NORTHERN TECHNICAL COLLEGE

DEPARTMENT: HEAVY EQUIPMENT AND REPAIR

DIPLOMA IN HEAVY EQUIPMENT ENGINEERING

LESSON FOUR NOTES MAY INTAKE 2024

SUBJECT: INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTERS

CLASS:D4/1ABCDEF

COMPUTER SOFTWARE NOTES FOR DIPLOMA LEVEL

LESSON OBJECTIVES
1. Describe what software is
2. Classify computer software according to their usage
3. Give examples for each category of computer software
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software refers to the electronic instructions and procedures that command and control
the operation of a computer. Software tells the computer what to do.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE
There are mainly two types of software:

1. System Software

2. Application software

Figure 1: categories of software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software refers to a category of software that enables the computer to work and as well
control devices connected to it. Or, it refers to the software that performs tasks related to the
operation and performance of the computer system. System software is a set of programs designed
to manage operations of the computer and avail computer resources to the user.

Functions of system software

1. Booting the computer

2. Making sure that all hardware elements are working properly

3. Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application pro-
grams

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 4. Storing and retrieving files

5. Performing a variety of system utility functions

CATEGORIES OF SYSTEM SOFTWARE

There are three categories of system software:

1. Operating system

2. Utility programs

3. Programming

OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

An operating system (OS) is software that serves as a mediator between users and computer hard-
ware, facilitating communication and management of various tasks. It carries out several funda-
mental functions to ensure the smooth operation of a computer.

Examples of Operating System Software

1. Windows operating system

2. Linux, Unix, Ubuntu Operating System

3. Macintosh (MAC)

4. Chrome operating system

5. Novell operating system

6. Android for mobile phones

An operating system executes many functions to operate computer system

efficiently. Among them, four essential functions are the followings:
1. Resource Management: An operating system manages a collection of computer hardware
resources by using a variety of programs. It manages computer system resources, including
its CPU, primary memory, virtual memory, secondary storage devices, input/output periph-
erals, and other devices. For example, most operating systems now are plug and play which
means a device such as a printer will automatically be detected and configured without any
user intervention.

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 2. Task Management: The function of the operating system that controls the running of many
tasks. It manages one program or many programs within a computer system simultane-
ously. That is, this function of operating system manages the completion of users’ tasks.
A task management program in an operating system provides each task and interrupts the
CPU operations to manage tasks efficiently. Task management may involve a multitasking
capability.

3. File management: This is a function that manages data files. An operating system contains
file management programs that provide the ability to create, delete, enter, change, ask, and
access of files of data. The operating system keeps track of where files are located on the
hard drive through the type of file system. The type two main types of file system most used
are File Allocation table (FAT) or New Technology File system (NTFS).

4. User Interface: It is a function of an operating system that allows users to interact with a
computer. The two main types of user interfaces are: command line and a graphical user
interface (GUI). With a command line interface, the user interacts with the operating system
by typing commands to perform specific tasks. An example of a command line interface
is DOS (disk operating system). With a graphical user interface, the user interacts with the
operating system by using a mouse to access windows, icons, and menus. An example of a
graphical user interface is Windows Vista or Windows 7.

Together, these functions ensure the efficient and secure functioning of a computer system,
empowering users to execute programs, manage files, utilize resources, and interact with the system
conveniently.

Forms of Operating System User Interfaces

There are four forms of Operating user interfaces:

1. Graphical User Interface (GUI)

2. Command Line Interface (CLI)

3. Menu-Driven User Interface

4. Natural Language User Interface

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

A Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with a
computer system through visual elements such as windows, icons, buttons, and menus.

Windows operating system: The Windows operating system provides a GUI that allows users to
interact with the system through windows, icons, buttons, and menus. Users can navigate through
folders, launch applications, and manipulate files using a mouse and keyboard.

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 Adobe Photoshop: Photoshop is a graphic editing software that employs a GUI to provide users
with a wide range of tools and options for editing and manipulating images. Users can make
selections, apply filters, and adjust various settings through the graphical interface.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

A Command Line Interface (CLI) is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with
a computer system by entering text-based commands through a command-line interpreter. CLI
requires users to have knowledge of specific commands and their syntax to perform tasks and
interact with the system.

Unix/Linux shell: Command-line shells like Bash or Zsh provide a CLI for users to interact with
the operating system by typing commands. Users can perform tasks such as navigating directories,
managing files, and executing programs by entering specific commands and arguments.

Menu-Driven User Interface

A Menu-Driven User Interface is a type of user interface that presents users with a set of menus
containing options and commands. Users can navigate through the menus and select the desired
options by using input devices such as a keyboard or a mouse. Each menu typically contains a list
of choices, and selecting an option leads to a submenu or triggers an action.

Microsoft Word: Word processing software like Microsoft Word often employs a menu-driven
interface to provide users with options for formatting text, inserting images, and performing other
document-related tasks. Users can access different menus, such as ”File,” ”Edit,” and ”Format,” to
select the desired actions.

ATM machines: Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) typically feature a menu-driven interface
that allows users to perform banking transactions. Users can choose options like withdrawing cash,
depositing funds, or checking their account balance by selecting the appropriate menu items.

Natural Language User Interface

A Natural Language User Interface (NLUI) is a type of user interface that enables users to interact
with a computer system using natural language, similar to how they would communicate with
another human being. Users can type or speak commands, questions, or requests, and the system
processes the input to provide appropriate responses.

Apple Siri: Siri is a virtual assistant that utilizes a natural language user interface. Users can in-
teract with Siri by speaking commands or asking questions, and Siri responds with spoken answers
or executes requested actions.

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 Google Assistant: Google Assistant, available on various devices, including smartphones and
smart speakers, understands natural language queries and provides responses or performs tasks
based on user requests. Users can ask questions, set reminders, or control smart home devices
using voice commands.

UTILITY SOFTWARE
This is part of system software which is designed to configure, analyze, optimize and maintain a
computer in its operation.

Functions of Utility Programs

1. It detects and protects a computer against computer viruses

2. It reduces screen burnout (ghosting) by playing a screen saver

3. It increases disk space by compressing data files

4. It checks disk errors and sometimes fixes them

5. It stores the system functionality (i.e., system restore)

6. It enables computers to sort files in order

7. It enables a user to merge files

8. It defragments hard disks

9. It enables a user to encrypt files

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
This is a software program that performs a specific user function. Application software is installed
on the operating system. Application software consists of programs designed to perform specific
tasks for end-users. For example, typing a letter.

TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application software is categorized into two:

1. Off-shelf packages

2. Customized programs/Bespoke/Tailor-made programs

OFF SHELF PACKAGES

These are programs already written and ready to be run upon their purchase.

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 Main categories of off-shelf packages:

Word processors: These are programs that enable you to perform word processing functions,
they are document production applications.

Word processing software: An application software with which a user creates, edits, saves,
formats, and prints letters, reports, and other documents. Examples include: word processing
software, EZ word, word perfect, etc.

Spreadsheet software: An application with which a user can organize data in rows and columns,
create graphs, and perform calculations. Examples include: Ms Excel, Lotus 123, VisiCalc.

Presentation software: An application with which a user can organize content on a slide for
viewing by the audience. Examples include: Ms PowerPoint, Harvard Graphics, Corel Presenta-
tion.

Database software: An application with which one can store lots of data for future manipulation.

Desktop publishing software: Application software with which one can design newsletters, pam-
phlets, and magazines.

Imaging software: Application software with which one can edit, and retouch a photograph.

Web browsing software: Web browsing software used for displaying and viewing webpages
from the internet or HTML documents on computers. Examples include: Mozilla Firefox, Internet
Explorer, Safari, Opera, Netscape Navigator, Chrome.

Media Players for Audio and Video: Media Players for Audio and Video playback on computers.
Examples include: Windows Media Player, Jet-Audio, Power DVD, VLC Media Player, Virtual
DJ, etc.

Graphics software: Graphics software is used by graphic designers to create and design artistic
graphics and to manipulate visual images on a computer such as logos, cartoons, etc. Examples
include: Paint, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Adobe Illustrator.

Accounting software: Accounting software helps companies to record and report their financial
transactions. With accounting software, you perform accounting activities related to the general
ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, invoicing, job costing, payroll func-
tions, etc. Examples include Quick Books.

Audio and video editing software.

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 Images viewing software: This refers to computer applications primarily used for previewing
digital photographs on the computer screen. Many have basic features such as viewing thumbnails,
slideshows, printing, and simple editing such as cropping and resizing. Examples of Image viewers
include: Microsoft Office Picture Manager, Windows Photo Viewer, Picasa Photo Viewer, etc.

CUSTOMIZED/TAILOR-MADE/BESPOKE PROGRAMS
These are tailor-made programs constructed to meet specific user requirements. They are specifi-
cally designed to meet user requirements.

Merits of customized programs

• Ability to satisfy user’s specific needs

• The company will be able to perform tasks with its software that its competitors cannot do
with theirs, thereby gaining a competitive advantage.

• They can easily be modified or upgraded.

• Ownership is to the company that ordered the software.

Disadvantages of customized software

• Time taken to develop the package may be long yet requirements could be urgent.

• The cost of paying programmers makes them expensive. The organization has to incur de-
velopment and consultancy costs in this case.

• They are not flexible i.e., not meant to do various tasks.

• They are expensive to maintain. When they break down, programmers who are expensive
have to be called in.

• In case of a breakdown, the company may be brought to a standstill.

• There is a greater probability of bugs in bespoke programs.

• They are not compatible with all computer types i.e., they are designed for specific computer
types.

• The program may not run, which means that the programmer has to design another one. This
could even lead to more costs on the side of the user as well as causing delays.

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Sample Questions
1. What is computer software and what role does it play in computer operation?

2. Differentiate between system software and application software.

3. List and explain the functions of system software.

4. What are the three main categories of system software?

5. Describe the role of an operating system in a computer system.

6. Name five examples of operating system software.

7. Explain the five key functions of an operating system.

8. What are the four forms of operating system user interfaces?

9. Define a Graphical User Interface (GUI) and provide two examples.

10. What is a Command Line Interface (CLI) and provide an example.

11. Describe a Menu-Driven User Interface and give two examples.

12. What is a Natural Language User Interface and provide two examples.

13. List and describe the functions of utility programs.

14. What is application software and how does it differ from system software?

15. What are the two main categories of application software?

16. Provide examples of off-shelf packages and describe their uses.

17. What are the merits of customized programs?

18. What are the disadvantages of customized software?

19. Explain the role of imaging software and give an example.

20. What is the purpose of accounting software and provide an example.

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