GElect1 : [SOFTWARE]

Lesson 5
SOFTWARE

Learning Objectives:
At the end of the lesson, the student is expected to:
✓ Discuss common features of most software applications
✓ Identify the importance of software in a computer
✓ Distinguish between two types of software: applications and systems software
✓ Identify specific name of software according to its category
✓ Discuss how is software distributed
✓ List the four primary functions of an operating system
✓ Describe the characteristics of operating system

INTRODUCTION

A set of programs associated with the operation of a computer is called software. The electronic circuits used in
building the computer that executes the software is known as the hardware of the computer. For example, a TV
bought from a shop is hardware; the various entertainment programs transmitted from the TV station are software. An
important point to note is, hardware is a one-time expense and is necessary whereas software is a continuing expense
and is vital.

SOFTWARE

It is the step by step instructions that tell the computer how to perform a task. In most instances the word
software and programs are interchangeable. Software is invisible, being made up of electronic blips on computer
disk.

Type of Software
▪ Application Software
▪ System Software

TWO MAJOR TYPES OF SOFTWARE

1. APPLICATIONS SOFTWARE - is defined as software that can perform useful works on general-purpose task
such as word processing or database management. These are used to solve business problems.

Types of Application Software

1.1 CUSTOMIZED SOFTWARE – software that is designed for a particular customer. This is a kind of software
that you would hire a professional programmer.

Examples: Payroll System Student Information System (SIS)

Inventory System Asset Tracking System
Record Management System Billing and Monitoring System

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Enrollment System Electronic Attendance Monitoring

System
1.2 PACKAGE SOFTWARE – is the kind of “of-the-shelf” programs developed for sale to the general public.

COMMON PACKAGE SOFTWARE

1.2.1 Word Processing SW – program for creating and editing documents by inserting, deleting and
moving texts. E.g. MS Word, WordPad, Open Office Writer, TextPad

1.2.2 Spreadsheet SW – programs for creating, analyzing and manipulating numerical data by
entering data and formulas into rows and columns arranged as a grid on a display screen.
E.g. MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Open Office Math

1.2.3 Database Management System (DBMS) SW – also known as database manager, SW for
creating, cross-indexing, retrieving and manipulating large amount of data. E.g. MS Access,
Oracle, Delphi, Paradox

1.2.4 Presentation SW – allows a person to create slide shows and reports. The software includes
functions for creating various types of charts and graphs and for inserting text in a variety of
fonts. E.g. MS PowerPoint, Macromedia Flash

1.2.5 Graphics SW – enables users to present information in the form of charts and graphs or to
create complex freehand work. E.g. AutoCAD, Adobe Photoshop, Corel Draw, Gimp, MS
Photo Editor

1.2.6 Communications SW – includes programs that access SW and data form and transmit data to a
computer in a remote location. E.g. ProComm, Smart COM III, Crosstalk XVI

1.2.7 Integrated SW – a collection of several applications into a single package with a common set of
commands and the ability to work together and share information. E.g. MS Office Suite,
Adobe CS5,

1.2.8 Desktop Publishing (DTP) – comprises of programs for using a microcomputer and a printer to
produce high-quality publications. E.g. MS Publisher, Aldus PageMaker, Ventura

1.2.9 Hypertext SW – allows information to be organized so that a file can be connected to any other
file. It manipulates text, graphics and some sounds. E.g. MS FrontPage, Netscape Composer,
HTML

1.2.10 Multimedia SW – manipulate elements of text, graphics (art and photos), sound (including
music and voice), video and animation. E.g. Windows Movie Maker, Ulead, Camtasia

1.2.11 Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Engineering (CAE) and Manufacturing (CAM) – helps in
designing, engineering and manufacturing various products from bolt to airplanes to
computer chips

CAD – program that allows users to design products on screen

CAE – program that allows users to simulate situations that test product
designs
CAM – used to control manufacturing equipment

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1.2.12. Creativity SW – assists users in generating ideas and help them explore areas they might
otherwise overlook.

1.2.13 Software for Cyberspace

▪ communications software/data communication software - manages the transmission of data
between computers and allows file transfer, fax support, online connections,
automatic dialing services, remote access connections
▪ e-mail software – enables users to send and receive letters and files from one computer to
another
▪ web browsers – or simply a browser, it is a software that enables you to “browse through”
and view web sites.

2. SYSTEMS SOFTWARE - As the user, you interact with the applications software. System software enables the
applications software to interact with the computer and help it manage its internal resources.

Types of System Software

2.1 OPERATING SYSTEM (OS) – consists of the master system of programs that manage the basic operations of
the computer

What OS does?
✓ Booting ✓ user interface (command-driven,
✓ housekeeping tasks ✓ menu-driven (menu-bar, pull down)
✓ managing computer resources ✓ graphical user interface
✓ managing files

2.2 UTILITY PROGRAMS – used to support, enhance or expand existing programs in a computer system
- formatting, copying, renaming, erasing files (RAM – Resident Utilities)
- keyboard utilities, desktop management utilities (calendar, calculator, notepad)

External Utility Programs – services that are not provided by other systems SW. E.g. screen saver,
data recovery, back-up, virus protection, file fragmentation, data compression

2.3 LANGUAGE TRANSLATORS – Software that translates a program written by a programmer onto machine
language which the computer can understand.

CHARACTERISTICS OF SYTEM SOFTWARE

▪ GUI (Graphical User Interface) – it contains graphics and icon and commonly navigated by using a computer
mouse
▪ Multi-User – allow multiple users to use the same computer.
▪ Multiprocessing – capable of supporting and utilizing more than one computer processor
▪ Multitasking – capable of allowing multiple software process to be run at the same time

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COMMON OPERATING SYSTEM

▪ MS DOS (1981) – it manages disk files by saving and retrieving information. All commands are entered through
the keyboard
▪ Windows 3.0 (May 1990) – it was powerful enough to make a Graphical User Interface usable
▪ Windows 3.X – single tasking, single processing, single user, unprotected, with built – in support for graphics
but not networking
▪ Windows 95 – added major enhancement like Plug and Play, 32 Bit O/S, Registry, Memory, right mouse click,
and CD Player.
▪ Windows 98 – the upgrade to Microsoft Windows 95, protection, improved support for new devices (AGP,
Direct X, DVD, USB) Fat32, interface, Internet Explorer 4.0, customizable Task Bar, Include Plus, Active
Desktop.
▪ Windows 98 SE – (SECOND EDITION) – additional fixes, Upgrades software (updated version of Internet
Explorer, Outlook express, windows media player, Direct X, Net Meeting) , Drivers / support (USB,
Pentium III)
▪ Windows ME (Millennium Edition) – upgrade Windows 98 (September 14, 2000) – system resources are
significantly higher that previous versions
▪ Windows NT (New Technology) – for client – server type of networks, designed for higher demands of
networks, has higher than previous versions.
▪ Windows 2000 – upgrade of Windows NT
▪ Windows CE – for small devices like palm top and handheld computers
▪ APPLE MACINTOSH – (Multitasking) first to achieve commercial success, High quality but expensive
▪ IBM’S 32BIT (OS/2) – for business with complex computer system from IBM, powerful, has a nice graphical
interface, programs written for DOS and Windows can also run on this system
▪ UNIX – developed by Bell Labs to handle complex scientific application X – Windows graphical interface for
UNIX
▪ LINUX – similar to UNIX it is an open source program created by Linus Torvalds at the University of Finland
(1991)
▪ NetWare – multi – tasking, multi-processing, single user, unprotected, with built – in support for networking
but no graphics
▪ Windows XP – upgrade to Windows 2000 with improved interface, stability, and reliability
▪ Windows Vista – upgrade to Windows XP with improved security, three-dimensional workspace, and filtering
capabilities
▪ Windows 7 – the operating system with improved user experience, speed, and stability
▪ Windows 8 (2012) – code named Midori, contains the biggest changes Microsoft has made to their operating
system since Windows 5. It features new programming and technology that makes run faster than the previous
versions.
▪ Windows 10 - is a series of operating systems developed by Microsoft and released as part of its Windows NT
family of operating systems. It is the successor to Windows 8.1, released nearly two years earlier, and was
released to manufacturing on July 15, 2015, and broadly released for the general public on July 29, 2015.

MOST FREQUENTLY ASK QUESTION

Q: Who really owns the software on your PC?

Once you start using a computer, it does not take long to learn that software can be very expensive. But even
though you pay a lot for software, you do not necessarily “own“ the programs on your PC. This fact surprises a
lot of people, but it is true just the same.

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Q: What happens, then, when you pay for a piece of software?

That depends on the software maker, but very few developers grant you actual ownership of a program, even
after you “purchase” it. Instead of buying the software itself, you really pay for a license that grants you
permission to install & use the software.

Q: Is it legal to copy software?

Once you purchase a software package, you might assume that you can install it and use it any way that you
like. In fact, your “purchase” entitles you to use the software only in certain prescribed ways.

Computer software, like a book or movie, is protected by a copyright.

COPYRIGHT – is a form of legal protection that grants the author of an original “ work “ an exclusive right to copy,
distribute, sell, and modify that work, except under special circumstances described by copyright law.

EXCEPTIONS (Copyright Laws)

1. The purchaser has the right to copy software from a distribution disk or website to a computer's hard disk in
order to install it.
2. The purchaser can make an extra or backup copy of the software in case the original copy becomes erased or
damaged.
3. The purchaser is allowed to copy and distribute sections of a software program for use in critical reviews and
teaching.

Software Pirates – people who circumvent copyright law & illegally copy, distribute, or modify software.
Pirated Software – illegal software copies

Q: What is a software license?

License – it is an agreement between you (the user) and the software's maker.

In addition to copyright protection, computer software is often protected by the terms of a software license.

SOFTWARE LICENSE or “License Agreement “, is a legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a
computer program.

Most legal contracts require signatures before the terms of the contract take effect. This requirement
becomes unwieldy with software – imagine having to sign a license agreement and return it before you can use
a new software package.

To circumvent the signature requirement, software publishers typically use 2 techniques to validate a software
license.

Q: Are all software licenses similar?

Copyright laws provide fairly severe restrictions on copying, distributing, & reselling software; however, a
license agreement may offer additional rights to consumers.

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Q: How Software is develop and distributed?

Commercial Software/ Proprietary - refers to software available only with the purchase of a license which may
not be copied for others. It is typically sold in computer stores or at web sites. Although you “buy” this
software, you actually purchase only the right to use it under the terms of the software license. A
license for commercial software typically adheres closely to the limitations provided by the copyright
law.

Shareware – it is copyrighted software marketed under a “try before you buy” policy. The words “free trial”,
“trial version” are indicative of shareware. It is often offered as a download from the net or as a CD
included with a periodical such as a newspaper or magazine. Its aim is to give buyers the opportunity
to use the program and judge its usefulness before purchasing a license for the full version of the
software.

Licenses differ, but commonly the user is allowed to try the program for free, for a period stipulated in
the license, usually 30 days. At the end of the period, the software must be purchased or uninstalled.
Some shareware incorporates an internal clock that disables the program after the trial period unless
a serial number is supplied. Other shareware designs continue to work with a “nag” screens,
encouraging the user to purchase the program.

A shareware license usually allows you to make copies of the software and distribute them to others.
If they choose to use the software, they must send in a registration fee as well.
*Cripple ware – similar to shareware except that key features will cease to work after the trial period has ended.
Example, the “save” or “print” function, or some vital features necessary to use the program effectively
may become unusable. This “cripples” the program. Other types of cripple ware incorporate crippled
functions throughout the trial period. A purchase in necessary to unlock the crippled features.

Public Domain Software – refers to software not copyright protected. It is not protected by copyright because
the copyright has expired, or the author has placed the program in the public domain, making it
available without restrictions. Public domain software may be freely copied, distributed and even
resold. The primary restriction on public domain software is that you are not allowed to apply for a
copyright on it.

Freeware – it is copyrighted software that is available for use with no cost or for an optional fee. Because the
software is protected by copyright, you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by
copyright law or by the author. Typically, the license for freeware permits you to use the software, copy
it, and give it away, but does not permit you to alter it or sell it. Many utility program, device drivers,
and some games are available as freeware.

Open Source Software – defined as computer software for which the human-readable source code. Is made
available under a copyright license (or arrangement as public domain) that meets the Open Source
Definition. This permits the users to use, change, and improve the software and to redistribute it in
modified or unmodified form. It may be sold or distributed free of charge, but it must, in every case,
include the uncompiled “source code”. It is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner.

Prepared by: Mrs. Milagros S. Constantino