CCM 201 Computer Skills

Computer software

1
Computer software
 Computer software is a set of instructions,
data, or programs used to operate computers
and execute specific tasks.
 Unlike hardware, which refers to the physical
components of a computer, software is
intangible and enables hardware to perform
various functions.
 Software can be broadly categorized into
system software, application software, and
development software.
2
 1. System Software
 System software serves as the foundation for running application software
and managing hardware resources. It includes the operating system and
utility programs.
 a. Operating System (OS)
 Function: The OS is the core software that manages computer hardware
and software resources and provides common services for computer
programs. It acts as an intermediary between users and the computer
hardware.
 Examples:
 Windows: Developed by Microsoft, it is widely used on personal computers
and laptops.
 macOS: Developed by Apple, it runs on Mac computers.
 Linux: An open-source OS used in various environments, from servers to
desktops.
 Android: An OS primarily used on mobile devices, developed by Google.
 iOS: The OS used on Apple's mobile devices like the iPhone and iPad.
3
a. Operating System (OS)

 Key Functions:
 File Management: Organizes files and directories on
storage devices.
 Memory Management: Manages the allocation and
deallocation of memory to various applications.
 Process Management: Handles the execution of
processes, including multitasking and process
scheduling.
 Device Management: Manages input and output devices
like keyboards, mice, printers, and monitors.
 Security: Protects data and resources from unauthorized
access through user authentication and access controls.
4
5
b. Utility Software
 Function: Utility software provides tools to maintain,
analyze, and optimize computer performance. These
programs help manage, diagnose, and protect the computer
system.
 Examples:
 Antivirus Software: Protects the computer from malware and
viruses (e.g., Norton, McAfee).
 Disk Cleanup Tools: Remove unnecessary files and free up
space on storage devices (e.g., CCleaner).
 Backup Software: Creates copies of files or entire systems
to prevent data loss (e.g., Acronis True Image).
 File Compression Tools: Reduce the size of files for easier
storage and transfer (e.g., WinRAR, 7-Zip).
6
7
2. Application Software
 Application software is designed to help users perform specific tasks or
applications. It runs on top of the operating system and is the most visible
type of software for end users.
 a. Productivity Software
 Function: Productivity software includes applications that help users
create documents, presentations, spreadsheets, and other professional
content.
 Examples:
 Word Processors: Used for creating and editing text documents (e.g.,
Microsoft Word, Google Docs).
 Spreadsheets: Used for organizing, analyzing, and storing data in tabular
form (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets).
 Presentation Software: Used to create visual presentations (e.g.,
Microsoft PowerPoint, Keynote).
 Database Management Systems (DBMS): Used to store, retrieve, and
manage data in databases (e.g., Microsoft Access, MySQL).
8
9
b. Graphics and Multimedia Software
 Function: This type of software is used to create,
edit, and manage images, videos, audio, and other
multimedia content.
 Examples:
 Image Editing Software: Used for photo editing and
graphic design (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, GIMP).
 Video Editing Software: Used to edit and produce
videos (e.g., Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro).
 Audio Editing Software: Used to edit and produce
audio files (e.g., Audacity, Adobe Audition).
 Animation Software: Used to create animated
content (e.g., Adobe Animate, Blender). 10
11
c. Communication Software
 Function: Communication software enables users to
connect and communicate with each other over the
internet or other networks.
 Examples:
 Email Clients: Used to send and receive emails (e.g.,
Microsoft Outlook, Gmail).
 Instant Messaging Software: Used for real-time text
communication (e.g., WhatsApp, Slack).
 Video Conferencing Software: Used for online
meetings and video calls (e.g., meet.google.com,
Zoom, Microsoft Teams).
 Web Browsers: Used to access and navigate the
internet (e.g., Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari).
12
13
14
15
d. Entertainment and Media Software
 Function: Entertainment software includes
applications used for gaming, streaming, and
consuming digital media.
 Examples:
 Media Players: Used to play audio and video files
(e.g., VLC Media Player, Windows Media
Player).
 Streaming Services: Platforms for streaming
video and music (e.g., Netflix, Spotify).
 Games: Software designed for entertainment
through gameplay (e.g., Fortnite, Minecraft).
16
e. Business Software
 Function: Business software includes applications that
assist in managing business operations, customer relations,
and financial transactions.
 Examples:
 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Software: Used
to manage interactions with customers (e.g., Salesforce,
HubSpot).
 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Software: Integrates
various business processes into one system (e.g., SAP,
Oracle).
 Accounting Software: Manages financial transactions and
bookkeeping (e.g., QuickBooks, Xero).
 Project Management Software: Helps plan, execute, and
track projects (e.g., Trello, Asana).
17
f. Educational Software
 Function: Educational software includes
applications designed for teaching and learning.
 Examples:
 Learning Management Systems (LMS): Platforms
for delivering educational courses and training
programs (e.g., Moodle, Canvas).
 E-Learning Software: Tools for creating and
delivering online courses (e.g., Duolingo,
Coursera).
 Tutorial Software: Programs that provide
instructional content on various subjects (e.g., Khan
Academy). 18
3. Development Software
Development software, also known as programming software,
includes tools and applications used by software developers to
create, debug, and maintain other software and applications.

 a. Programming Languages
 Function: Programming languages are used to write the
code that makes up software applications.
 Examples:
 High-Level Languages: Easier to write and understand,
closer to human language (e.g., Python, Java, C++).
 Low-Level Languages: Closer to machine language, offering
greater control over hardware (e.g., Assembly, C).

19
b. Integrated Development
Environments (IDEs)
 Function: IDEs provide a comprehensive
environment for software development, including a
code editor, compiler, debugger, and other tools.
 Examples:
 Visual Studio: An IDE for developing applications in
various languages, including C#, VB.NET, and F#.
 Eclipse: An IDE primarily used for Java
development but also supports other languages.
 PyCharm: An IDE specifically designed for Python
development.
20
c. Version Control Systems

 Function: Version control systems track and

manage changes to software code, allowing
multiple developers to collaborate on a project.
 Examples:
 Git: A distributed version control system
commonly used in software development.
 Subversion (SVN): A centralized version control
system used for managing changes to code and
documents.
21
d. Compilers and Interpreters

 Function: Compilers and interpreters

translate high-level programming code into
machine code that a computer can execute.
 Examples:
 GCC (GNU Compiler Collection): A compiler
for C, C++, and other languages.
 Python Interpreter: Executes Python scripts
by translating them into machine code at
runtime.
22
e. Database Management Software

 Function: Software used to create, manage,

and manipulate databases, enabling
developers to interact with and manage large
datasets.
 Examples:
 MySQL: An open-source relational database
management system.
 MongoDB: A NoSQL database used for
handling unstructured data.
23
Conclusion
 Computer software is an essential part of the
computing ecosystem, enabling users to
perform a wide range of tasks.
 Whether it’s the operating system managing
hardware resources, application software
helping with specific tasks, or development
software enabling the creation of new
applications, software is the driving force behind
the functionality of a computer.
 Understanding the different types of software
and their roles is crucial for effectively using and
managing computer systems. 24