Computer software

Software refers to a set of computer programs. Its function is to guide the computer in its
operations. Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and
execute specific tasks.

Software can be classified according to purpose or acquisition.

Classification according to purpose:

Computer software may primarily be designed to manage the hardware resources or to help
the user accomplish specific tasks. Therefore, software may be classified as either system or
application software.

A. System software

System software performs a variety of fundamental operations that avails computer resources
to the user. These functions include:

 Booting the computer and making sure that all the hardware elements are working
properly.

 Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application

programs.

 Storing and retrieving files.

 Performing a variety of system utility functions.

System software is further divided into:

1. Operating system.

2. Firmware.

3. Utility software.

4. Networking software.

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1.The operating system

This is a set of complex programs that work together to control execution of user programs
called applications and acts as a go between (interfaces) between the applications of the
computer hardware. It manages input/output and storage operations in a computer. Examples
of common operating systems are Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/XP, UNIX, Linux, Macintosh
(Mac OS) and OS/2. What type of operating system software do you use in the computer
laboratory?

N/B: Therefore, the operating system is the main program on the computer system.

2.Firmware

Firmware, also referred to as stored logic is a combination of both the software and hardware
recorded permanently on electronic chips. Usually, a firmware is a read-only memory chip that
is mounted or plugged into the motherboard. Firmware may hold an operating system, utility
programs, language processors etc.

3.Utility software

Utility software is a special program that performs commonly used services that make certain
aspects of computing to go on more smoothly. Such services include sorting, copying, file
handling, disk management etc. The two basic types of utility software are:

System-level utility software: These help the user to work with the operating system and its
functions. For example, a utility software tells the user when he/she enters a wrong command
and gives suggestions how the error can be corrected.

Application utility software: These make the use of an application program smoother and
efficient. These utility programs are commonly purchased separately or may be part of an
operating system.

4.Networking software

This type of software is mostly used to establish communication between two or more
computers by linking them using a communication channel like cables to create a computer
network. Networking software enables the exchange of data in a network as well as providing
data security. Network software may come as independent software or integrated in an
operating system. An example of networking software is novel Netware.

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 B. Application software

Application software, also called application packages are programs that are designed to help
the user accomplish specific tasks.

. Table 2.2 gives examples and uses of common application packages

Software Uses Examples

Word processor Typing documents like WordPro, WordStar.

letters.
Ms Word, Lotus

Spreadsheets Manipulation of numeric Ms Excel, Lotus 1 2 3

data e.g. calculating
budgets.

Desktop Publisher Designing publications like Adobe PageMaker,

newspapers, books.
Ms publisher.

Computer aided Technical drawing. Design AutoCAD.

Databases Keeping records and Ms Access, Dbase.

files.

Graphics software Creating and manipulating Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop

pictures.

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Application packages

Classification according to acquisition

Generally, computer programs can be classified according to how they are obtained as in-house
developed software and standard software (Vendor off-the-shelf software).

 In-house developed programs

These are programs that are uniquely designed and tailored to meet a particular user needs.
For example, a bank may decide to manage its banking operations using a unique program
developed by hired programmers. These programs are not available in the shops and once
developed for one company or user may not address the needs of other users.

 Standard software (Vendor off-the-shelf software)

These programs are developed by software engineers, packaged and then made available for
purchase through a vendor, a distributor or directly from the developer. A developer may
bundle more than one but closely related software into one package to form a suite of
integrated software as opposed to single-purpose software. Examples of suites are Lotus

Microsoft-Office and Corel WordPerfect while those of single purpose are QuickBooks and Sage
Line 50.

The word package is sometimes used to refer to these types of software that are packaged and
sold by vendors.

Advantages of standard software over the in-house developed programs are:

 They can easily be installed and run.

 They are less expensive to acquire than the cost of developing in-house software.

 They are readily available for almost any task.

 Since they are thoroughly tested before they are released, chances of errors in them are
rare.

 They can easily be modified (customized) to meet specific user’s needs without involving
expert programmers

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Criteria for selecting a computer system

The task of determining a suitable computer system for an individual or organization is not
easy. A good computer system must meet all the requirements of the user. Therefore, before
selecting the computer system to implement, it is advisable to do an analysis of all the
requirements necessary in order to avoid acquiring a system that may disappoint the users.

Requirements analysis for selecting a computer system should cover the following:

 Identifying all user requirements.

 Evaluating hardware requirements that will meet the user’s needs.

 Evaluating software requirements that will meet the user’s needs. The computer
hardware and software to be acquired should therefore be able to meet all needs of the
data processing environment that, they are intended for effectively.

 Hardware considerations

Some factors considered when selecting computer hardware are;

 Processor speed

The processing power and speed of a computer mainly depends on the processor speed. A
good computer must have high processor speed. For example, a few years ago, processors used
to have speeds of less than 100 MHz However, today s Pentium processors are operating at
very high clock speeds of over 4 GHz.

Scientists and engineers are aiming at producing a processor that operates at terahertz (trillion
hertz). However, it is important to buy a processor that suits ones need not necessarily the
fastest.

 Memory capacity

As earlier mentioned, primary memory, mainly random access memory (RAM) is measured in
megabytes (MB). For example, a computer may have 32MB of RAM. Although, a computer may
have a very fast processor, it may not perform as expected if it has low memory capacity.
Because of the current multimedia driven applications, a good computer should have sufficient

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memory to handle the heavy applications that require a lot of memory space in order to run. A
computer with at least 128 MB of RAM is recommended for most contemporary applications.

RAM is packaged as either dual in-line memory Module. (DIMM) or single in-line memory
module (SIMM).

Therefore, before one buys a memory module for the computer the following factors have to
be considered:

o The type of module supported by the computer s motherboard.

o Does the motherboard have an empty memory slot?

o Will the module work well (be compatible) with the other existing modules on the
motherboard?

o What is the capacity of the module?

 Warranty

A warranty is an agreement between the buyer and the seller that spells out terms and
conditions of, after selling a product in case of failure or malfunction.

most important consideration to make is whether the seller is ready to actually provide after
sales services. On top of the actual cost of the item, most manufacturers and suppliers include a
certain percentage charge to cover the warranty.

A good warranty should cover the following points:

o Scope of cover for example six months, one year etc.

o Callout response and liability agreement. For example, how long should the supplier
take to repair a fault or replace the product, and if he/she delays who bears the cost.

o Preventive maintenance for example regularity of service, at intervals etc.

 Cost

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The cost of a computer system depends on:

Its processing capability.

Whether it is branded or a clone. Branded computers are more expensive than their equivalent
clones. This is because of their reliability and good after sale services.

 Its size

Portable computers are more expensive than their desktop equivalents because of the
superior technology involved in manufacturing smaller components without losing
performance abilities.

It is important to do a market survey from magazines, newspapers, and electronic media or

visit a number of vendors to compare prices before purchasing a computer. Computer
information and technology exhibitions also enlighten a buyer on current trends and costs.

 Upgradeability and compatibility

When buying a computer, the best option would be to get one that can easily be upgraded to
accommodate emergent technologies. For example, some older computers cannot support
large hard disks available in the market today hence, difficulty in upgrading them because
smaller hard disks are no longer in circulation.

 Portability

The size of electronic devices including computers has become a major consideration because
smaller devices enhance mobility.

 User needs

When selecting computer hardware, consider the unique needs of the user. For example, if the
users have special disability like inability to use their hands, consider buying input devices that
capture data through voice input.

The user needs also determine the type of data that will be processed hence, the choice of the
type of hardware most appropriate to satisfy the needs. For example, in a supermarket a
special computerized devise called a point of sale (POS) terminal is most suitable to record
transactions.

Other considerations

Other considerations for selecting computer hardware are;

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Monitor

Depending on preference, your choice for a monitor may depend on size, resolution and the
technology used to make it. Currently flat panel displays have become a new market standard
quickly replacing the cathode ray tube (CRT).

Multimedia capability

This is the combination of video, audio, text and images to provide an interactive, creative and
effective way of producing and communicating information. A multimedia system should have
speakers, CD/DVD drive, sounds card and a SVGA monitor. It should also have software that
supports multimedia capability.

Software considerations
Although one may have a good computer with the best hardware, the actual real determinant
of a computer s value to the user is the software in it that can run to solve the day to day data
and information processing needs.

The following factors should be considered when selecting software:

Authenticity

The term authenticity refers to genuineness, validity and or legitimacy of an item. When you
acquire software from the vendor, make sure it is an original copy that is accompanied by the
developer s license and certificate of authenticity. This is because some people illegally produce
pirated copies which is an offence.

Documentation

It refers to the manuals prepared by the developer having details on how to install, use and
maintain the software. These include installation guide, maintenance guide and a user guide.
This documentation enables the user to work with the software with minimum guidance.

User needs

The needs of the user determine the type of operating system and application programs that
should be considered for acquisition. For example, if the user needs to type documents most
often he/she would go for a word-processor.

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People with special disability will require software that recognizes other forms of input like
voice and natural sound. A good example is software used in mobile phones to store voice and
allow the user to make a call by just calling a name instead of keying in the number.

Reliability and security

People are more comfortable with software that offers good security to confidential and private
information.

User friendliness

One of the most important features normally considered when using a computer program is its
user-friendliness. This is a measure of how easily the users can be able to operate the
computer. Some programs are more user- friendlier than others. A lot of research and effort
has been dedicated in trying to come up with more user-friendly software. The ease of use of a
program will most likely influence whether the user will prefer it or not.

Cost

The cost of software is perhaps one of the most controversial issues that must be considered
carefully. One cannot just go for software because it is cheap. Many other factors may force a
person to buy far much more expensive software even with cheaper alternatives available.
However, it is illogical to buy expensive software if there is a reliable cheaper alternative that
will meet ones needs.

In case the off- the-shelf software does not fit the needs of the users it would be advisable to
develop in-house software solutions even though they may be a bit more expensive.

Compatibility and system configuration

Software compatibility refers to the ability of the computer to run the software depending on
the system setup (configuration). For example, some software may only run on a computer that
has 32MB of RAM and above. Any computer with lower than this, will be said to be
incompatible. It is important that one reads the installation guide and system requirements that
comes with the software in order to avoid disappointment.

Portability

Portability in this aspect refers to whether a program can be copied or installed in more than
one computer. Although, most software in the market today are portable some developers

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produce software which can be installed on one machine only. This means that if one has
twenty computers, one should buy a license for each.

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