Introduction to computer software concepts.ppt

Introduction to computer software notes

1. Types of Software

2. Introduction
Software is programs or instructions that tell the computer
what to do and how to do it
Computers need software to do even a simple job, without
software computers cannot function

3. Types of Software
Two types:
System software
It is the background software that enables the application software to
interact with each other
Application software
It is a group of programs designed to accomplish a single task or a group
of related tasks

4. System Software
Also known as Operating System (OS) and Disk Operating System (DOS)
OS allows applications software to communicate with the hardware
DOS is a group of programs which manages the most basic operations of a
computer system
DOS is a link between the users and the computer system
Example of OS are Window XP, Window 7,VISTA, Linux, Macintosh, etc
DOS programs reside on a floppy disk or hard disk

5. Functions of OS
Control the hardware, the memory and the application
software
Manages the information on the disk
Runs computer programs
Manages the startup process

6. Application Software
It is a group of programs designed to accomplish a single
task or a group of related tasks
It divided into two categories:
User-designed application software
Software that is created or designed by big companies and government
department
Ready-made application software
A collection of programs designed for general use

7. User Designed Application Software
Also known as Bespoke Software or Tailor-Made Software
These type of software are designed and developed
specifically for the company or organization

8. Advantages
The Company will get the exact software/system that they
need
The software will work exactly how they want it to work
The software will only have the features that they specifically
need in their business

9. Disadvantages
Takes a long time to develop
Cost a great deal of money to develop such system
Company need to employ a team of people such as analysts,
programmers
There will be little in the way of user support and online help

10. Ready-Made Designed Application
Software
Also known as Package Software or Package
It usually comes with manuals
Manuals are instruction on how to run the application software
Example Word Processing, Power Point

11. Package is generally written in one of the programming
language by a team of computer specialists.
These specialist is called programmers
A company or organization which writes packages is called a
software house
A package is specific to an operating system

12. Advantage of using
Ready-Made Packages
User-friendly
Cheap
Easily Available

13. Disadvantages of using Ready-
Made Packages
Rigid
Functions cannot be changed
Some may not suit own specific requirement