computer softwareSOFTWARE
is mainly based on purpose the
software serves. This can be broadly classified into two
categories i.e. Systems and Application software
• System software refers to programs that control
the operations of a computer and its devices.
• System software also serves as the interface between
the user, the application software and hardware. There
are three categories of systems software.
Three categories of system software are;
1. Operating system,
2. Programming languages
3. Utility programs.
 THE OPERATING SYSTEM
• An operating system (OS) is a set of programs
containing instructions that co-ordinate all the
activities among computer hardware devices.
• The operating system so much relies on the
device driver to communicate with each hardware
device.
NB. A device driver is a small program that tells the
OS how to communicate with the device.
 Functions of operating systems
To provide basic working environment/user interface
on a computer.
To control the use of peripherals (both input and
output).
To control the loading and running of application
programs.
To manage allocation of memory
To manage booting process of a computer.
To manage files
To protect hardware and software.
To manage the process of connecting devices to work
with a computer (configuring devices)
To manage the processor e.g. multitasking and time
sharing.
 TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
There are different types of operating systems. These
are as follows:
Real-time Operating System: It is a multitasking
operating system that aims at executing real-time
applications.
Distributed Operating System: An operating
system that manages a group of independent
computers and makes them appear to be a single
computer is known as a distributed operating
system.
Embedded System: The operating systems
designed for being used in embedded computer
systems are known as embedded operating systems.
TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Single-user, single task: This is designed to manage
the computer so that one user can effectively do one
thing at a time.
Single-user, multi-tasking: This allows a single user
have several programs in operation at the same time.
Multi-user operating system: enables two or more
users to run a program simultaneously.
Multitasking operating system: allows a single
user to work on two or more applications that reside
in memory at the same time.
Multiprocessing operating system: can support
two or more CPUs running programs at the same
time.
 USER INTERFACES
This is the environment given by the OS to control how a
user enters data and instructions and how information is
displayed. There are two types of user interfaces;
1. Command line interface (CLI)
This is the type of an interface in which users enter data
and instructions by typing key words or pressing special
keys.
Advantages a CLI
• Takes little memory space
• Does not require very fast processors.
• Operations are fast since command are entered using
the keyboard.
• Many commands can be sent together as a batch file for
repetitive tasks.
Disadvantages of CLI
Commands have to be learnt and memorised.
It is not user friendly
The interface may vary from one application to the other.
Graphical user interface.
This is a type of interface in which users use menus and visual
images (icon) to enter command into the computer.
Advantages of a GUI
It is user friendly
No need to type or memorize any command language
The interface is similar for any application.
Disadvantages of a GUI
Requires more memory
Requires very fast processors.
It is difficult to automate functions for expert users.
Occupies more disk space to hold the files for all the different
applications
 Basic Components of a GUI
 Pointer: A symbol that appears on the display
screen and that you move to select objects and
commands.
 Pointing device: A device, such as a mouse or
trackball, that enables you to select objects on
the display scree.
 Icons: Small pictures that represent
commands, files, or windows. By moving the
pointer to the icon and pressing a mouse
button, you can execute a command
or convert the icon into a window.
 Desktop: The area on the display screen
where icons are grouped is often referred to
as the desktop because the icons are
intended to represent real objects on a real
desktop.
 Menus: Most graphical user interfaces let
you execute commands by selecting a choice
from a menu.
 Examples of GUI Operating Systems
 Microsoft Windows:
Windows 10
Android OS
Macintosh OS
Linux OS
Factors to consider when Choosing an
operating
 Hardware specifications of the computer
 Processor type and memory of the computer
 Application software intended for use on the
computer
 Ease of installation and use of the OS
 The cost of the OS against the budget
 The network and data security provided by OS
 Number of processors and users supported by
the OS
 Available documentations
 Exercise 1
1. What is meant by the term computer software?
2. State the two categories of computer software
3. Differentiate between systems software and application
software giving an example of each
4. What is an operating system as used in computer
software?
5. Explain five functions of the operating system
6. Outline four devices controlled by the CPU
7. Explain how the operating system;
Schedules processor jobs
Manages memory
Allocates resources
1. Mention any four categories of operating system
 UTILITY PROGRAMS
 Utility programs are special programs are used to
enhance performance of the computer system.
 They help to manage, maintain and control computer
resources. These programs include: File viewers, File
compression utility, backup utilities, antivirus,
screen savers, etc
FUNCIONS OF UTILITY PROGRAMS
 Scan and fix computer viruses.
 Help in file back up.
 Compress files of disks.
 Partition disks into individual logical drives.
 Perform tasks on files (move files, delete files, etc)
 Diagnose computer problems.
 COMMON UTILITY PROGRAMS
Personal computers come loaded with utility
programs designed to help resolve issues and
maintain optimum performance. These utilities
are easily accessed through “Advanced
Settings."
Data Back Up
 Backing up data is the process of creating
copies of your data and keeping them in a
separate and secure place.
Back up software
This is a software designed to duplicate
important data in the event of a hard drive
failure, user error, disaster or accident. Backup
software help to back up your data automatically.
REASONS FOR BACKING UP DATA
 In case your laptop or personal computer
gets lost or stolen
 In case of hard disk failure. Hard disks do
break down from time to time. The hard disk
is where data is stored permanently on the
computer system.
 We back up data due to virus attacks. Without
backup files, you may never see that
information again.
 Electrical power failures.
 Ways to ensure efficient back up of data
1. Making regular backups
2. Backing up work on removable storage
(secondary) media
3. Keeping backup media in a different location
from that of the computer
4. Setting up of automatic backup intervals
Some commercial Back up software
System Restore
"System Restore" resets the computer to an
earlier setup. For example, let's say a computer
begins functioning poorly after a new software
program is installed, and the problem persists
even after removing the program. "System
Restore" sets the machine to a state prior to
the installation of the program, often solving the
issue.
 Disc Defragmenter
"Disc Defragmenter", also called "defrag," enhances
computer performance by consolidating file
fragments. Locating requested files affects a
computer's speed, and by consolidating incomplete
files, "defrag" makes the process faster.
 Scheduled Tasks
"Scheduled Tasks" accesses a wizard, setting selected
programs to run automatically at a chosen time and
frequency. For example, if a software program backs
up files, the Schedule Tasks function can schedule that
program to run daily at 3 a.m.
 Hardware Diagnostics
Under the Device Manager you can see hardware
that is working improperly, because it will have a
warning icon next to it. Right-click that device and
choose to troubleshoot. This will bring up the
device troubleshooting utility that will often try to
update the driver or fix an existing driver.
 Disk partitions
Divides an individual drive into multiple logical
drives.
 Disk space analyzers
To get the size for each folder/sub folders and files
in folder or drive. Showing the distribution of the
used space.
 Screen savers: These are designed to prevent
phosphor burn-in on LCD and plasma computer
monitors.
 Sorting utility: For organizing files and folders on
a storage media.
 Data Recovery: Enables the user to get back all
the data that might have been deleted or lost by a
virus from the computer.
 Debuggers: helps to find out the error in
computer program and fix it.
 Uninstall utility: It enables the user to remove an
application program and its associated attributes
from the system.
 Registry cleaners: Clean and optimize the
Windows registry by removing old registry keys
that are no longer in use.
 System monitors: For monitoring resources and
performance in a computer system.
 Disk storage utilities: Ensures that data is stored
and files arranged in order of ascending. It also
helps the computer to re-arrange data files.
 System Profilers: Provide detailed information
about the software installed and hardware attached
to the computer.
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN OPERATING SYSTEMS
AND UTILITY PROGRAMS.
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 These are programs designed to meet user-
specific needs.
 The primary function of application software is
to apply the computer to users solve problems
and accomplish specific tasks.
 Application software, such as word processing,
spreadsheets, e-mail, database, and Web
browser, can help you perform tasks such as
creating documents, analyzing finances, sending
messages, organizing data, and viewing pages on
the World Wide Web respectively.
 CLASSIFICATION OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software can be classified into 2, that is
Off- the shelf software and Custom
written/Bespoke/In-house developed software.
1. Off- the shelf software
This is software designed and packaged for sale. A
user will find it readily available in shops for sale.
Off-the -shelf is further subdivided into 2:-
i. General purpose software
ii. Special purpose software.
 General purpose application software
 General purpose application software is
a type of software that can be used for a
variety of tasks.
 It is not limited to one particular function.
For example a word processor could be
classed as general purpose software as it
would allow a user to write a novel, create
a restaurant menu or even make a poster.
 Special purpose application software
Special purpose application software is a
type of software created to execute one
specific task.
For example a camera application on your
phone will only allow you to take and share
pictures.
Another example would be a chess game, it
would only allow you to play chess, web
browsers, calculators, media players, calendar
programs etc.
 Advantages /reasons of using off-the-shelf
software

 It is relatively cheap, especially when

compared to custom written software
 It is easily available from most computer
shops
 It will have been thoroughly tested so there
won’t be any serious problem or bugs
 There is lots of user support i.e. books, user
guides, online help and discussion forums on
the internet
Bespoke/Customized Application Software

Bespoke application software is tailor made for

a specific user and purpose. For example a
factory may require software to run a robot to
make cars, however, it is the only factory making
that car in the world, so the software required
would have to be specially build for the task.
Other examples might include software for
hospitals and medical equipment, software being
written inside banks and other financial
institutions.
 Advantages Customized /Bespoke
Application Software
1. The company will get the exact software
they need.
2. The software will work exactly how they
want it to work.
3. The software will only have the features that
they specifically need in their business.
 The Main Disadvantages of Customized/Bespoke
Application Software Include;
1. It costs a lot of money to develop such a software
2. It may take some time to develop the software, when
off- the-shelf software could be brought straight away
3. The company may need to develop a team of people
such as business analysts, programmers, testers etc.
4. Unlike off- the-shelf software, there is unlikely to be
any internet forums or websites to help users. For
example popular spreadsheet applications have dozens
of online help sites run by users and professionals
5. The software is more likely to be buggy as it probably
won't have thousands of clients using and testing it.
Differences between System software and
Application software.
 Some terminologies used in computer
software:
Firmware
 Is a software program or set of instructions
programmed on a hardware device. It provides
instructions on how that device should operate.
 Unlike normal software, firmware cannot be
changed or deleted by an end-user without the
aid of special programs and remains on that
device regardless if it's on or off.
 Software License
 A software license is a legal instrument that
governs how the software can be used and
distributed. When you download or install
software, you are asked to agree to the terms of
a license before you proceed with the
installation.
 A license does not mean you have to pay for the
software because even free software is licensed.
Software copyright
 It is a law used by proprietary (commercial)
software companies to prevent the unauthorized
copying of their software.
 SOFTWARE PIRACY
This is the act of illegally using, copying or
distributing software without ownership or legal
rights.
Types of software piracy include:
 Soft lifting: Borrowing and installing a copy of
a software application from a colleague.
 Client-server overuse: Installing more copies
of the software than you have licenses for.
 Hard-disk loading: Installing and selling
unauthorized copies of software on refurbished
or new computers.
 Counterfeiting: Duplicating and selling
copyrighted programs.
 Online piracy: Typically involves downloading
illegal software from peer-to-peer network,
Internet auction or blog.
Packaged software:
 Is commercial software, which is copyrighted
and designed to meet the needs of a wide
variety of users.
SOFTWARE SUITES
A software suite, also known as application suite
or productivity suite, is a software package
that has several applications that work well
together because they have related
functions, features and user interfaces, and
are able to interact with each other.
Business applications often come in suites, e.g.
Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, and iWork,
which bundle together a word processor
application, a spreadsheet application, presentation
graphics, database and e-mail applications, etc.
 Advantages of software suites
 It is easy to transfer data from one component
of the application to another.
 An integrated software takes up less disk space
than individual packages.
 The user can move faster from one application
to the next.
 It is usually easier to learn how to use the
applications in a software suite because the
user interface for choosing commands is
similar for all applications.
 A software suite tends to be more powerful
and versatile than individual applications.
 A software suite is less likely to crash and
contains fewer errors (bugs), since it has been
widely tried and tested.
 The producers of software suites often offer
after-sales services (e.g. online help facilities);
users can also get support from user groups
and magazines.
 SOFTWARE ACQUISITION
Computer software can be acquired in three main ways:-
freeware, shareware, and commercial software
 Freeware : this refers to free software but with
copyright restrictions. (does not require any payment
from the user.)
a) Public domain software : This is free software with no
restrictions.
 Shareware: It refers to a type of software that is given
to the users to use freely for a certain period(trial), but
when that period ends a user must pay in order to
continue using the software.
 Commercial software: Refers to software that
requires payment before it can be used. Commercial
software programs typically come in a physical box,
which is what you see displayed in retail stores, while
others are available as downloads over the Internet.
 OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
Open source software is:
i. Software provided for use, modification and
redistribution.
ii. Software that any programmer can
download from the Internet for free and
modify with suggested improvements.The
only qualification is that changes can't be
copyrighted,
Why is it popular? Because any programmer
can make improvements which can result in
better quality software.
Examples: Linux
ADVANTAGES OF OPEN SOURCE SOFTWARE
 The source codes are available to users and they have
the rights to modify them. This will allow improvements
to the software without having to invest large sum of
money in research and development.
 The modified and improved source codes can be freely
redistributed.
 The open source software is created according to
industry demands but allows for upgrades to take place
freely when the need arises.Therefore, if bugs in the
codes are found, they can be fixed by anyone interested
and capable.
 The software can be used in any way and for any legal
purposes. There is no restriction in a unilateral way on
how the software could be used.
 DISADVANTAGES OF OPEN SOURCE
SOFTWARE
 The codes are too complicated for beginner to
understand.
 There is no particular official monitoring the
works of a programmer improving the codes.
This is because anyone is free to use, modify or
even distribute the codes.
 Since nobody in particular is responsible for the
codes, there is no exact knowledge and
assurance on when the codes are going to be
fixed if there a bugs in it. Thus, users will have to
use the problematic software until someone
rectifies the problem.
PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE
Proprietary software is also called closed source
software.The closed source software or proprietary
software offers a stable system with support if the software
fails or malfunctions.
ADVANTAGES OF USING PROPRIETARY SOFTWARE
 The software offers a stable system support if it fails or
malfunction.
 The software is safe and guaranteed to be safe from
dubious threats like programming bugs and viruses thus
providing ease of mind for the user.
 The software is easier to install and used as the
production is planned and extensive research is carried
out to ensure users purchase only the best.
 Furthermore, free updates and latest information on the
software are usually provided to the user.
DISADVANTAGES OF USING PROPRIETARY
SOFTWARE
 Users need to spend a long time downloading and
installing security patches to fix bugs announced by
the manufacturer.
 Any improvements would usually require a cost,
which is often expensive.
 Users are not allowed to describe and share the
software as they are licensed.
 Customizing the software is impossible because
when users buy proprietary software, they will not
receive the code as the code is the manufacturer’s
trade secret.
 Assignment
 State five examples of application software and
their respective uses
 List the two major categories of application
programs
 Differentiate between single-purpose and
general-purpose applications
 State the difference between in-house and off-
shelf application programs. Use examples.
 What is meant by the term user interface?
 Outline the two major categories of user
interfaces provided by modern Operating system
 State the similarities and difference between
menu-driven and graphical user interfaces
 What is the difference between CLI and GUI
 State five advantages of GUI over CLI
 Explain any five features users interact with while
using computers
 What are utility programs?
 State five categories of utility programs giving an
example in each
 What are the five functions of utility programs?
 Explain the following terms as used in computer
software
a) Proprietary software
b) Open source software
c) Freeware
d) Shareware
e) Public domain software
 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
A programming language is a vocabulary
and set of grammatical rules for instructing
a computer to perform specific tasks. This
is usually categorized into low-level (Assembler
and machine) and high level (e.g. FORTRAN, C
and PASCAL)languages
Low-Level Languages
Low-level languages are designed to operate and
handle the entire hardware and instructions set
architecture of a computer directly.
 Programs and applications written in low-level
language are directly executable on the computing
hardware without any interpretation or translation.
For example; developing new operating systems or
writing firmware codes for micro-controllers.
 Machine language is a collection of binary digits
or bits that the computer reads and interprets.
 Assembly language implements a symbolic
representation of the machine code needed to
program a given CPU architecture.
 High-Level Language (HLL)
 High-level language is any programming
language that enables development of a
program in much simpler programming
context and is generally independent of the
computer's hardware architecture.
 High level languages are designed to be used
by the human operator or the programmer.
They are referred to as "closer to humans." In
other words, their programming style and
context is easier to learn and implement, and
the entire code generally focuses on the
specific program to be created.
 FACTORS TO CONSIDER BEFORE
BUYING A COMPUTER PROGRAM
• Cost of software against buyer’s budget.
• Usability of the program.
• Requirements of available hardware.
• Type of program needed.
• Needs of the organization.
• Personnel to use the program.
• Functionalities of the program.
• Free from computer bugs.
• Software support and call centers.
• Type and quality of software developer.