Computer Software

Dr. O. D. NINAN
Computing Science
Bowen University, Iwo.
November, 2023

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Overview of Computer Software
• Computer software is the instructions, procedures and programs that can be
executed on a computer system. Software gives life to hardware.
• Computer Software is broadly divided into three:
1. Systems Software (e.g. Operating Systems, Compilers, Assemblers, etc.)
2. Application Software (e.g. Word-processors, Spread-sheet, Database
Managers, Graphics Packages, Entertainment Software, etc.)
3. Utilities (e.g. Anti-virus, Diagnostic software, etc.)

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• System Software
• This includes programs that manage and support a computer system. It
executes the application programs of end-users.
• The Operating System is the most important systems software and it manages
all the hardware resources of the computer system: the files stored in the
system and tasks or jobs that the computer is being used for. It usually renders
some support services as well, just like utility software. Examples of Operating
Systems are: Microsoft Disk Operating System (MS-DOS), MS-Window, UNIX,
XENIX…etc. Operating System helps the user to manage computer hardware,
for example, it helps to:
• List the contents of a diskette or hard disc
• Write or read from a diskette or a hard disc
• Communicates with computer peripheral, e.g. printers, scanners, plotters, etc

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The Operating System(OS)
• This is one of the most important system software packages.
• It manages the input, processing, output and storage operations of a
computer system. It controls the entire computer components and makes sure
that everything gets along well.
• Operating system controls the operations of a computer by communicating
with end-users, managing hardware resources and files, supervising the
accomplishment of tasks, and providing other support services.
• It comes with the computer when one buys it.
• Examples of operating systems are MS-DOS, Windows, PC-DOS, OS/2, UNIX,
Network Operating System and Linux

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• Functions of Operating System
• Scheduling and loading of processes (Jobs) in order to provide for continuous
processing.
• Control, selection and operation of Input/Output devices and file handling.
• Calling into main memory of programs as and when required.
• Passing of control from one program (job) to another under a system of priority
when more than one application program is in main memory.
• Provision of error correction routines.
• Keeps complete record (Log) of all that happens during processing of various jobs.
• Communication with the computer operator and users via the visual display unit.
• The reading/writing records to file, and where necessary, blocking and deblocking.
• Peripheral control, advancing or rewinding of magnetic tape reel, advancing paper
in the printer.
• Opening and closing files, i.e. checking file labels, etc.

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• Programming Languages
• A programming language is an artificial language designed for use by people in
instructing machines. Its characteristics are a structure and syntax that
prevents ambiguous constructions. With respect to a particular computer
system, a programming language is often termed a source language;
• It is a language in which programs are written to control the operations of the
computer system. a source language may either be a low-level language or a
high level language.
• A high level language is one (e.g. COBOL, PASCAL and FORTRAN) that is
designed for ease of use in writing programs and is intended to be used to
program computers of different manufactures and types.
• The term high-level is used because a whole sequence of computer operation
can be specified by writing a single instruction in the language.
• By contrast, a low level language is one that requires the programmer to tell
the computer quite explicitly what is to be done.
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Machine Code Languages
• When computers were in early stage of development, all programs had to be
written in the machine code. This was the only language of communication
available for the programmer.
(a) Low Level Languages: The first step towards easing the problems of the
programmer came with the introduction of symbolic or assembly or low level
languages.
(b) High Level Languages: In order to simplify and speed-up the preparation of
programs, high level languages were developed which are problem-oriented
rather than machine-oriented, e.g.:
(i) COBOL: It uses English-like statements for the writing of instructions, and is
more applicable to business data processing. The name COBOL stands for
COmmon Business-Oriented Languages.

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(ii) FORTRAN: It is an algebraic language used for preparing instructions in the
form of arithmetic formula in scientific applications. The name FORTRAN is an
abbreviation for FORmular TRANslation.

(iii) ALGOL: This stands for ALGOrithmic Language for scientific programming
using algorithms.
• Other examples of High Level Languages include:
• Pascal
• C Language
• Python

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 Application Software:
• This is a set of programs for accomplishing specific tasks or business functions.
They are programs that make it possible to do a particular job, or application
that one wants to accomplish.
• Application software products are designed to meet a particular need in an
environment. It may consist of a single program, such as a Microsoft's
notepad for writing and editing simple text or consist of a collection of
programs (suites of programs) often called a software package, which work
together to accomplish a task, such as (i) word processor package like
Microsoft WORD, (ii) spreadsheet package like Microsoft Excel, (iii) Database
Management System such as Microsoft Access, (iv) Games like Monopoly,
Freecell, Solitaire and (v) Educational programs e.g. Encarta, Encyclopedia.

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Examples of Application software are:
• Payroll Software
• Student Record Software (eportal and ISIS)
• Inventory Management Software
• Income Tax Software
• Hotel Reservation Software
• Microsoft Office Suite Software
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Powerpoint

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• Word Processor: The following basic terms are common in word processing
packages:
i. cut and paste ix. formatting
ii. Clipboard x. style sheet
iii. word wrap xi. spell checker
iv. Justification xii. text searching
v. font, proportional spacing, xiii. text retrieval
vi. point size xiv. headers and footers
vii. typeface xv. heading
viii. formatting xvi. desktop publishing

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Utility Software
• These are specialized programs that help one performs routine computing
functions.
• They perform a variety of housekeeping and file conversion functions.
• Utility programs are computer programs that perform a particular function
related to computer system management and maintenance.
Examples are:
i. Anti-virus software
ii. Data compression software
iii. Disk optimization software
iv. Disk backup software

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Device Drivers
• These are software program that make possible the communication between
the computer system and other peripheral devices (e.g. printer, mouse, etc.)
attached to the system.
• They take the instructions and/or data from the computer system and
converts them into a form that is readily understood by a peripheral device,
and vice versa

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Custom-built Software
• Custom software (also known as bespoke software or tailor-made software)
is software that is specially developed for some specific organization or other
user.
• It is SW built for a particular organization to fulfill the needs of that particular
organization. A common example is a system for processing students’ results
in institutions.
• This type of SW is expensive because the builder has to recoup costs and
make a profit from a single sale. The delivery time is longer.
• Customers get more productivity out of it because it is built according to their
exact specifications – just like a custom-built shoe fits better, but generally is
more expensive, and requires a longer period for delivery.

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 Main Types of Software Licensees
1. Proprietary – Most software on a Windows PC or a Macintosh belongs to this
category
2. Freeware – Most software on a Linux PC belongs to that category
3. Shareware – the category which lies between the above two categories
Proprietary Software License
• The user needs to pay the maker of the Software for buying a license that
allows the user to make use of the software.
• The license, generally, does not transfer the ownership of the software to the
buyer but just allows the user to make use of it.
• The user is legally barred from making copies of the licensed software for sales
or distribution. Generally, the license is meant for personal use only.
• Most software in use in the world is of this type. Examples are: Windows, Mac
OS, MS Word, Adobe Photoshop, Norton Antivirus etc.
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Types of Proprietary Licenses
• Single-user license: A single user license is meant solely for the buyer and not
any other person has legal right to the software.
• Multi-user license: A multiuser license allows more than one person legal
right of usage of the software. In many cases the number of people who have
the legal right of usage is specified.
• Concurrent-user license: The license allows software installed in the central
computer to be used by more than one person at a time.
• Site license: The license allows a buyer to install the software from a website.

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Freeware software License
• It is also known as “Public Domain Software”. The licence allows the user free
usage of the software. The author, however, generally retains the ownership
of the software. It can usually be downloaded from author’s website or other
Web sites. Examples are Linux; LaTeX; Netscape Web browser – the
Navigator; the Internet Explorer etc.
Shareware software License
• The license allows the user free usage of the software, but with a request
that the user pay a token to the author if the user is satisfied with the
software. The author retains ownership of the software. It is often
downloaded from author’s Web sites. Examples are: WinZip, Download
Accelerator.
• The author is an individual or a small business that cannot afford to advertise.
No one will even try the software if it had a price. The expectation is that the
user will try the software for free, find it useful, and then pay the very small
price for the software
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Trialware License
• This licence is similar to shareware, but different in the following areas:
• The software is usable for a short period only.
• After an initial trial period that can range from a week to a few months, the
software self-destructs.
• Can be downloaded from the Internet or alternatively, the user can receive a
copy by writing to the maker of the software.
• Trialware are good so customers can have a risk-free trial though for a
limited-period only.

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Firmware
• Firmware is a set of instructions or programs written in machine language
and designed to act as intermediary between the software and hardware.
• It is semi permanently stored in the hardware and updated less often.
• Examples, Basic Input Output System (BIOS), Extensible Firmware Interface
(EFI), Embeded systems (Keyboard, TV, Remote, Graphic cards, Printers, etc.)
Humanware
• Humanware is the hardware and software that emphasizes user capability
and empowerment and the design of the user interface

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 Information system
• “An information system (IS) can be defined technically as a set of interrelated
components that collect, process, store, and distribute in-formation to support
decision making and control in an organization.”
• “Information systems are combinations of hardware, software, and
telecommunications networks that people build and use to collect, create, and
distribute useful data, typically in organizational settings.”
• “Information systems are interrelated components working together to collect,
process, store, and disseminate information to support decision making,
coordination, control, analysis, and visualization in an organization.
The Components of Information Systems
• Information systems can be viewed as having five major components: hardware,
software, data, people, and processes.
• The first three are technology. The last two components, people and processes,
Data
• The third technology component is data.
• data as a collection of facts. For example, your address (street, city state, postal
code), your phone number, and your social networking account are all pieces of
data. Like software, data is also intangible, unable to be seen in its native state.
• Pieces of unrelated data are not very useful. But aggregated, indexed, and
organized together into a database, a powerful tool for businesses.
• Organizations collect all kinds of data and use it to make decisions which can then
be analyzed as to their effectiveness.
• The analysis of data is then used to improve the organization’s performance.
• Besides the technology components (hardware, software, and data) which
have long been considered the core technology of information systems, it has
been suggested that one other component should be added: communication.
• An information system cannot exist without the ability to communicate – the
first personal computers were stand-alone machines that did not access the
Internet. However, in today’s hyper connected world, it is an extremely rare
computer that does not connect to another device or to a network.
• Technically, the networking communication component is made up of
hardware and software, but it is such a core feature of today’s information
systems that it has become itown category

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People
• the people involved in information systems may include user support
staff, to systems analysts, to developers, all the way up to the chief
information officer (CIO), the people involved with information systems
are an essential element

Process
• The last component of information systems is process.
• A process is a series of steps undertaken to achieve a desired outcome or
goal.
• Information systems are becoming more integrated with organizational
processes, bringing greater productivity and better control to those
processes.
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• Businesses/Organisations automating activities using technology also utilize
information systems to do more.
• The ultimate goal is to improve processes both internally and externally,
enhancing interfaces with suppliers and customers.
• Technology buzzwords such as “business process re-engineering,” “business
process management,” and “enterprise resource planning” all have to do
with the continued improvement of these business procedures and the
integration of technology with them.
• Businesses hoping to gain a competitive advantage over their competitors
are highly focused on this component of information systems.

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Computer-Based Information Systems
• The purpose of a computer-based information system is to provide managers (and
various categories of employees) with the appropriate kind of information to help
them make decisions.
• It is used to collect and analyze data from all departments and is designed to
provide an organization’s management with up-to-date information at any time.
• There are several types of computer-based information systems, which serve
different levels of management:
• Office information systems
• Transaction processing systems
• Management information systems
• Decision support systems
• Executive support systems
• Expert systems

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Office Information Systems
• Office information systems (OISs), also called office automation systems
(OASs), combine various technologies to reduce the manual labor required
in operating an efficient office environment and to increase productivity.
• Used throughout all levels of an organization, OIS technologies include fax,
voice mail, email, scheduling software, word processing, and desktop
publishing, among others.
• The backbone of an OIS is a network—LAN, intranet, extranet—that connects
everything.
• All office functions—dictation, typing, filing, copying, fax, microfilm and
records management, telephone calls and switchboard operations—are
candidates for integration into the network.

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Transaction Processing Systems
• In most organizations, particularly business organizations, most of what goes
on consists largely of structured information known as transactions.
• A transaction is a recorded event having to do with routine business
activities.
• A transaction may be recorded manually or via a computer system and
includes everything concerning the product or service in which the
organization is engaged: production, distribution, sales, orders.
• It also includes materials purchased, employees hired, taxes paid, and so on.
• Today in most organizations, the bulk of such transactions is recorded in a
computer-based information system.
• These systems tend to have clearly defined inputs and outputs, and there is
an emphasis on efficiency and accuracy.
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• Transaction processing systems record data but do little in the way of
converting data into information.
A transaction processing system (TPS) is a computer-based information
system that keeps track of the transactions needed to conduct business.
• The transactions can be handled via batch processing, also known as offline
processing —that is, the data is gathered and processed in batches at periodic
intervals, such as at the end of the day or once a week.
• Or they may be handled via real-time processing, also known as online
transaction processing —that is, each transaction is processed immediately as
it is entered. The data collected by a TPS is typically stored in databases.
• Input and output: The inputs to the system are transaction data: bills, orders,
inventory levels, and the like.
• The output consists of processed transactions: bills, paychecks, and so on.

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Management Information Systems
• A management information system (MIS) is a computer-based information
system that uses data recorded by a TPS as input into programs that produce
routine reports as output.
• Input and output: Inputs consist of processed transaction data, such as bills,
orders, and paychecks, plus other internal data.
• Outputs consist of summarized, structured reports: budget summaries,
production schedules, and the like.
Produces several kinds of reports: Managers at this level usually receive
information in the form of several kinds of reports: summary, exception,
periodic, demand.
• Summary reports show totals and trends. An example is a report showing total
sales by office, by product, and by salesperson, as well as total overall sales.
• Exception reports show out-of-the-ordinary data. An example is an inventory
report listing only those items of which fewer than 10 are in stock.
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• Periodic reports are produced on a regular schedule. Such daily, weekly,
monthly, quarterly, or annual reports may contain sales figures, income
statements, or balance sheets. They are usually produced on paper, such as
computer printouts.
• Demand reports produce information in response to an unscheduled demand.
A director of finance might order a demand credit-background report on an
unknown customer who wants to place a large order. Demand reports are
often produced on a terminal or microcomputer screen, rather than on paper.
Decision Support Systems
• A decision support system (DSS) is a computer-based information system that
provides a flexible tool for analysis and helps managers focus on the future.
• A DSS aims to produce collected information known as business intelligence,
gathering data from a wide range of sources in a way that can be interpreted
by humans and used to support better business decision making.
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• DSS applications are not single information resources, such as a database or a
program that graphically represents sales figures, but a combination of
integrated resources working together.
• Whereas a TPS records data and an MIS summarizes data, a DSS analyzes
data.
• To reach the DSS level of sophistication in information technology, an
organization must have established TPS and MIS systems first.
• Inputs include internal data—such as summarized reports and processed
transaction data—and also data that is external to the organization. External
data may be produced by trade associations, marketing research firms, the
Bureau of the Census, and other government agencies.
• The outputs are demand reports on which a top manager can make decisions
about unstructured problems.

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Produces analytic models: The key attribute of a DSS is that it uses models. A
model is a mathematical representation of a real system. The models use a DSS
database, which draws on the TPS and MIS files, as well as external data such as
stock reports, government reports, and national and international news.
• Many DSSs are developed to support the types of decisions faced by managers
in specific industries, such as airlines or real estate.
Executive Support Systems
• Also called an executive information system (EIS), an executive support system
(ESS) is an easy-to-use DSS made especially for strategic managers; it
specifically supports strategic decision making.
• It draws on data not only from systems internal to the organization but also
from those outside, such as news services or market-research databases.

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Expert Systems
• An expert system, or knowledge-based system, is a set of interactive
computer programs that helps users solve problems that would otherwise
require the assistance of a human expert.
• Expert systems are created on the basis of knowledge collected on specific
topics from human specialists, and they imitate the reasoning process of a
human being.

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