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Computer Software

The document outlines the types of software that should be installed on a computer after the operating system, including system software, application software, and utility software. It categorizes application software into proprietary and off-the-shelf types, detailing examples and benefits of general-purpose software. Additionally, it discusses the considerations for purchasing software, such as task requirements, cost, operating system compatibility, and system requirements.

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Mckenzie Khrysler Calpito
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© © All Rights Reserved
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

Computer Software

The document outlines the types of software that should be installed on a computer after the operating system, including system software, application software, and utility software. It categorizes application software into proprietary and off-the-shelf types, detailing examples and benefits of general-purpose software. Additionally, it discusses the considerations for purchasing software, such as task requirements, cost, operating system compatibility, and system requirements.

Uploaded by

Mckenzie Khrysler Calpito
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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After installing OS

to a computer,
what software
should be
installed on it?
Computer Software
consists of the programs,
the operating systems,
and the data that
resides in the memory
and storage devices.
Types of Computer
Software
• System Software
• Application Software
• Utility Software
System Software
- includes the
operating system and
all the utilities that
enable the computer
to function.
• Can you name some
Operating system
and Utility software
that your know?
Application Software
- includes programs
that do real work
for users.
Common example of
application Software are :
• Word processors
• Spreadsheets
• Database programs
• Presentation software
• Photo and video editing
programs, and
• games.
Classification of Application
Software
1.Proprietary software - is a one-
of-a-kind program for a specific
application, developed, and
owned by a single company.
2.Off-the-shelf software - refers to
an existing software program
that has to be purchased.
General-Purpose Packages
• A general-purpose application
package is a type of software that
can perform many different
related tasks.
Example :
Word processors, spreadsheets, databases,
graphics, and presentation software.
This type of software is sometimes called
generic software.
Reasons for using this type of ready-
made software (‘off-the-shelf’ ):
• it is relatively cheap
• it is readily available and can be installed
quickly and easily
• it will have been thoroughly tested so there
will be very little chance of it having any
serious faults or ‘bugs’
• it will be well supported with a lot of books
about how to use it available as well as on-
line help and discussions on the Internet .
Common Types of General-
Purpose Software
1. Database packages (e.g., MS Access, Lotus Approach,
Paradox) are used to store and retrieve information.
2. Spreadsheet packages (e.g., MS Excel, Lotus 123) are
used for tasks that involve a lot of calculations or for the
production of graphs and charts.
3. Word processing packages (e.g., MS Word,
WordPerfect) are used to produce text-based
documents such as letters, reports, and memos.
4. Desktop publishing (DTP) packages (e.g., MS Publisher,
PageMaker, PagePlus) are used to produce
professional quality publications such as posters, books,
newsletters, newsapers, and magazines.
Specialist Application
Software
• Specialist application software performs
a single and very specific type of task.
• Programs to work out driving routes are
common examples of specialist
application software.
• Other examples include programs to
work out payroll, calculate accounts,
deal with stock control, and handle
appointments.
Common Types of General-
Purpose Software
1. Graphics packages (e.g., Paint, PaintBrush, Adobe
Photoshop, Corel Draw) are used to produce and
manipulate artwork.
2. Computer-aided design (CAD) packages (e.g., 2D-
Design, AutoCAD, TurboCAD) are used to produce
engineering designs and architectural plans.
3. Communications software (e.g., Internet Explorer,
Netscape Communicator) is used to access the Internet
and send and receive e-mail.
4. Presentation graphics packages (e.g., PowerPoint, Lotus
Freelance) are used to create slide shows which can be
viewed on-screen or projector.
5. Webpage editors (e.g., MS FrontPage, Macromedia
Dreamweaver) are used to create Web pages.
Tailor-Made Software
• Sometimes, an organization finds that ‘off-
the-shelf’ software will not do exactly what
they want. In this case they might decide to
have special tailor-made, or bespoke
software specially developed for the
purpose. The main drawbacks of this
approach are the high cost and long-time
that some programs take to develop.
Here are guide questions that you
need to take into consideration
before buying a new software:

• what sort of tasks will the software be


used for?
• how much does the software cost and
how much money is available to buy
it?
• what operating system does the software
need? Software will only work with the
operating system that it was designed for
• what are the minimum system requirements
for the software? Every application package
has a minimum set of hardware requirements
such as how much hard disk space and
memory are needed
• will the software be used on a single
computer or a network? If the software is
going to be used on a network a special
version of it may be needed

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