Sreedhar’s CCE

COMPUTER AWARENESS-4
SOFTWARE

Software is a set of computer programs, procedures and associated documents

like flow charts, manuals etc. related to the effective operations of computer system.
They are a sequence of instruction written in language understood by the computer.

Classification of Software

System Software Application Software

Operating System Utilities General Purpose Specific

System (OS) Sort, Copy MS-Word, Excel Purpose

UNIX , DOS Java, Oracle Payroll

Translators
i.Compilers
ii.Interpreters
iii.Assemblers

System Software: Used to run a computer and extends basic input and output, house-
keeping facilities. System Software is a computer program which manages and
supports a computer system and its information activities. They manage the resource
of a computer and provide a set of standard services to its users. Generally, they are
developed and written by the vendor and sold to the end user along with the system.

System software includes the following-

1. Programming Language:-
 A Programming Language is a language used in writing programs to
direct processing steps to be carried out by a computer.
 They are part of the software of programming aids provided by the
manufacturer.

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 Machine Language, Assembler Language etc. are Programming

Languages.

2. Operating system:-
1. Operation system is a master control program of a computer that
manages its internal function, provides means to control the
computers operations and file system.
2. It automatically loads the operating system parts, recognizes
hardware devices and loads other applications software programs.
Thus, it optimizes man-machine capabilities i.e., the human
interventions is minimized.
3. Operating systems work in multi-programming mode. Multi-
programming means interleaved execution of several programs to
enhance the productivity of the computer.
4. The scheduling for execution of these programs in parts is handled
by a special program in operating system known as the supervisory
program.
5. From the largest mainframes and super computers to the small
PC’s, almost all computer system runs under OS control.

3. Sub-Routine:
a. A Sub-Routine is a section of a main program which is
incorporated into the latter, as required to perform a series of basic
instructions.
b. Sub-Routine is called in from the backing storage when necessary
unless incorporated during program assembly or compilation.
c. Sub-Routine consists of instructions to perform tasks which are
commo0n to many different applications or appear repetitively in
the same program and their inclusion avoids the necessity of
writing them and debugging them especially for each application.

4. Utility programs:
The programs are written and provided by computer manufactures to all the
user installations. Utility programs generally perform the following tasks-
a) Sorting
b) Editing
c) Dumping of data
d) Converting the data from one recording medium to
another.

5. Diagnostic Routines:
These assist in debugging the programs by providing a printout of the contents
of the memory upon execution of each instruction sequentially. These are supplied
by the computer manufacturers.

6. Language Translators:

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These are translation programs written and supplied written and supplied by
the computer manufacturers and are used to translate a program written in the source
language into the machine language of the computer on hand.

PROGRAMMING LANGUAGE

A programming Language is a language used in writing programs to direct

processing steps carried out by a computer. Programming Language are further
subdivided into the following-
a. Machine language (First Generation Language)
b. Assembler language (Second Generation Language)
c. Compiler language (Third Generation Language / High Level Language)

d. Fourth Generation Language

e. Object Oriented Language & Programming

Machine Language:
1. Machine Language is program instructions which are actually read and
acted on by the computers processing circuitry.
2. The machine codes are phrased in binary number i.e. the instructions are
coded in 0 or 1 and are wired on the computer boards.
3. For executing an instruction, the programmers converted each instruction
containing the operation and the operand into binary codes.
4. Integrated circuits were used to write machine languages.
5. It is based on the internal engineering architecture of a compute and is the
only language which the computer understands and therefore, the
execution is faster.

Assembly Language:
1. Assembler language is also known as symbolic languages since they
employ symbols for both arithmetic and logical operations and location
address.
2. Assembler is program which transforms an assembly language program
into machine code sot that the computer can execute the program.
3. Assembler language is procedural language in which each program
statement corresponds to an instruction which the microprocessor can
carry out.
4. The language uses mnemonics ex: SUB, ADD, WRT, HLT

Assembler Assemble in Source Program in

Language Machine Language Machine Language
(Input) (Processing) (Output)

5. Assembly language and the translator that translates the assembly code into
machine code are called as Assembler.
6. This Language is easy to learn and use, the error detection and modification
of the programs is easier, and also faster.

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Disadvantage: Program coded in assembler language for one compute will not run on a
computer of a different manufacture unless the internal design is exactly the same.

Compiler:

When a program has been written, it is translated in to equivalent machine

code by a program called Compiler. The resulting machine code is saved separately
and can be run on its own at any time. They are procedure-oriented and plain English
words are also used. Compiler languages are universal.

Fourth Generation Language:

1. These are higher level language than compiled languages and are designed
to work with an application producing spectacular effects with a minimum
programming effort.
2. They are non-procedural languages and they make it easier to access and
use the computer. The user is not required to construct any detailed steps
in writing a program.
3. They use English instructions, limited mathematical manipulation of data,
automatic report formatting, sorting and selection or record by given
criteria.
4. however, these language are slower than third Generation Language and
also require more computer storage capacity to perform a particular
operation

Object Oriented Program

It creates common building block of a program called objects and assembling

different sets of objects so solve specific problem. Ex: c++ or JAVA. An object is pre-
defined set of program code which will always behave the same way so that it can be
used for other applications.

Advantages:

 It is a graphical interface (GUI), and therefore easier to use.

 It enables faster program development and there by increased the
programmer productivity.
 Programs developed by OOPs are more reliable and contain lesser
errors, since the modules used therein are already tested exhaustively.

Disadvantages:

 It initial development costs are very high.

 Larger programs produced by use of OOPs are very slow and use more
memory and other computer resources.

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Operating Systems
Definition:

Operating System acts as an interface between user and hardware. It is an

integrated set of specialized program which permit, the continues operations of the
program from one computer to other.
a) An Operating System is defined as an integrated system of programs which
1. Supervises the operation of CPU
2. Controls of the Input / Output functions of the computer
system
3. Translate programming languages into machine languages
4. Provides various support services.
b) Operation System is a master control program of a computer that manages its
internal function, provides means to control the computer's operations and file
system.
c) Programs are held in the computer memory, freeing thereby the Operator from
inputting a program for each application. The codes of the Operating System of a
computer are stored externally in a series of program files on the computer's hard
disk or external memory.
d) The Operating Systems are based on the concept of modularity.
e) From the largest mainframes and super computers to the small PC’s, almost all
computer systems run under OS control.
f) The Operating Systems are usually the creation of computer manufacturers, who
design the OS to suit the capabilities of that particular system.
Example: MS-Windows95, DOS, UNIX and LINUX

Operating System Functions:

a) Schedule Jobs: Every organization gives priorities to different works and they can
determine the sequence in which they want the job to be managed.
b) Manage hardware and software resources: The programs required by the user
gets loaded in the primary storage and then cause the various hardware units to
perform as specified by the program.
c) Maintain System Security: A password is created for every user to ensure that
unauthorized persons are denied access to data in the system.
d) Enable Multiple User Resource Sharing: Many users can share the Programs at
the same time.
e) Handling Interrupts: It is a technique used by the operating system to temporarily
suspend processing of one program and enable the other program to be executed.
f) Maintain Usage records: This is useful in Companies where the usage of system
by various departments have to be recorded and also charged sometimes.

Areas controlled by an operating system

 Peripheral devices
 User Interface
 File Management
 Memory Management

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 Network Facilities
 Program Scheduling
 Fault Monitoring
 Virus Checking

Files:
 File is a collection of related data, saved on a specific area of the
surface of any storage medium.
 They are documents or other collection of information stored on a disk
and identified as a unit by a unique name.
 The file name generally consists of two parts:
(i) Name specified by the user or manufacturer; and
(ii) Extension name (after the dot after the user
specified name) to indicate the type of file it is.

Examples
 .bat (Batch File)
 .com (Command File)
 .doc (MS-Word File)
 .jpg (Image File)
 .txt (Text File)
 .exe (Executable File)
 .xls (MS-Excel File)
 .ppt (MS-Power point)
Directories:
a) Directories are local storage units which enable the computer users to group files in
named, hierarchically organized Folders and Sub-Folders.
b) Files of a particular application can be stored in a directory and it can be viewed
using the operating system.

Graphical User Interface

1. Earlier micro computers' operating system was text based command driven
software. The text based operating system command is syntax sensitive, so the
user must follow the terms for constructing the command. Otherwise an
"Error" message is displayed on the screen.
2. Graphical User Interface (GUI) is a user friendly design for the part of a
program that interacts with the user and uses icons to represent program
features. Hence, text based commands are now replaced by mere operation of
the mouse (for copying, moving files from one folder to another, for closing a
file etc.)
3. GUIs have pull-down menus, dialog boxes, check boxes, radio buttons, drop-
down list boxes etc. MS-Windows is an example of GUI-based Operating
System.
4. GUIs have eliminated the need for the user to memorize and enter commands.
5. GUIs require a computer with sufficient speed, processing power and memory
to display a high-resolution

Different Types of Operating Systems (OS)

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Disk Operating System (MS-DOS)

a) The Operating System which works with IBM compatible personal computers is

MS-DOS

b) It has two layers of interest

 Highest Level or Command Level, which the user can see
 Lowest Level BIOS or Basic Input/Output System, part of which is Read
Only Memory.
c) A number of commands are used to manage the Hard Disk Drives, Floppy Disks
and Memory Storage.
d) Some commands in DOS used at Command Prompt are
i) DIR - to obtain a directory of files on a particular disk and to check to see
how much space is available on the disk
ii) FORMAT - to format a Floppy Disk
iii) COPY - to copy individual files or all files from one diskette to another;
iv) DEL - to delete a file that is no longer needed.

Microsoft Windows:
a) It is a 16-bit GUI Operating System architecture specifically designed for the pc.
b) It has effective and compact user interface.
c) Microsoft allowed developers to produce software applications to run on their
Windows OS without the need to notify them.
d) Users/applications can employ increased RAM.

e) It enables multi-user and true multitasking operating system.

f) Users are allowed to access programs written for MSIPC-DOS as well as those
specifically written for a Windows environment.
g) It resulted in a dramatic rise in the processing capabilities of the pc.
h) To work effectively, the PC was required to have a minimum of 4 Mb of RAM
along with a 38 Processor.
i) In later version like in Windows 200 or Windows NT, It has enhanced capabilities
in handling web servers, Database access features and enhanced hardware support
etc.

WINDOWS 95

a) Microcomputers with 32-bit processors and 32-bit memory buses are designed with
hardware support for virtual memory. Intel Chips like 80486 require new operating
system to take advantage of its power.
b) This brought the use of MS-Windows as a software interface with DOS.
c) Windows offer the user a Graphical User Interface (GUI). Using a mouse, the
user can click on a graphical icon on the screen to load a program such as a Word
Processor or Spreadsheet and then place this program in a window on the screen
that is marked with a border.
d) The user can simultaneously load other programs in other windows and can switch
among them using the mouse.
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Features:

 A 32 Bit architecture which provides for a multitasking environment

allowing the user to run multiple programs or execute multiple tasks
concurrently.
 A friendly interface fitted with "one-click" access.
 Windows 95 is designed for easy access to network resources. It also
facilities gateway to e-mail and fax facilities and access to Internet via the
Microsoft Network.

OS/2

a) This is also a layered operating system developed by Microsoft.

b) IBM's PC operating system designed to compete with Windows is called OS/2. It
has more features than Windows and takes advantage of the 32-bit processing
capabilities of modern chips.
c) As an operating system offers more features, it requires more hardware to run, both
in terms of primary memory and the amount of disk space required to store
operating system modules.
d) It has all the major features of DOS like managing resources etc. and additional
features like presentation Manager, Database Manager and Communication
Manager.

Windows NT

1. It signifies the migration of features from larger computers to

smaller ones. NT supports symmetric multiprocessing, which was
earlier associated with only mainframe operating systems.
2. It takes advantage of multiple, identical processors and assigns
processes broken down to different threads based on their priority,
to the available processors in a multiprocessor system.
Features:
i) A stable multitasking environment
ii) Enhanced security features
iii) Increased memory
iv) Network Utilities and
v) Portability.

UNIX:
- It is developed in 1969 at Bell Labs.
- It is a multi-user and multitasking operating system.
- It is written in high level C language.

- Hence it is portable from one system to another.

- There is a master program called kernel which controls the
computer resources.
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Batch Process Operating System

- Only one user can work at a time as only on CPU available and no
terminals.
- Data are gathered from time to time and collected into a group or
batches before they are entered.
- Steps involved.
a) Data capture
b) Data transmission
c) Verification and Validation
d) Data Control Section
e) Computer processing
f) Job assembly
g) Distribution of Result.

On line processing system or Multiprogramming Operation System

- System interacts directly with the user.

- Inputted data immediately processed.
- Validates data and ensures correct data inputted.
- One main server and others are terminals.
- Common updated information is available to all users.
- Interactive data processing which provides immediate response to
hundreds of terminals but updates records periodically says every 5
to 10 minutes.
- Information Centralized.

Real time Processing System

- Same as Online but with tighter constraints on response time.

- At any one time small volumes of data is processed.
- Master Files updated as soon as transaction file is entered.
- Facilities for detection / correction of input errors.

Rime Sharing:
- Several tasks processed simultaneously.
- Computer switches from one job to another at a rapid rate by
maintaining.
- Time slices: job processed for short periods of time.
- Job entered through different terminals connected to main server.
- It appears to the user that the computer is exclusive working for
him but the face is that the computer servers him periodically.

INTERLEAVING TECHNIQUES

Technique that are commonly used by the operating system for larger systems.
In larger systems the central processor has to be shared for various operations. So, the
operating systems on larger computer systems often interleave or combine the

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processing work of multiple simultaneous users or .applications in such a way that the
output is beneficial to all. Some interleaving techniques used are-

Multiprogramming:
a) Multiprogramming is defined as execution of two or more programs that reside
in primary storage.
b) Since the CPU can execute only one instruction at a time, it cannot
simultaneously execute instructions from two or more programs. However, it
can execute instructions alternately from two programs. This is called
concurrent execution.
c) To effectively use the system resources, when processing in one program is
interrupted, the processor switches to another program. This enables the use of
the processor, input and output peripherals thereby utilizing the whole system
efficiently.
d) To avoid the delay of processing, a technique called buffering is used. Even if
the processor speed is very high, the input and output peripherals are slow
and this causes an imbalance in processing. So, to compensate for this speed
difference, buffers are placed between the processor and the input or output
peripherals, so that data sent or received are stored in the buffers and the
processor is free to perform the next instruction
e) After processing the first job it precedes to the second job in short bursts of
time called Time Slices.
f) It is dependent on interrupts.
g) Jobs are entered through different terminals connected in network through
computer cables.

Foreground / Background Processing

a) Generally jobs are allocated in different partitions and according to the
priority; the tasks are named as
i) High priority task (Foreground Processing)
ii) Low priority task (Background Processing)
b) The processor performs the tasks of high priority and if there is no task in it, it
performs the low priority task but once a high priority task comes, the
processor reverts back to foreground processing immediately.

Multi-Tasking
a) It refers to the ability of the operating system to execute two or more of single
user's tasks simultaneously.
b) This helps when a user wants to type a document and simultaneously uses the
same system to do the job of printing another document.

Virtual Memory
Under a Virtual Memory, a program and its data are broken into pages.
 Only those pages needed in primary memory at anyone time are loaded;
other pages are kept on secondary-storage devices.

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 In a demand-paging scheme, a program executes in memory until it needs

a page that is not in ' primary memory.
 A request for the page generates a page fault, and the supervisor-
program locates and loads the needed page from secondary storage.
 In loading the page, the supervisor may replace an inactive page
belonging to another program in primary memory. This process is called
overlaying.
 This entire process is transparent to the programmer" who views a virtual
memory as large as the total number of pages allowed, not the physical
size of the computer's memory.
 The disadvantage of virtual memory systems is that time is lost when
page swapping occurs.
 In some cases, the page will be brought in and out of primary memory a
large number of times, which is an undesirable condition called
thrashing.

Multiprocessing:

a) The execution of two or more programs at the same time.

b) It is a system, which features more than one central processing unit.
c) This system consists of two complete computers; the smaller computer
has an operating system and controlled both the machines.
d) The larger computer is a slave to the smaller machine. The small
computer processes all input and schedules and prints all output, using
disks as a temporary storage area.
e) An operating system in the large computer indicates to the control
machine that it needs service, e.g. when it needs a new program to
process - and the control computer answers its request.
f) This allows the more powerful slave computer from I/O and allows it to
concentrate on computations.

Difference between Multiprogramming and Multi tasking:

Multiprogramming System:

Meaning: Multiprogramming is a technique to execute number of programs

simultaneously by a single processor.
Process: In multiprogramming, number of processes resides in main memory at
a time.
No. Of Jobs: The operating system picks and executes one of the jobs main in
the main memory.
Purpose: The purpose of multiprogramming is to increase utilization of the
computer system as a whole.

Multi tasking system:

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Meaning: It is the logical extension of multiprogramming and refers to the

operating systems ability to execute two or more of a single user's task
concurrently.
Process: The CPU switching between two tasks, executes multiple jobs. The
CPU scheduler selects a job from the ready queue and switches the CPU to that
job. When time slot expires, the CPU switches from this job to another job.
No. Of Jobs: Here, different processes share the CPU time. The main advantage
of multitasking is efficient CPU utilization.

Purpose: It provides single user with multiprogramming capabilities.

Difference between main memory and virtual memory:

Main memory Virtual Memory

1. Main memory stores programs 1. It is a technique that allows the

and data that are in active use. execution of a process, even
though the logical address space
requirement is greater than the
physical available memory.
2. The advantage of virtual memory
2. Storage devices in the main is efficient main memory
memory are addressed utilization.
directly by CPU's I load and
store instructions.

3. Access is slower from main 3. Programs can be loaded partially

memory than from CPU in the main memory; so more
registers because of large programs could be run at the same
capacity and the fact that it is time.
physically separated from the 4.They make the task of
CPU. programming easier since
programmers need not worry about
the physical memory available

OTHER SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Sub routines:

Subroutine is a part as a program that has to be performed a number of times.

E.g. Arithmetic or logical operations, which have to be done many times in
program, are kept in a subroutine
 Sub-Routine is a section of a computer program that is designed to perform a
specific task.
 It is set aside from the rest of the code in a program.

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 It can be called from one or more sections of the main part of the program
when needed. By writing it as
 A Sub-Routine, the programmer can save time.
 It is also useful to carry out any modification at one place and if there is any
error it can be rectified at once.

Utility Program or Service programs or utility routine or spooling

Meaning: Utility Programs are programs that come with the operating system or as a
separate 'package and helps in maintaining and improving the efficiency of a
computer system.
Basic Operations: The basic operations done by Utility Programs include
o Sorting Data
o Editing the output generated;
o Copying data from one medium to another
o Tracing the path of operation of the program.

Types of Utility Programs: The various types of Utility Programs are-

1. Sort Utilities:
a) This utility sorts the data keyed in according to a key field.
b) It can sort the data alphabetically using the key field, i.e. arranging the
data in the file in a particular order for easy access.

2. Spooling Software:
a) Spooling (Simultaneous Peripheral Operation on Line) is a technique used
for dynamic job processing.
b) It allows input and output operations to occur simultaneously with
processing operations.
c) Input data from low-speed devices is stored temporarily on high speed
secondary storage units to form a queue which can be quickly accessed by
the CPU.
d) Output data is also written at high speed onto tape or disk units and forms
another queue waiting to use slow-speed devices such as a printer. The
jobs are transferred to these output devices when these devices are
available.
e) The operating system supplies a special written program to control the
spooling process. Hence, with aid of spooling technique, the CPU does
not have to wait for the slow input/output devices and hence it can work
at its maximum speed.
3.Text Editors:
a) Text Editors are programs for writing and editing text, but without the
features of a full-fledged word processing program.
b) They are used for writing source code as well as creating basic text
documents.
c) It helps the programmers to write instructions for a program or to create or

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read a data file.

4. Other Utilities:

a) Disk Copy Program: To copy the entire contents of one diskette to another.
It is generally used to make a backup or archive copy of a data diskette or an
application program. The disk copy program can also be used to transfer data
stored from one size or capacity diskette to another.
b) File Copy Program: To copy one or a group of files, rather than the entire
contents of the diskette, to be copied to another diskette. It has the same
functions as a disk copy utility except that it allows an individual file or group
of files to be copied.
c) Disk Formatting Program: This is used to format a diskette, i.e. write
sectors on the diskette, which enables the operating system to place data in
allocated locations.
d) File Deletion Program: To delete a file stored in the diskette.
e) File Viewing Program: To view the files saved in the diskette through the
computer's monitor.
f) Directory Program: This enables the user to see the storage space taken by
each file and also the date and time of saving the file on the diskette.

Diagnostics routines:
1. Diagnostic Routines are the database of the computer that helps the user to
identify the hardware accessories supplied by the manufacturer.
2. Diagnostic Routines identify the type of processor, BIOS supplied, keyboard
attached or the monitor type supplied with the computer.
3. They test the computer hardw2.re and software to determine whether they are
operating properly.
4. Diagnostic Routines are sometimes treated as a category of the Utility or Service
Programs.

Diagnostic Routines:
a) What type of processor does the computer use?
b) Is there a math coprocessor in the computer?
c) Who is the BIOS manufacturer?
d) What is the total amount of conventional
memory in the computer?
e) What type of the keyboard is attached to
the computer?
f) What is the display type?
g) If there is a mouse attached to the computer, what type is it and who made
it?

Language Translators:
Language Translators accept statements in one language and produce equivalent
statements in another language. They read the source language statements one at a
time and prepare a number of machine instructions to perform the operations

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specified / implied by each source statement. The various types of Language

Translators are
1. Compiler
2. Interpreter
3. Assembler

1.Compilers:
a) They translate the entire program into machine language before the program is
executed.
b) Earlier they first translated a source program into assembly language and then
called on an existing assembler to produce machine language. Nowadays,
most compilers translate from source language (e.g. COBOL) directly to
machine language.
c) The Compiler analyses each statement in the source program and generates
equivalent sequence of instructions in machine language called as Object
Program, also giving out syntax errors found in the source program.

2.Interpreter:
a) They are translators for a high level programming language that translates
and runs the program at the same time.
b) The interpreter does not save an object program, since translation and
execution processes are alternate.
c) The actual interpreting of high level language is faster with interpreter as
compared to compiler but the program execution is slower with an
interpreter as compared to a fully compiled program.
Limitations:
- Wastage of time in compiling each line.
- No advantage of Object code
- The program has to be written again and again since
no object code is developed where as a compiler an
object has coded error free program.
3.Assembler:
a) The program that translates assembly language to machine language is
called an Assembler.
b) An assembler produces one machine-language instruction for each
assembly-language instruction in the program.
c) The input to the translator is known as Source Language and the output as
Object Program

Advantages:
o Saves time
o Few errors made are easier to find.
o They are also easier to modify.
o Disadvantages
o Coding is time consuming and machine oriented.

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Difference between Interpreter and Compiler

Compiler Interpreter
1. Compiler scans the whole program 1. Interpreter scans the program line by
at a time and lists out the error if any. line and stops scanning whenever
2. Compiler converts the whole source errors occur.
code into object code at a time. 2. Interpreter converts the source
3. After compilation source code is not programs line by line into object and
required. immediately executes the line.
4. Execution is faster. 3. For every execution run source code
is required.
5. The object code is generated when
the program is error free. 4. Execution in slower.
Example: C, C++ and java etc 5. Interpreter generates object code for
each line immediately it is error free.
Example: COBOL, java etc.

Firmware
1. Firmware or Micro Programs refer to a series of special program instructions.
Basic operations such as addition, multiplication etc. in a computer is carried
out by hard-wired circuits. These fundamental tasks are then combined in the
form of micro-programs to produce higher level operations such as move
data, make comparison etc.
2. These micro programs are called Firmware because they deal with very low
level machine operations and to substitute additional hardware. Firmware is
held in the CPU in a special control storage device.
3. It is a combination of hardware and software. Sequence of instructions to the
system with application packages come as firmware.

Short notes on:

1. Commercial software:
(a) It is software which is available in prepackaged form.
(b) It is available from software stores and through the Internet.
2. Shareware:
a) Shareware is software developed by individual and small companies that
o cannot afford to market their software world wide or
o Wants to release a demonstration version of their commercial
product.
b) An evaluation period is given in which the user can decide whether to
purchase the product or not.
c) On the expiry of the period, the software is often disabled in some way and
a notice attached to it to explain the legal requirements for using the
product.
Open Source software:
a) This software is created by generous programmers and released into the public
domain for free usage. There is usually a copyright notice that must remain with the
software product.

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b) It is not public domain in that the c6mpany or individual that develops the
software retains ownership of the program but the software can be used freely.
c) Many popular Open Source applications are being developed and upgraded
regularly by individuals and companies that believe in the Open Source concept.

General purpose software and application software

Word processor and uses:

Word Processing:

a) Working with Text Material: Word Processing is an activity involving the

using of hardware and software to create, enter, view, store, retrieve, save, edit,
manipulate, transmit and print text material.
b) Source and Storage: The documents are prepared by using the key-board and
are stored in an electronic storage media like hard disk, f1oppy etc.

Word Processor:

a) Software: Word Processors are ready-made application software that performs

the routine word processing tasks.

b) Manipulate Text Material: They facilitate the user to create, alter and reorganize
large pieces of text on a terminal screen before storing and / or printing out the final
copy.

c) Additional Features: Latest word processors like MS Word offers additional

features like spell checking, designing, formatting etc.

d) Examples: Microsoft Word, Adobe PageMaker, Lotus Notes, Open Office

Document etc.

Text editor vs. word processor

Text Editor Word Processor

a. Text Editor is a program for a. Word Processors provide for

writing and editing text. It does not formatting facilities also.
provide for formatting facilities. b. They cannot be used for
b. They are used for writing: writing source code
source code.

Uses:
Word Processor helps to
a) Read and Revise a document on screen.
b) Change the formatting to get the desired visual effect.
c) Increase productivity by automating.
d) Improve proof reading
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 Sreedhar’s CCE

e) Produce as required number of copies.

f) Save a document and work on it.

Electronic Spread sheet

Definition:
a) An electronic spreadsheet is a General Purpose Application Software that is used to
organize, calculate and analyze numerical data.
b) It is a matrix of columns (assigned with alphabetical letters) and rows (usually
numbered) that form individual cell which has an individual address like A12,
BX444 etc.
c) Into each cell, the user can key in a value, a formula or a label.
d) Examples: Lotus 123, MS Excel, Open Office

Features:
a) It deals with calculation oriented text and can also deal with non-numeric data.
b) It has inbuilt functions and formula that perform the calculations
automatically.

c) A user can analyze data using spreadsheet software and create presentation with
charts.
d) It has the ability to keep the figures and formula in its memory and recalculates it
according to the formula whenever data in any cell is changed.

Database management system

a) Data Base Management System (DBMS) is a computer program which organizes
data in a database, providing information storage, organization, and retrieval
capacities, including simultaneous access to multiple data base through a shared
field.
b) It is a tool to integrate the information flow within an organization. DBMS
highlights the importance of data as a resource in the organization and as something
that has to be carefully managed.

c) The basic concept of the DBMS is database is distinct from the programs accessing
it. So, this facilitates the creation of data structures and relieves the programmer of
the problems of setting up complicated files.

Browser and E-mail

Browser:

a) Browser is an application program that provides a way to look at and interact with
all the information on the World Wide Web.
(b) Web Browser is a client program that uses the Hypertext Transfer Protocol
(HTTP) to make requests of Web servers throughout the Internet on behalf of the
browser user.

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 Sreedhar’s CCE

(c) Example: Netscape Navigator, Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera, Hot java,
fire fox etc.

E-Mail:

a) It is an electronic information handling technique in which the transmission

of the messages or letter is electronic.
b) Network of computers can accept letters or other documents directly from word
processing stations. The text is transmitted at electronic speeds to destination
terminals.
c) Email clients and Email Servers are required to implement emails.

Application software

Application Software is main programs for various applications which are written by
the programmer of a computer using organization. The program usually solves a
particular application or problem that is unique to that organization.
Examples: Payroll, General Accounting, Sales Statistics and Inventory Control etc.
Usually different organizations require different programs for similar application and
hence it is difficult to write standardized programs.
Tailor-made application software can be written by software houses on modular
design to cater to the needs of different users, e.g. Tally Accounting Package.

Purpose System Software comprises of Software is the software developed

those programs, which directs for solving business problems.
the computer.

Varying System Software varies from Application Software varies from

Nature computer to computer. organization to organization.

Language System Software is written in Application Software is usually

low-level language. written In High level Language.

Knowledge Detailed knowledge of This requires detailed knowledge of

hardware is required. Organization.
Use System Software is used to Application Software programs are
improve the performance and used to improve the speed and
maximum utilization of system quality of a business activity
resources.
Developed The manufacturers along with Application Software is developed
by the hardware usually supply by individuals or supplied by
System Software. Software Vendors as generalized
Application Software.

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