AC 101 : IT FUNDAMENTALS [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

SOFTWARE

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

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

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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

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

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 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 (Seven) – Microsoft’s latest operating system with improved user experience, speed, and stability

References:

Information Technology Fundamentals Introduction to Computer

Albano, Gisela A. 2000 Peter Norton’s, 2006

Computing Essentials: Making IT work for you Computer Education for Teachers: Integrating
O’Leary, Timothy, 2011 Technology
Sharp, Vicki, 2005

compiled/updated/rbt/061911

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