COMPUTER SOFTWARE

The term software refers to a set of instructions that a computer uses to process data into information.
The other word for software is program. Software can be classified according to;
 Purpose
 Acquisition
 End User License Agreement

CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO PURPOSE:

Under this category, software is classified according to how they are used. According to purpose, software
maybe divided into system or application software.

A. System software
Refers to programs whose main task is to manage the computer system resources i.e. input, output
and storage devices. These functions include:
1. Booting the computer and making sure that all the hardware elements are working properly.
2. Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application programs.
3. Storing and retrieving files.
4. Performing a variety of system utility functions.
System software is further divided into:
1. Operating system
2. Firmware.
3. Utility software
4. Networking software.

The operating system

A complex program, made up of many smaller programs whose main task is to provide an interface and a
platform through which the computer user can interact with the computer system. Examples of common
operating systems are Microsoft Windows 95/98/2000/XP, UNIX, Linux, Macintosh (Mac OS) and OS/2.
NOTE: The operating system is the main program on the computer system.
Firmware
A permanent software embedded in a hardware device, that is programmed into the Read Only Memory
(ROM).
Utility software
Utility software is a special program that performs routine activities or housekeeping tasks. Such services
include sorting, copying, debugging, file handling, disk management etc. The two basic types of utility
software are: Some functions of utility software are;
 Manage files by renaming, protecting, and copying them, etc.
 Diagnose computer problems.
 Repair computer problems.
 Assist the computer system to run more efficiently.
Networking software
This type of software is mostly used to establish communication between two or more computers by
linking them using a communication channel like cables to create a computer network. Networking
software enables the exchange of data in a network as well as providing data security explorer.

B. Application software
Also called application packages; are programs that are designed to help the user accomplish specific
tasks. They can be divided into:
 General purpose
 Special purpose

General-Purpose Application Software

Purchased off-the-shelf by users- who are mostly non-specialists, domestic and business users.
Advantages of using general purpose software
1. Relatively cheap and readily available.
2. They can be used to accomplish many tasks.
3. Easy to lean and use, hence suitable for people with basic computer skills.
4. Come with supportive documentation.

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Disadvantages of using general-purpose software
1. May not solve the client’s problem to his/her satisfaction
2. When used to create tailor-made programs, they require programming knowledge.

Special-purpose Application software

Customized programs written by the programmers to perform specific tasks.

Advantages of Special-purpose software

1. They help solve specific problems to the client’s satisfaction.
2. Sold with documentation that helps users to solve specific problems.
3. Can be revised after some time if need arises.

Disadvantages of Special-purpose software

1. Expensive to acquire
2. Their market is limited.
3. They take time to be developed.
4. Are designed to solve specific users; they may not be useful to general users.
The table below gives examples and uses of common application packages

Software Uses Examples

Word processor Typing documents like letters. Ms Word, Lotus, Word Pro, Word Star.

Manipulation of numeric data

Spreadsheets Ms Excel, Lotus 123
e.g. Calculating budgets.
Designing publications like
Desktop Publisher Adobe Page Maker, Ms publisher.
newspapers, books.
Computer aided Design Technical drawing Auto CAD, Arch CAD
Database Keeping records and files. Ms Access, D base.
Creating and manipulating
Graphics software Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop
pictures.
CLASSIFICATION ACCORDING TO ACQUISITION
Generally computer programs can be classified according to how they are obtained as in-
house developed software and standard software (Vendor off the-shelf software).

In-house developed programs

These are programs that are uniquely designed and tailored to meet a particular user need. For example,
a bank may decide to manage its banking operations using a unique program developed by hired
programmers. These programs are not available in the shops and once developed for one company or
user may not address the needs of other users.

Standard software (Vendor off-the-shelf software)

These programs are developed by software engineers, packaged and then made available for purchase
through a vendor, a distributor or directly from the developer. A developer may bundle more than one but
closely related software into one package to form a suite or integrated software as opposed to single
purpose software.
Examples of suites are Lotus Suite, Microsoft-Office and Corel Word Perfect while those of single purpose
are Quick Books and Sage Line 50. The word package is sometimes used to refer to these types of
software that are packaged and sold by vendors.

Advantages of standard software over the in-house developed programs are:

1.They can easily be installed and run.
2. They are less expensive to acquire than the cost of developing in-house software.
3. They are readily available for almost any task.
4. Since they are thoroughly tested before they are released, chances of errors in them are rare.
5. They can easily be modified(customized)to meet specific user’s needs without involving expert
programmers
CRITERIA FOR SELECTING A COMPUTER SYSTEM

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Hardware considerations
Some factors considered when selecting computer hardware are;

1. Processor speed
The processing power and speed of a computer mainly depends on the processor speed. A good
computer must have high processor speed.

2. Memory capacity

Although, a computer may have a very fast processor, it may not perform as expected if it has low
memory capacity as expected. Because of the current multimedia driven applications, a good computer
should have sufficient memory to handle
the heavy applications that require a lot of memory space in order to run. A computer with at least 128 MB
of RAM is recommended for most contemporary applications.
RAM is packaged as either dual in-line memory Module (DIMM) or single in-line memory module (SIMM).
Therefore, before one buys a memory module for the computer the following factors have to be
considered:
1. The type of module supported by the computer’s motherboard.
2. Does the motherboard have an empty memory slot?
3. Will the module work well (be compatible) with the other existing modules on the motherboard?
4. What is the capacity of the module?

3. Warranty
A warranty is an agreement between the buyer and the seller that spells out terms and conditions of,
after selling a product in case of failure or malfunction. The most important consideration to make is
whether the seller is ready to actually provide after sales services. On top of the actual cost of the
item, most manufacturers and suppliers include a certain percentage charge to cover the
warranty.

A good warranty should cover the following points:

1. Scope of cover for example six months, one year etc.
2. Callout response and liability agreement. For example, how long should the supplier take to repair
a fault or replace the product, and if he/she delays who bears the cost.
3. Preventive maintenance for example regularity of service, at intervals etc.

4. Cost
The cost of a computer system depends on:
1. Its processing capability.
2. Whether it is branded or a clone. Branded computers are more expensive than their equivalent
clones. This is because of their reliability and good after sale services.
3. Its size. Portable computers are more expensive than their desktop equivalents because of the
superior technology involved in manufacturing smaller components without losing performance
abilities. It is important to do a market survey from magazines, newspapers, and electronic media or
visit a number of vendors to compare prices before purchasing a computer. Computer information and
technology exhibitions also enlighten a buyer on current trends and costs.

5. Upgradeability and compatibility

When buying a computer, the best option would be to get one that can easily be upgraded to
accommodate emergent technologies. For examples older computers cannot support large hard disks
available in the market today hence, difficulty in upgrading them because smaller hard disks are no
longer in circulation

6. Portability
The size of electronic devices including computers has become a major consideration because
smaller devices enhance mobility.

7. User needs
When selecting computer hardware, consider the unique needs of the user. For example, if the users

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 have special disability like in ability to use their hands, consider buying input devices that capture data
through voice input. The user needs also determine the type of data that will be processed hence, the
choice of the type of hardware most appropriate to satisfy the needs. For example, in a supermarket a
special computerized devise called a point of sale (POS) terminal is most suitable to record
transactions.

Software considerations

Although one may have a good computer with the best hardware, the actual real determinant of a
computers value to the user is the software in it that can run to solve the day-to-day data and information
processing needs.
The following factors should be considered when selecting software:

Authenticity
The term authenticity refers to genuineness, validity and or legitimacy of an item. When you acquire
software from the vendor, make sure it is an original copy that is accompanied by the developer’s license
and certificate of authenticity. This is because some people illegally produce pirated copies which is an
offence.

Documentation
It refers to the manuals prepared by the developer having details on how to install, use and maintain the
software. These include installation guide, maintenance guide and a user guide. This documentation
enables the user to work with the software with minimum guidance.

User needs

The needs of the user determine the type of operating system and application programs that should be
considered for acquisition. For example, if the user needs to type documents most often, he/she would go
for a word-processor. People with special disability will require software that recognizes other forms of
input-like voice and natural sound. A good example is software used in mobile phones to store voice and
allow the user to make a call by just calling a name instead of keying in the number.

Reliability and security

People are more comfortable with software that offers good security to confidential and private
information.

User friendliness

One of the most important features normally considered when using a computer program is its user-
friendliness. This is a measure of how easily the users can be able to operate the computer. Some
programs are more user friendlier than others.
A lot of research and effort has been dedicated in trying to come up with more user-friendly software. The
ease of use of a program will most likely influence whether the user will prefer it or not.

Cost
The cost of software is perhaps one of the most controversial issues that must be considered carefully.
One cannot just go for software because it is cheap. Many other factors may force a person to buy far
much more expensive software even with cheaper alternatives available. However it is illogical to buy
expensive software if there is a reliable cheaper alternative that will meet ones needs.

In case the off-the-shelf software does not fit the needs of the users it would be advisable to develop in-
house software solution seven though they may be a bit more expensive.

Compatibility and system configuration

Software compatibility refers to the ability of the computer to run the software depending on the system
setup (configuration). For example, some software may only run on a computer that has 32 MB of RAM

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and above. Any computer with lower than this, will be said to be incompatible. It is important that one
reads the installation guide and system requirements that comes with the software in order to avoid
disappointment.

Portability
Portability in this aspect refers to whether a program can be copied or installed in more than one
computer. Although, most software in the market today are portable some developers produce software
which can be installed on one machine only. This means that if one has twenty computers, one should
buy a license for each.