Scribd
Upload
5 views14 pages

Chapter 1-Software

Chapter 1 covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, defining software as a set of instructions that directs hardware operations. It distinguishes between system software, which includes operating systems, device drivers, and utility software, and application software that helps users perform specific tasks. The chapter also discusses various types of software, including vertical and horizontal market software.

Uploaded by

millionairemikey96
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
5 views14 pages

Chapter 1-Software

Chapter 1 covers the fundamentals of computer hardware and software, defining software as a set of instructions that directs hardware operations. It distinguishes between system software, which includes operating systems, device drivers, and utility software, and application software that helps users perform specific tasks. The chapter also discusses various types of software, including vertical and horizontal market software.

Uploaded by

millionairemikey96
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 14

Chapter 1

Computer
Hardware & Software
Subtitle
Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this chapter, you will be able to:
✓ define the term Software
✓evaluate types of software (system software and application
software)
✓evaluate application software for a given task
Computer Software
Software is the set of instructions or programs that are loaded into a
computer memory in order to perform a task or to control an operation
of a computer. In short Software is the instructions, or programs, that
tell the hardware what to do.
• Computer software, is not something you can touch.
• Software is a set of instructions for a computer to perform specific
operations
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
• System software refers to the
files and programs that make the
computer work: files that ensure
efficient operation of hardware,
storage management, and the
operating system (such as
Windows, Mac OS, Unix,
Android, Linux).
• Programs that are designed to
maintain or operate the
computer system are known as
system software.
TYPES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE
• Operating System
• Device Drivers
• Utility Software
Operating System:
• An operating system manages
the hardware within a computer
system. When a computer is
turned on and after the basic
input/output system (BIOS) has
loaded, the operating system is
the first piece of software that
will load.
• It sits between hardware and
applications software and
manages any communication
between the two.
OPERATING SYSTEMS
An operating system manages hardware by carrying out tasks such as:
• Allocating memory to software
• Sending data and instructions to output devices
• Responding to input devices such as when a key is pressed
• Opening and closing files on storage devices
• Giving each running task a fair share of processor time sending error
messages or status messages to applications or users
• Dealing with user logons and security.
Device Drivers
• Driver software is a type of
system software which brings
computer devices and
peripherals to life. Drivers make it
possible for all connected
components and external add-
ons to perform their intended
tasks and as directed by the OS.
Without drivers, the OS would
not assign any duties.
Utilities
• Utilities are types of system
software which sits between
system and application
software. These are programs
intended for diagnostic and
maintenance tasks for the
computer. They come in handy
to ensure the computer
functions properly.
Examples and features of utility software include:
• Antivirus and security software for the security of files and applications, e.g.,
Malwarebytes, Microsoft Security Essentials, and AVG.
• Disk partition services such as Windows Disk Management, Easeus Partition
Master, and Partition Magic.
• Disk defragmentation to organize scattered files on the drive. Examples
include Disk Defragmenter, Perfect Disk, Disk Keeper.
• File Compression to optimize disk space such as WinRAR, Winzip, and 7-Zip.
• Data backup for security reasons, e.g., Cobian, Clonezilla, and Comodo.
• Hardware diagnostic services like Hard Disk Sentinel, Memtest, and
Performance Monitor.
• Data recovery to help get back lost data. Examples include iCare Data
Recovery.
• Firewall for protection against external threats, e.g., Windows Firewall
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
• Application software are or on a mobile phone.
concerned with the world
outside the computer, and are
designed to help users to
perform useful tasks, beyond
the running of the computer
itself.

• An app is another name for a


program. It is a piece of
software that can run on a
desktop computer, over the
internet, on a tablet computer
Examples of Application Software

Application software programs are used by millions every day


and include:

• Microsoft suite of products (Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint,


Outlook, etc.)
• Internet browsers like Firefox, Safari, and Chrome
• Mobile pieces of software such as Pandora (for music
appreciation),
• Skype, WhatsApp (for real-time online communication)
Vertical & Horizontal Market Software
Vertical market software – application software for a specific
industry
• Patient-scheduling software
• Restaurant management software
Horizontal market software – application software
suitable for use in many industries
• Payroll, inventory, and billing
TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
• Packaged application software (Of-the-shelf)
• Suites Applications software
• Custom application software
• Development Software

You might also like