1

5403 : INFORMATION AND

COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY

BY:
SAIRA HAMEED
LECTURER

ALLAMA IQBAL OPEN UNIVERSITY, ISLAMABAD

Unit 5

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer Software
• Computer software comprises different computer programs, or instructions that enable
users to perform different tasks on a computer system.
• It is not only important for the users but also the whole computer system, depends upon
the services provided by the software.
• A computer cannot do anything at its own rather than it must be provided some
sequence-wise instructions and relevant data to perform its functions.
• This sequence of instructions is called a computer program which is commonly referred
to as computer software.
Computer Software
• Software is a generic term used for collection of data and instructions given to the
computers to perform specific tasks.
• It also refers to set of programs, procedures and associated documents designed for the
working of computers.
• The software is logical part of the computer that user can not touch but use to make
computer operate.
• Computer software controls the operation of hardware or some other software by
implementing the instructions given to it in an ordered way.
Types of Computer Software
• There are two main categories of Computer Software
• System Software
• Operating System
• Utility Programs
• Device Drivers

• Application Software
• Word Processing Software
• Spreadsheet Software
• Database Software
• Graphics and Multimedia Software
• Personal Assistance Software
• Communication Software
System Software
• System Software is the collection of computer programs that controls the operation of computer and
its devices.
• It provides an interface between computer hardware and application software.
• It is backbone of a computer system which provides a platform for its operation.
• System software helps computer users to make use of application software and perform the
programmed activities.
• System software monitors the use of various hardware components such as CPU, memory and other
peripheral devices.
• They also communicate with the peripheral devices to support user activities.
Types of System Software
• There are different kinds of system software.
• Operating System
• An operating system is a collection of programs that coordinates the internal working of
a computer system.
• It provides us an interface to communicate with the computer.
• It also manages all computer components and operations and isolates the hardware from
the user.
• A computer cannot perform any job without operating system.
• Operating system permits the computer to supervise the operations and manage the data
to produce the results.
• It is the first software that must be installed on every computer.
Types of System Software
• Utility Programs
• A utility program allows a user to perform an explicit task.
• It is normally used to resolve system maintenance activities and provide assistance in these
activities.
• There are different types of utilities available for example: formatting of hard disk, system
backup, antivirus and file compressor.
Types of System Software
• Device Drivers
• A device driver is a system program that is used to turn on and manage a device such as
monitor, keyboard attached to computer.
• Device drivers are built in programs, provided by manufactures of devices.
• The devices cannot work properly without driver's utility programs.
• A driver typically communicates with the device to control its operations.
• For example device drivers for printer, mouse and keyboard are required to regulate their
operations during working of computer system.
Application Software
• Application software is a set of computer programs used to perform user specific jobs.
• They allow the users to develop programs for their personal/organizational use.
• An application program facilitate user to manipulate text, numbers, graphics, or a
combination of these elements.
• Therefore there are varieties of application programs available in market depending on the
activity for which it is designed.
Categories of Application Software
• There are thousands of application software available in market.
• It is not possible to categorize all application software; however some commonly known
application software includes the following:
• Word Processing software
• Spreadsheet Software
• Database Software
• Graphics and Multimedia Software
• Personal Assistance Software
• Communication Software
Word Processing software
• Word Processor is an application program used for creating, editing, storing, and printing
personal and official documents.
• Word Processor became popular in 1970s and 1980 when the electric typewriter was
merged with a dedicated processor (like a computer processor) for the editing of text.
• Since then different companies are developing Word Processor with new and enhanced
features.
Standard Features of Word Processor
• Word Processors have several text manipulating features. The standard features include:
• Text Editing
• Text editing includes entering the text, cut/copy and paste the text, making insertions and
deletions etc.
• Word Wrap
• The cursor automatically moves to next line when the line is completed with the text.
• Status Line
• Status line provides all the information about the current document.
• Search and Replace
• Search and Replace allows the user to search for a particular word or expression and
replace it with some other word or expression.
Standard Features of Word Processor
• Headers , Footers , and Page Numbers
• It allows users to insert tailored headers and footers that the word processor will put at the top
and bottom of every page. Similarly page numbers can also be inserted at top or bottom of the
pages.

• Spell Checker
• Spell checker allows the user to check the spelling of words. It spotlights any word that it does
find in its dictionary.

• Table
• Word Processor allows inserting tables comprising of rows and columns.

• Save and Print

• Once a document has been created, edited and formatted, it can be saved and printed.
Examples of Word Processor
• Some well known Word Processor includes the following:
• Microsoft Word
• Word Perfect
• Word Star
• In Page (used for Urdu typing)
Spreadsheet
• Spreadsheet is a data manipulation tool used for organization and analysis of information in
tabular form.
• It is a kind of computerized ledger that accepts data values in rows and columns and allows
user to perform calculations.
• It is an application program that replicates a physical spreadsheet by entering, displaying,
and calculating data available in rows and columns.
Standard Features of Spreadsheet:
• Rows and Columns
• A spreadsheet is a table consisting of columns and rows as shown in the following
figure.
• The rows are labeled by numbers and the columns by letters as shown in the figure
5.5.
Standard Features of Spreadsheet:
• Cell
• The intersection of a row and a column is called a cell.
• A cell is uniquely identified by its column and row designators, e.g. A2, B10, J13.
• The data is entered into cells for further manipulation.
• In the figure 5.6 the cell A1 is highlighted.
Standard Features of Spreadsheet:
• Formula
• Formula is a relationship between values of cells.
• It is used to apply mathematical equation among data items of a cell.
• For example, D2=B1+C1 would calculate and display the sum of cells B1 and C1 into
cell D1.
• Functions
• Functions are built-in formulas for certain problems that have already been created and
stored in the program.
• They are used as shortcuts when applying mathematical equations and give ease and
flexibility to the users to handle complex calculations.
• Some examples are COUNT, SUM, MAX, and MIN.
Standard Features of Spreadsheet:
• Graphs and Charts
• Data and information in spreadsheets can be analyzed in a graphic form.
• Spreadsheets allow the users to display numerical data as a graph or chart.
• Some well known spreadsheet includes the following:
• Microsoft Excel
• Lotus 123
• Quarter Pro
Standard Features of Spreadsheet:
• Microsoft Excel
Standard Features of Spreadsheet:
• Lotus 123
Standard Features of Spreadsheet:
• Quarter Pro
Database Software
• Database is a collection of related data that allows the users to retrieve, edit and
update the data.
• Database management system (DBMS) is an Application Software that allows users
to develop, access, and administer a database.
• Data in a database can be added, updated, deleted and searched using a DBMS.
• A DBMS is like a traditional filing system which stores individual groups and
pieces of information.
• Like filing system's cabinet, drawers and folders, a DBMS consists of separate
components of information.
Database Software
• Relational database systems are the most common DBMS.
• Relational database organize data into separate structures, which can be linked via
common information to make data storage more efficient.
• A relational DBMS has the following basic components.
• Tables
• Forms
• Queries
• Report
Tables
• A database is comprised one or more tables or relations which is a group of related data
items and contains the records for an entity.
• Tables are made up of records and records are made up of rows and columns holding the
actual data items.
• For example a student table might hold the information in the form of database table.
Forms
• Form is graphical user interface used to communicate with the database.
• They are used to enter data in the database.
• A form consists of text boxes, password fields, checkboxes and other input objects.
• These objects facilitate the user to communicate with the database easily.
• The user can also access, update and delete data by using forms.
• The application programmers can develop database forms in different ways.
• Some databases like MS Access enable the users to create forms the database automatically by using
wizards.
• Some important advantages of forms are as follows:
• Forms are easy to operate.
• They provide attractive interface for users.
• The user can use forms without technical knowledge.
Queries
• Query is used to search the data items available in the database tables.
• It uses standard language like Structured Query Language (SQL) to manipulate the data
items in the tables.
Report
• Report is meaningful information that is extracted from the database.
• It is generated on the basis of one or more SQL queries.
• Reports are the output of database applications.
• They are used to locate and arrange data in a formatted way.
• The information retrieved through reports is arranged in different ways.
• A report can present the data in form of tables, records and graphs etc.
• Advantages
• Reports provide efficient result from database.
• It helps in making important decision.
• It can be printed and mailed easily
Database Applications
• Microsoft Access
Database Applications
• Oracle
Database Applications
• SQL Server
Graphics Software
• Graphics packages are application programs that allow users to create, edit, display and print graphic
images.
• They enable a user to manipulate visual images on a computer.
• Category Based Features of Graphics Software
• Sketch Design
• Paint Feature
• Photo Editing
• Multimedia Authoring
• Web Page Authoring
Category Based Features of Graphics Software
• Sketch Design
• The sketch design feature allows users to create design objects of different shapes and
sizes. These include lines, circles, rectangles etc.
• Users need not to worry about the exact shapes of objects as the package adjusts the
dimensions of the shape according to the base of a design.
• Special features allow the users to rotate, flip, move and resize the objects dimensions.
Category Based Features of Graphics Software
• Paint Feature
• The paint feature is used to paint designs of different varieties on the display screens.
• It is used to create colorful graphics on the screen without using original paints.
• Most paint features provide the tools in the form of icons.
• By selecting an icon, user can perform functions associated with the tool.
Category Based Features of Graphics Software
• Photo Editing
• Photo editing feature is used to edit and customize digital photos.
• It allows users to save images in a wide variety of file formats.
• Besides this users can retouch images, crop images, change image shape, re-arrange
objects in photos and apply filters to the images.
Category Based Features of Graphics Software
• Multimedia Authoring
• Multimedia authoring permits users to merge text, audio/video and graphics
/animations in an application.
• User can bring interactivity by controlling the placement of text and duration of audio
and video clips.
• Animations can also be inserted at the required places of application.
• E-learning applications can also be developed by using multimedia authoring tools and
can be burnt on CD/DVD for students.
Category Based Features of Graphics Software
• Web Page Authoring
• Web page authoring allows users to create web pages that include images, audio/video,
graphics/animations and other special effects.
• They are used to make the web pages more attractive and interacting.
Some Commonly Used Graphics Packages
• Adobe Photoshop
Some Commonly Used Graphics Packages
• Corel Draw
Some Commonly Used Graphics Packages
• Macromedia Free Hand
Communication Packages
• Communication packages are application programs that are used to facilitate
communication between two nodes (computers, mobiles etc.).
• They allow the users to send and receive data over communication system.
• The data transfer may be between two nodes or between networks of nodes.
• The features of a communication package include the following:
• Data upload i.e. send the data from the user node to another node
• Data download i.e. receive the data on the user node
• User session maintenance i.e. recognize individual user during live communication
• Support of file transfer i.e. send and receive files over the network
Communication Packages
• Application packages for communication include the following:
• Web browser
• FTP(File Transfer Protocol)
• SMS (Short Messaging Services)
Personal Assistance Packages
• Personal assistance package allows users to store and retrieve their personal information.
• They are also used to plan and manage contacts, meetings, finances and other important
information.
• Category based of personal assistance packages includes the following:
• Calendar
• Calendar enables users to record appointments and meetings.
• It alerts the user for the upcoming events and also inform in case of any conflicts when a
new event is scheduled.
• It also allows users to browse the previous events with brief descriptions.
Personal Assistance Packages
• To Do List
• To do list arranges the task to perform by the user.
• A user can plan and prioritize the tasks with intimation targets and deadlines.
• Address Book
• Address book maintains the names, addresses, telephone numbers, and other related
information about friends, relatives and officials.
• User can also search the particulars of known persons when required.
Personal Assistance Packages
• Personal Finance
• Personal finance helps users to balance their checkbooks, maintain bill’s records and track
personal income/expenses and setup the budget.
• Tax Preparation
• Tax preparation guide individuals, families or small businesses prepare the taxes.
• Legal cases preparations assist in preparation of legal documents and provide legal
information to the concerned users.
How Software Works (Installation and Un-installation)
• Installation of a computer program is the method of making a program ready for execution
and use.
• The process varies for each program, computer, and the operating system.
• There is a program called installer which comes with every software.
• The installer is responsible for doing whatever is needed for their installation.
• When software is installed on a personal computer; a series of functions are performed
before and behind the screen.
How Software Works (Installation and Un-installation)
• Common measures performed during software installations include:
• Study the features of different software versions and select the appropriate one as per your
requirement.
• Make sure that system requirements are available.
• If software is already installed, it can be upgraded according to the latest version.
• Install only the licensed copy of the software.
Install a New Software Program
• If you are installing software downloaded from the Internet, you simply download the installer and it
starts working.
• If software is burnt on a CDROM, installer will run automatically when the CD is inserted into the
CD Rom.
• The exact procedure may vary from one program to other.
• However; the setup.exe is a file which is provided with the installation package of most of the
application software. When the user double clicks the setup.exe, the installer first unzips the files to
a location in a temporary directory.
Install a New Software Program
 Install a New Software Program
• Next a license agreement comes up which urges upon the user either to agree Or disagree,
here user agrees to move forward.
• Next the installer prompts the User for location of the program.
• The user gives the appropriate location and the process moves forward.
Install a New Software Program
Install a New Software Program
• Now the installer can copy the relevant program files to the target location in the
destination directory provided by the user.
• An application is generally made up of many individual files.
• Most of the files are stored in the application's destination directory.
• The installer continues the installation in the destination file till the completion of process.
Install a New Software Program
Install a New Software Program
• The Windows Registry is a hierarchical database that stores settings and preferences for software and
hardware.
• It contains configuration information about low-level operating system components and applications
running on the platform.
• The recently installed program also stores settings information in the registry.
• The software installer updates the information of system registry by adding information about new
program and set default settings for the application.
• Please do not try to modify the registry at your own without any technical assistance.
• Many installers provide shortcuts at the Desktop or Start Menu to invoke the installed program.
• After completing the installation, it deletes all the files which were created temporarily.
• Finally, a message is displayed that the program has been installed and the new software is ready to use.
Uninstall a Program
• If a user wants to remove a program, it needs to be uninstalled from the PC.
• Some programs provide an uninstall link or icon in the application directory, however in
Windows XP user can uninstall a program by using Add Or Remove option available in the
control panel.
• The user clicks on the control Panel and selects Add/Remove programs.
• A panel appears comprising of installed program.
• The user selects the required program and clicks the remove button.
• The uninstaller eliminates the program files along with the folder that it created and also
removes relevant entries in the system registry.
Uninstall a Program
Lecture 5 Summary
• Computer Software
• Types of Computer Software
• Communication Packages
• How Software Works (Installation and Un-installation)
• Uninstall a Program
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