Module 1 – Lecture 2

Computer Software

Computer Software is essentially a collection of computer programs. A computer program is a set

of commands executable by a computer processor.

It is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. A term used to

describe computer programs that run on PCs, mobile phones, tablets, or other smart devices.

Classifications of Software

1. Purpose
a. System Software
b. Application Software

System Software
- A variety of computer programs that facilitates the operation of the computer when doing high-
level problem-solving tasks.
- It acts as an interface between application software and hardware.
- It helps the user, hardware, and application software to interact and function together.

Example: Operating System (Microsoft Windows, macOS)

The operating system provides fundamental functionalities through computer programs
that manage and support its basic resources like processing unit, memory, and disk space.

Functions:
- Execution of computer programs
- Provision of a standard interface for input and output devices so it will be easier for computer
programmers to access these devices
- Control access to each file in the computer
- System-level error detection
- As an interface between application software and the computer hardware

Application Software
- Are computer programs that computer users directly interact with for accomplishing the various
task.
- It serves as an interface between the user and the computer.

 System and application software are not only present in desktop or laptop computers. These are
also present in mobile and wearable devices, such as smartphones, smartwatches, and computer
tablets.
System software: Google Android and Apple iOS mobile operating system
Application software: Web browsers, notepads, social media apps

2. Cost, Scope, and Limitations in usage

a. Commercial Software
b. Freeware Software
c. Open-Source Software
Commercial Software

- Are developed and sold by software development companies through physical and online shops.
- Software typically comes with support from vendors so users can ask assistance if they will
encounter problems
- They usually comes with regular updates, so that software will stay up-to-date with the least
features
- Before bought on physical stores in CD or DVD, now via the web in online shops ‘

 The source code is protected on several levels from illegal use. A source code of computer
software is the collection of human-readable instructions written by a computer programmer
using a programming language which when executed by a computer translates to actual functional
software.
 Closed-source software – computer software with non-publicly available and protected source
code.
 End-user license agreement (EULA) – owners define the scope and limitations of its usage.

Some known vendors are:

 Microsoft – it develops and sells the Microsoft Windows OS and Microsoft Office productivity suite.
 Blizzard – which is the marker of the famous computer games Warcraft and Overwatch.
 Adobe – it is the developer of the popular photo editing tool, Photoshop.

Freeware Software
- Is copyrighted software that is available at no cost for unlimited usage. The developer retains all
rights to the program and controls distribution. Users can sometimes purchase additional services
or options.

- A term coined by Andrew Fluegleman in the 1980s, who wanted to sell PC-Talk, the
communications application he had created, outside of commercial distribution channels.
Fluegelman distributed the program via a process now termed shareware.

- In the 1980s and 1990s, the term freeware was often applied to software released without source
code.

Shareware Software
- Shareware is software that is distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that the user
may need or want to pay for it later.
- Other shareware (sometimes called liteware) is offered with certain capabilities disabled as an
enticement to buy the complete version of the program.
- users are encouraged to share the limited version of the software to promote larger distribution
and sales.

 The most common type of shareware programs are trial programs, which are also called
"trialware" or "demoware." These programs are provided as demos that you can try for a limited
time, such as two weeks or one month.

Open-source Software
 - is a type of computer software in which source code is released under a license in which the
copyright holder grants users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute the software to
anyone and for any purpose.
- A software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.
- Open source software is released through a specific kind of license that makes its source code
legally available to end-users.

List of Open-source Software

 Operating System - Ubuntu, Linux, Debian
 Web Browsing – Google Chromium, Mozilla Firefox
 Ebook Management – Calibre, Data Crow

3. Mode of Distribution
a. Local Computer
b. In the Cloud

Local Computer
- Traditionally installed by downloading a copy of the software’s installer and
running it on the user’s computer.
- Installed computer software will use up physical resources of the user’s computer
like memory, disk space, and processing power

In the Cloud
- Users will go to the software’s provider’s website and log in using their user
account. The data gathered by the user when using the software is stored in
remote data centers. It can be accessed through smartphones or tablets as long as
they have Internet.
- Sofware-as- a- Service (SaaS) is said to run on the cloud due to the fact that they
are hosted on top of and serviced from remote utility information technology
infrastructure defined as cloud computing.