UNIT – 2

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software
Computer software or only software is a set of programs that enable a user to perform
some specific task or used to operate a computer. The computer will not work without
software.
Computer Hardware can’t think and make decisions on its own. The hardware needs
software to instruct what has to be done.

Types of Software
There are two type of Software’s
 System Software
 Application Software

System Software
System Software provides a general programming environment in which programmers can
create specific applications to suit their needs. System software represents programs that
allow the hardware to run properly.

Application Software
Application Software is designed for users to solve a particular problem. Application
software represents programs that allow users to do something besides run the hardware.

Difference Between System Software & Application Software

Operating System (OS)

Operating System (OS)

An operating system is a program that acts as an intermediate part between a user of a

computer and the computer hardware and controls the execution of all kinds of programs.
An operating system is the program that, after being initially loaded into the computer by a
boot program, manages all the other programs in a computer.

Objectives of OS:
 Convenience: An OS makes a computer more convenient to use.
 Efficiency: An OS allows the computer system resources to be used in an efficient
manner.
 Ability to evolve: An OS should be constructed in such a way as to permit the
effective development, testing, and introduction of new system functions without
interfering with service.

Functions of an operating System

Manages The Computer Hardware

The OS controls and efficiently utilizes hardware components such as CPU, Memory, I/O
devices.
Provides A User Interface
The OS enables users to easily interact with the computer hardware. For example, the
Windows OS displays icons, using which the users can interact with the system.
Process Management
The OS enables a user to execute more than one job at the same time to enhance
productivity. Multiple processes being executed at the same time for efficient utilization of
the system’s resources by the OS.
Memory Management
Finding vacant space in the primary memory, loading the appropriate data and programs in
the located space, executing them and removing them from the memory is all done by the
OS.
File Management
The OS allows the users to create, copy, delete and rename files.
Security Management
The OS protects stored information from malicious users (Hackers). It ensures that the data
and files stored can’t be accessed by unauthorized users.
Types of Operating Systems
 Batch Processing OS
 Single-User Single-Tasking OS
 Single-User Multitasking OS
 Multi-User Multitasking OS
 Multiprocessing OS
 Multiprogramming OS
 Time Sharing OS
 Network OS

Batch Processing OS
The batch processing OS supports processing of data and programs one at a time. The data
and programs are submitted in a batch. It is the responsibility of the OS to schedule the jobs
in a queue and assign system resources one by one. This OS allows very limited or no
interaction between the user and processor during the execution of work.
e.g.  Printing, Payroll System, Bank Statements, bulk database update, etc.

Single-User Single-Tasking OS
This OS allows only one program to execute at a time. It is designed to manage a single job
efficiently at any point of time.
e.g.  DOS (Disk Operating System), Palm OS, etc.

Single-User Multitasking OS
This OS allows a single user to perform several tasks simultaneously. This is the OS that we
usually use in our desktops and laptops. These OS enhance the productivity of the users as
they can complete more than one job at the same time.
e.g.  WINDOWS, LINUX, Macintosh (Mac OS of Apple Inc.), etc.

Multi-User Multitasking OS
This OS supports more than one user at a time, performing more than one task at a time. In
simple terms, it allows more users to connect to the main computer to perform more than
one job at a time. Hence, users on multiple terminals can access the same data and
application programs that are stored in the main computer.
e.g.  UNIX, MVS (Multiple Virtual Storage), etc.
Multiprocessing OS
Multiprocessing means using two more processors (CPUs) within a single computer system.
In this OS, a complex program can be divided into smaller parts and then executed at the
same time by multiple processors.
e.g.  Windows NT, Solaris, Sun OS, AMD Bulldozer, etc.

Multiprogramming OS
In this OS multiple programs are loaded into the computer memory. The execution begins
with the first program and continues till an instruction waiting for a peripheral is reached &
the context of the program is stored and then second program in memory given a chance
to run. The process continued until all the programs finished running. Multiprogramming is
a technique used to utilize maximum CPU time by running multiple programs.
e.g.  WINDOWS, UNIX, XENIX Microcomputer, etc.

Time Sharing OS
This OS allows users to share the system simultaneously. Each user is allocated resources for
a particular time slot. The switching between users is so fast that each user thinks that
he/she is getting the system resources continuously.
e.g.  Multics, UNIX, TOPS-10 (DEC), TOPS-20 (DEC), etc.

Network OS
A Network Operating System runs on a server and provides the server the capability to
manage data, users, groups, security, applications, and other networking functions. The
primary purpose of the network operating system is to allow shared file and printer access
among multiple computers in a network.
e.g.  Microsoft Windows Server 2003, Microsoft Windows Server 2008, UNIX, LINUX, Mac
OS X, Novell NetWare, etc.

DOS
 DOS stands for Disk Operating System.
 It is a single-user single-tasking OS.
 It supports CUI (Command User Interface)/ CLI (Command Line Interface).
 Here users need to type the commands manually to give instructions to the system.
 DOS does not support multimedia files.
 In DOS the primary input is Keyboard.
 DOS was developed by Tim Paterson.
WINDOWS
 WINDOWS stands for Wide Interactive Network Development for Office Work
Solution.
 It is a single-user multitasking OS.
 It supports GUI (Graphical User Interface).
 Here users can run an application just by recognizing icons and images.
 WINDOWS support multimedia files.
 In WINDOWS the primary input is Keyboard as well as a Mouse.
 WINDOWS was developed by Bill Gates & Paul Allen.

LINUX
 Available freely as it is open-source software.
 It is a single-user multitasking OS.
 Linux has a wide range of users from end-users to developers.
 One can install it on computers, mobile, and tablets as well.
 The source code of Linux is available in general public.
 LINUX was developed by Linus Torvalds.

UNIX
 There are different prices for different Unix OS on the basis of the vendor.
 It is a multi-user multitasking OS.
 Used in basically servers and large workstations.
 Only works on internet servers, large workstations, and personal computers.
 The source code of Linux is not available to anyone.
 UNIX was developed by Ken Thompson & Dennis Ritchie.

VIRUS
A Virus is a software program which enters into your computer without your knowledge and
works against your wishes. A computer virus may corrupt or delete data on a computer. It
has the ability to replicate itself and continuing to spread.
VIRUS – Vital Information Resources Under Seize

Types of Computer Virus

 Boot Sector Virus
 Memory Resident Virus
 Macro Virus
  Multipartite Virus
 Polymorphic Virus
 Web Scripting Virus
 Worms
 Trojans

Boot Sector Virus

This type of virus affects the boot sector of a hard disk. This is a crucial part of the disk, in
which information of the disk itself is stored along with a program that makes it possible to
boot (start) the computer from the disk. This type of virus is also called Master Boot Sector
Virus or Master Boot Record Virus.
Examples: Polyboot.B, AntiEXE, etc.

Memory Resident Virus

These viruses fix themselves in the computer memory and get activated whenever the OS
runs and infects all the files that are then opened. It can corrupt files and programs that are
opened, closed, copied, renamed, etc.
Examples: Randex, CMJ, Meve, etc.

Macro Virus
These viruses infect files that are created using certain applications or programs that contain
macros, like .doc, .xls, .ppt, .mdb, etc. These viruses automatically infect the file that contains
macros, and also infects the templates and documents that the file contains.
Examples: Relax, Melissa.A, Bablas, etc.

Multipartite Virus
These viruses spread in multiple ways possible. It may vary in its action depending upon the
operating system installed and the presence of certain files. In the initial phase, these viruses
tend to hide in the memory as the resident viruses do; then they infect the hard disk.
Examples: Invader, Flip, Tequila, etc.

Polymorphic Virus
Polymorphic viruses are complex file infectors that can create modified versions of itself to
avoid detection yet retain the same basic routines after every infection. Upon infection, the
polymorphic virus duplicates itself by creating usable slightly modified copies of itself.
Examples: Elkern, Marburg, Satan Bug, Tuareg, etc.
Web Scripting Virus
Many web pages include complex codes in order to create an interesting and interactive
content. The main sources of web scripting viruses are the web browsers or infected web
pages. These types of viruses are exists in website content such as image, ads, videos and
URL links. When you click on it, the viruses will be automatically downloaded malicious
programs or will redirect to you to vulnerable websites.
Examples: JS.Fortnight, DDoS attack, etc.

Worms
A worm is a program very similar to a virus; it has the ability to self-replicate and can lead to
negative effects on your system. But they can be detected and eliminated by antivirus
software. They do not infect files or damage them, but they replicate so fast that the entire
network may collapse.
Examples: PSWBugbear.B, Lovgate.F, Trile.C, Sobig.D, Mapson, etc.

Trojans
A Trojan horse, or Trojan, is a type of malicious code or software that looks legitimate but
can take control of your computer. A Trojan is designed to damage, disrupt, steal, or in
general inflict some other harmful action on your data or network. Trojans are also known
as Trojan Horse Virus.
Examples: Trojan-Banker, Trojan-Downloader, Trojan-GameThief, Trojan-Ransom, Trojan-
Spy, Trojan-Mailfinder, etc.

Detection & Prevention of Virus

Detection of Virus
 Computer is giving problem during booting or takes a lot of time for booting.
 Computer is resetting automatically.
 Computer is hanging when the user tries to execute a particular program.
 Computer is displaying some unusual figures/signs on the screen.
 Computer is performing some operations automatically though the user has not
given any command for that operation.
 The computer is giving some message such as “Insufficient memory”, “Disk full”, etc.

Prevention of Virus
 Don’t allow outside CD/DVD or Pen drive for the use without scanning.
 Always install and update with suitable antivirus software.
  Don’t visit websites which are not reputed.
 Don’t open unknown emails received in your mailbox.
 Back up your files on a regular basis. If a virus destroys your files, at least you can
replace them with your back-up copy.
 Due to the popularity of the social networking websites such as MySpace, Facebook,
and Twitter, virus makers target them more than any other website. Online gaming
and gambling websites also are high risk websites. It’s best to avoid these kinds of
websites altogether.

Application of Computers in different Domain

Uses of Computer at Home

 Computer can be used to manage Home Budget. You can easily calculate your
expenses and income.
 An important use of computers at home is playing games.
 People can manage the office work at home.
 People can find entertainment on the internet. They can watch movies, listen to
songs, and watch videos download different stuff. They can also watch live matches
on the internet.
 People can chat with friends and family on the internet using different software like
Skype etc. One can interact with friends over social media websites like Facebook,
Twitter & Google Plus. They can also share photos and videos with friends.

Uses of Computers in Education

 The trend of online examination is becoming popular. Different examination like GRE,
GMAT and SAT are conducted online all over the world.
 Distance learning is a new learning methodology. Computer plays the key role in this
kind of learning.

Uses of computers in Medical Field

 Specialized hospital management softwares are used to automate the day to day
procedures and operations at hospitals.
 A variety of software are used to investigate symptoms and prescribed medication
accordingly. Sophisticated systems are used for tests like CT Scan, ECG, and other
medical tests.
 Specialized devices are used to help impaired patients like hearing aids.
Uses of Computers in Business
 An organization can use computers for marketing their products. Marketing
applications provide information about the products to customers.
 Computer is also used to manage distribution system, advertising and selling
activities.
 Stock Exchange is the most important place for businessmen. Many stock exchanges
use computers to conduct bids.
 Computers are used in Online works at different net cafes.