PC SOFTWARE PACKAGES

A p p l i e d B u s i n e s s To o l s a n d
Te c h n o l o g i e s

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INTRODUCTION
Software is a set of programs, documents, procedures
and routines associated with the operation of a
computer system for specific application/task. It is the
essential complement to computer hardware.

Software usually refers to a set of advanced computer

modules that allow the user to plan efficient surveys,
organize and acquire satellite navigation data, verify and
download data, process and analyze measurements,
perform network adjustments, and report and archive
the final results. These are the written coded commands
that tell a computer what tasks to perform. The term
software has acquired several meanings in computer
literature but essentially, it describes the ‘Soft’ portion
of the computer installation, that is the computer
programs, which when executed operate the hardware.
For example, Word, Photoshop, Picture Easy, and Photo
Deluxe are software programs.

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W H AT I S A S O F T WA R E PA C K A G E ?

A software package is a special method for the distribution and

installation of software on computer systems. It is the written programs
or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the
operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write
memory. In simple words, software package is a program with its
associated files, archived and compressed into a single file along with any
necessary scripts or information to aid in managing the installation,
upgrade, and removal of those files. Software packages have evolved
from stand-alone software programs and notes-based information
systems to more integrated web enabled packages which have even the
potential of working across the 'value network' of internal teams and
management, customers, suppliers and sometimes competitors.

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TYPES OF
SOFTWARE
PACKAGES
Software Packages are often divided into two major
categories:

1. System software Package

System Software Package is a collection of programs
designed to operate, control and extend the processing
capabilities of the computer itself. This software operates the
computer itself and is made up of control programs. System
software packages are generally prepared today by computer
manufacturers and by independent software suppliers. Some
important system software packages found in almost all
computer installations are the operating system and all utility
programs that manage computer resources at a low level.
Others are compilers, interpreters and assemblers.

System software package is required to support the

production or execution of application software, but which is
not specific to any particular application. Examples of system
software package would include the operating system,
compilers, loaders, linkers, debuggers, editors, sorting
programs and all the other utilities that enable the computer
to function. A system software package may be further
classified as follows:

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A. OPERATING SYSTEM

Operating system is the most important program that runs on a

computer system. It is an organized collection of software that controls
the overall operations of a computer and provides an environment for
execution of programs. It acts as an interface between user and the
hardware of a computer system. Every general-purpose computer
must have this important system software package to run other
programs. The operating system permits the computer to supervise
and manage its resources.
It performs the basic tasks, such as recognizing input from the
keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping track of files
and directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as
disk drives and printers. Operating system calls the application
programs, translates the special service programs and manages data
needed to produce the output as desired by users. User is not
bothered about hardware functioning which is silently taken care by
the operating system.

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 A. OPERATING SYSTEM
For large systems, the operating system has even greater
responsibilities and powers. It is like a traffic cop and makes sure
that different programs and users running at the same time do not
interfere
with each other. The operating system is also responsible for
security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the
system.
Operating systems provide a software platform on top of
which other programs, called application programs, can run. The
application programs must be written to run on top of a particular
operating system. For PCs, the most popular operating systems are
DOS, OS/2, and Windows, but others are available, such as Linux.
The user normally interacts with the operating system through
a set of commands. For example, the DOS operating system
contains commands such as COPY and RENAME for copying files
and changing the names of files, respectively. The commands are
accepted and executed by a part of the operating system called the
command processor or command line interpreter. Graphical user
interfaces allow to enter commands by pointing and clicking at
objects that appear on the screen.
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B. LANGUAGE TRANSLATORS
Language translators are those program tools which translate the programs written
in other computer languages to machine codes. These are the methods to "translate"
source code into computer understandable language. Because programs written in a high-
level language are not directly understood by computers, they need a software tool to
convert these programs into machine level language. The software packages available for
this purpose are like COBOL compiler, C compiler etc.

These are mainly of three types:

• Interpreter
Interpreter is the oldest type of computer program that executes instructions that
are written in the form of a program. The trick of an interpreter is that it loads the
source code and translates the instruction into executable machine language line by
line. And it does it over and over again any time that program is run. In order to run
a program first (e.g. "load BASIC") the interpreter has to loaded into the memory of
the computer, then the source code and then type "run to execute the program. An
interpreter is unique for each high-level language. It is relatively slow. Another
disadvantage is that mostly these interpreters are expensive. Also, to the designer of
the program this can be a disadvantage. He or she will just give away its trade
secrets and have no longer control over his own program, the distribution or avoid
unwanted adaptations.

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B. LANGUAGE TRANSLATORS
• Compiler
Compiler is a computer program that translates source code written in high level language into
machine language. First the source code is read into the computer's memory and then it is translated
into a kind of object code. A compiler creates a unique object program i.e. once a source program is
compiled there is no need of that source program because output can be obtained by executing that
object program. For each high-level language, the machine requires a separate compiler which is
personal for that language. Compilers are somewhat more compact and run, in some extend, faster.
Basically, the functions of compilers and interpreters are same, the only difference is that a
compiler provides a separate object program, but the interpreter does not. In case of interpreter,
every time the source code is required for the execution of program whereas compiler uses the object
code developed by compilation of the source code. Another difference is that interpreter translates
the source program line wise i.e. it will not execute the next line unless the first one has no error, but
compiler translates the whole program at a single time and produce an object code for the execution
purpose.

• Assembler
An assembler is a program that translates an assembly language program (i.e. symbolic
instructions) to its machine language equivalent. A programmer did no longer have to work with one's
and zero's when using an assembly language. He or she can use symbols (e.g. STO = store) instead.
These symbols are called mnemonics and each mnemonic stands for one single machine instruction.
But an assembler still works on a very low level with the machine. So, the assembler has to take these
non-machine language instructions (mnemonic name instructions) prepared by a programmer and
convert them into a form that may be used by the computer.
Examples of assemblers for Intel 8086/8088 Assembly are MASM (Macro Assembler) 5.0/6.0,
TASM (Turbo Assembler), etc.

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B. LANGUAGE TRANSLATORS
• Compiler
Compiler is a computer program that translates source code written in high level language into
machine language. First the source code is read into the computer's memory and then it is translated
into a kind of object code. A compiler creates a unique object program i.e. once a source program is
compiled there is no need of that source program because output can be obtained by executing that
object program. For each high-level language, the machine requires a separate compiler which is
personal for that language. Compilers are somewhat more compact and run, in some extend, faster.
Basically, the functions of compilers and interpreters are same, the only difference is that a
compiler provides a separate object program, but the interpreter does not. In case of interpreter,
every time the source code is required for the execution of program whereas compiler uses the object
code developed by compilation of the source code. Another difference is that interpreter translates
the source program line wise i.e. it will not execute the next line unless the first one has no error, but
compiler translates the whole program at a single time and produce an object code for the execution
purpose.

• Assembler
An assembler is a program that translates an assembly language program (i.e. symbolic
instructions) to its machine language equivalent. A programmer did no longer have to work with one's
and zero's when using an assembly language. He or she can use symbols (e.g. STO = store) instead.
These symbols are called mnemonics and each mnemonic stands for one single machine instruction.
But an assembler still works on a very low level with the machine. So, the assembler has to take these
non-machine language instructions (mnemonic name instructions) prepared by a programmer and
convert them into a form that may be used by the computer.
Examples of assemblers for Intel 8086/8088 Assembly are MASM (Macro Assembler) 5.0/6.0,
TASM (Turbo Assembler), etc.

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c. Utilities

Utility software (also known as utilities) performs a very specific task, usually
related to managing system resources. Operating systems contain a number of
utilities for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices. Utility software
may be considered as system software, which is used quite often in developing,
writing, debugging and documenting programs. It differs from application
software mostly in terms of size, complexity and function. For example, word
processors, spreadsheet programs, and database applications are considered
application software because they are large programs that perform a variety of
functions not directly related to managing computer resources.

In simple words, Utility software supports the operations, management, and

users of a computer system by providing a variety of support services. This
software is sometimes installed as memory resident program and may include
file conversion, data compression; data transfer utility, text editor, real time clock
utility and so on. In real sense, utility software is developed to perform
operations on files containing data and be used for transferring data from one
storage device to another. Utility software can be divided into two parts: First,
file management utilities which are parts of operating system and help the
programmers in copying, printing, deleting and renaming files. And second,
program development utilities to help users in writing and testing programs.
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2. APPLICATION
SOFTWARE
PACKAGE
Application software Package:
Application software package comprises
programs that help people accomplish
specific tasks. These packages are designed
for all types of applications such as business
applications, home applications, engineering
designs, teaching aids etc. If an end user who
controls the particular task at hand desires to
use application software, he or she has to
define his/her own specific requirements for
which the application program may be
developed so as to produce the specific
required results. These packages are often
written by users to meet their own specific
needs in high level language and are under
the complete control of the operating
system. An application software package may
be classified into the following two
categories:
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a. General Purpose Application Software Package
These packages help in increasing the productivity of computer and
are commonly used in day-today operations performed by the end users.
So, this type of application software is also known as program
productivity tool or productivity package. Some of the general-purpose
application software packages which enable a user to effectively utilize a
computer are:

• Word Processing Software

Of all computer applications, word processing is the most common. A
word processor enables the user to create a document, store it
electronically on a disk, display it on a screen, modify it by entering
commands and characters from the keyboard, and print it on a printer. In
contrast to data processing where the focus is generally on numerically
data, in word processing the main concern is with text.

• Desktop Publishing Software

The line dividing word processors from desktop publishing systems is
constantly shifting. In general, though, desktop publishing applications
support finer control over layout, and more support for full-color
documents. Combining the functions of a traditional typesetter and a
layout artist, a desktop publishing program merges the output of word
processor and graphics programs to produce professional-looking pages
that are ready for the printer.
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• Spreadsheet Software
A spreadsheet is simply a sheet of paper with rows and columns
in which one can enter data in the form of numbers, formulae
and text for analysis. In spreadsheet software, screen is
used in place of paper. Spreadsheet applications (sometimes
referred to simply as spreadsheets) are computer programs that
display a large grid of rows and columns that allow users to
quickly create, manipulate and analyze data organized in these
spreadsheets electronically.

• Data Base Management Software

This software was developed to handle the problems of
maintaining and integrating large
volumes of data on computers. It extends the ability to organize
collections of data stored in
computer and provides features that help in finding subsets of
the data selected through
specified criteria.

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• Graphics Software
There is a general saying that one picture is worth a
thousand words as graphical or pictorial form is easier to
understand than a tabular form of information. The graphics
software offers the use of computers for manipulating (creating,
editing, viewing, storing, retrieving and printing) images,
designs, drawings, pictures, graphs and anything else that can
be drawn in the traditional manner.
• Data Communication Software
Data communication software is that software which put
one computer in touch with others and provides facility of
transferring data from one machine to other. In this way more
than one computer using a modem may communicate with
each other with the help of this communication software.
Network Software is another type of data communication
software which allows users to share data by creating a group of
connected computers i.e. network of computers. Most popular
network communication software, which are almost considered
as a necessity for business computing are Novell Netware and
Microsoft’s Windows NT.
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b. Specific Purpose Application Software Packages
These software packages are not generalized but are only
meant for performing uncommon applications. Application-
specific software packages may be further classified as follows:

• Business Application Package

This software is nothing, but packages designed for a specific
purpose such as account receivable, billing, inventory control
etc. These packages are written by users generally in high level
language to meet their own specific needs. Some of the
Business Application Specific Packages are Payroll, Management
Information System, and Library Management System.

• Scientific Application Package

Such a package is specific only for the scientific purposes. This
type of software facilitates the designing and drafting of
complex images and analysis of data. Examples of these
packages are Computer Aided Designing and Computer Aided
Manufacturing (CAD/CAM), Statistical Package for Social Science
(SPSS), Statistical Analysis Software (SAS) and so on.
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• Online Application Package

In an online application data is transmitted directly from its point of origin to the
computer, and results are sent directly to the location where they are required.
The response time of the computer can be specified with certain limits. No
intermediate data preparation or data transmittal steps are necessary. The online
application software facilitates different users in different locations to use the
same computer and this computer will respond to all enquiries answering
promptly. Examples of Online application are Satellite communication, Air Line
Reservation Systems etc.

• Customized Application Package

When pre-written software packages do not meet the specific requirements of a

user, either partially of fully, it becomes necessary to develop a customized
software package to satisfy the specific requirements. These types of software
are either developed in-house or by placing order to some professional
organization. This trend has geared up with the development of non-procedural
4GLs and will continue to grow as the development in multimedia, graphics,
artificial intelligence, networking solutions enhance.
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EXPORTING/IMPOR
TING

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 Most applications seem to create unique file formats for
their own convenience. Excel 2003 application stores
spreadsheets in a file with the .xls extension, Word 2007 stores
documents as .docx files, etc. When an application is able to
read a file created by another application, this is called
'importing'. For instance, a word processing package such as
Word can import a file from a spreadsheet application such as
Excel. Photoshop can read .jpg photographic files. Media players
can read all kinds of movie file formats so you can view them
on-screen. When an application is able to create a file in a form
other than its native format, this is called 'exporting' a file. For
instance, a spreadsheet package can export its data in a 'comma
separated value' format (.csv file extension).

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REASONS FOR IMPORTING
AND EXPORTING DATA
FILES
1. Analyze data or use it for another purpose
2. Exchanging information
3. Presenting data
4. Migrating to a new software application
5. To be able to access and use old data files

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COMMERCIAL FILE
FORMATS
As you become familiar with various software applications you will begin
to recognize common file formats. For instance:

.DOC : Word file

.XLS : Excel spreadsheet file
.PUB : Publisher desktop publisher file
.PPT : PowerPoint file
.MDB : Access database file
.PSD : Photoshop file
.SWF: Flash Player file
.WMV : Windows Media Player file
.PDF : Acrobat file

These formats have been created by commercial companies to support

their particular application. Originally the internal data formats of the
files were private as only that company's application was intended to
read and write to those files

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PUBLIC FILE FORMATS
There are file formats that do not belong to any one in particular. For
instance, a .txt file can store very basic unformatted text data. It is very
handy to transfer simple text from one application to another as all text
processing applications can read a .txt file. Another very common file
format is the 'csv' file format, short for Comma Separated Values' where
each chunk of data is separated by a comma or other 'delimiter'. This is
widely used to import / export spreadsheet data.

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WHY ARE DIFFERENT FILE
TYPES NEEDED?

1. So that you know the correct software to use

2. So that the user knows what the file may contain from the file
extension

3. So that searching and sorting files can be done effectively

4. So that the operating system can display appropriate icon

5. So that it is easier to open the appropriate application

6. So that application programs know how to load up and interpret

the data

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TRANSFERING DATA
BETWEEN APPLICATIONS
In order to transfer data between two applications with no
common format you will need to follow
a process. The generic process is described below:

1. Data needs to be exported from the first application into a

common file format e.g. .csv
2. The common file format is then imported into target
application

3. The data in the file is converted into a format that can be

used by the target application

4. The new file is saved into the new format.

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A WORKED EXAMPLE: TRANSFERRING
D ATA F R O M A S P R E A D S H E E T I N T O A
D ATA B A S E A P P L I C AT I O N

1. The data in a spreadsheet will be saved as a .csv file (common file format).
The spreadsheet and csv file are closed.

2. The database application is opened and the common file format (csv file) is
then imported into the database table.

3. An option is marked to indicate that the data is in csv format. The database
application then converts the csv data into a format which is usable by the
application.

4. The database is saved as a .mdb file.

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A WORKED EXAMPLE: TRANSFERRING
D ATA F R O M A S P R E A D S H E E T I N T O A
D ATA B A S E A P P L I C AT I O N

1. The data in a spreadsheet will be saved as a .csv file (common file format).
The spreadsheet and csv file are closed.

2. The database application is opened and the common file format (csv file) is
then imported into the database table.

3. An option is marked to indicate that the data is in csv format. The database
application then converts the csv data into a format which is usable by the
application.

4. The database is saved as a .mdb file.

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