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Computer Software

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50 views4 pages

Computer Software

Uploaded by

istarmagagula138
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer software is the set of instructions known as programs that is used to guide a
computer to process data and information.

Examples of computer software

• Microsoft windows
• Linux
• Unix
• Microsoft office
• Adobe photoshop
• Adobe illustrator
• QuickBooks

Types of computer software

Types computers are classified according;

• Purpose
Computer software may primarily be designed to manage the hardware
resources or help the user accomplish specific tasks. Therefore, software may
be classified as either system software or application software.
 System software
System software performs variety of fundamental operations that avail
computer resources to user. These functions include.
1. Booting the computer and making sure that all the hardware
elements are working properly
2. Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and
storing application programs.
3. Storing and retrieving files.
4. Performing a variety of system utility functions.

System software can further be subdivided into four sub-categories.

 Operating systems.
 Firmware
 Utility software
 Language translators.

1. Operating systems.

An operating system consists of a set of complex programs that work together to control
execution of the user program called application and act as a go between (interface)
between applications, the user and the computer hardware. It manages input, output
and storage operations in a computer:

Example of common operating system are ;

 Microsoft windows (200, XP, Vista)


 UNIX
 Linux
 Macintosh (MacOS)
2. Firmware
This referred to as stored logic is the combination of both the software and
hardware recorded permanently on electronic chips.
3. Utility software
This is the special program that performs commonly used services that make
certain aspects of computing go on smoothly. Such services include sorting,
copying, file handling and disk management.
The two basic types of utility of software:
 System-level utility: these help the user to work with the operating system
and its functions.
 Application-level utility: These make application programs run more
smoothly and efficiently. Such utility program is commonly purchased
separately or may be part of an operating system.
4. Language translators
This is used to refer a language processor or a utility that translates a computer
program written using a programming language into a form that can be
understood by the computer; referred to machine language.
 Application software

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

Examples of application software

 Word processor: typing documents like letter


Examples; word, lotus, wordpro, open office writer
 Desktop publishing: Designing publications like newspapers and books
Example; Adobe page-Maker, MS-Publisher, Adobe In-design
 Computer aided design: Technical drawing, AutoCAD
 Databases; keeping records and files: MS-Access, MS Access, MySQL,
FoxBASE, Paradox
 Graphic software; Designing and manipulating graphics; Corel Draw,
Photoshop.

• Acquisition
Software can be classified according to acquisition as; in-house developed or
vendor off-the-shelf software
 In-house developed software
These are programs that uniquely designed and tailored to meet a
particular user’s needs. For example, a bank my 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, they may not address the needs of
other users.
 Vender off-the-shelf software
These 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 or integrated software as
opposed to single purpose software. Examples of suits are lotus suite,
Microsoft Office and corel wordperfect while those of single purpose are
quickbooks and sage pastel.
Advantages of standard software over the in-house developed programs are;

1. They can easily be installed and run


2. They are cheaper than in-house developed software
3. They are readily available for almost any task
4. They have minor or no errors since they are thoroughly tested
5. They can easily be modified to meet a user’s needs.

Disadvantages of vendor off-the-shelf software


1. They may have some features, not needed by the user, which may take extra
storage
2. They may require the user to change processes and hardware for compatibility
which may in turn be expensive.
3. They may lack some features required by users.

• End-user-license
Software may also be classified according to End-User-License (EUL) as open
source, proprietary of freeware. Open source or non-proprietary software, refers
to software whose source code is freely made available to users. Examples;
Linux operating systems and open-Office.

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