SOFTWARE

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 1

SOFTWARE(SW) is a set of computer programs
that runs in the computer.
SW requires to be updated regularly due to the
fact that developer add new features daily.
SW exist in different version.
Categories of SW:-
 System SW

 Application SW

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 2

System SW - is a set of programs
designed to control the operation of a
computer system.
Types of system SW:-
a) Operating system- set of computer
programs that control the overall
operation of the computer. It links
hw and other software
Example of operating system
Windows 2000/windows XP/windows
vista/ubuntu/linux
PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 3
Functions of the OS
It serves as a communication link betn the
user and the hw
It runs other SW programmes and controls
how a programme interacts with the user
It co-ordinates the operations of the
computer system
it maintains the flow of events
It provides the user with tools with which to
manage disks and folders
It manages peripherals.

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 4

 b. Utility sw:- is a special program that performs
commonly used services that makes certain
aspects of computing to go on more smoothly. Eg
copying, pasting, antivirus, fragmentation,
formatting etc. Also defined as a program
designed for general support of the processes of a
computer, translators.
c) Networking sw:-used to establish communication
btn two or more computers
d) Firmware:-is a specific class of computer software that
provides the low-level control for the device's specific
hardware. sw that works in a microchips. Recorded
permanently by manufacturers for example robot
microchip, eg BIOS.

 Application SW :- is task specific program. Developers design

them for specific tasks eg msexcel, msword
 You need to understand applications’ icons and its purpose
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Common SW applications

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 6

Difference between OS and application sw

OS Application SW

Computer cann’t Can function without it

function without it
Link between the Task specific and does
hardware and other SW not form a link with hw
Sets the rules for how Only communicate with
hw functions and hw through other SW
communicate with SW such as OS
Works mainly in the Does not work if not
background opened by a user. Users
works directly in the
application
Acts as a host for other Not a host
applications

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 7

Methods of acquiring software applications
In-house developed programs- these are
programs that are designed and tailored to
meet a particular users needs. For example a
bank may decide to manage its banking
operations using a unique program
developed b hired programmers.
These programs are not available in the
shops and once developed for one user may
not address the needs of other users

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 8

Methods of acquiring software
applications
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. Eg
microsoft office.
But still we have off-the-shelf but single users
eg quickbook.
PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 9
Advantages of off-the shelf over in-house
They are readily available
They can easily be installed
They are cheaper
Since they are tested thoroughly before
release, chances of failure due to errors are
very minimal.

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 10

Criteria for selecting hardware
Processor speed measured in hertz
Main memory capacity(RAM)
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.
A good warranty should cover the following:
The length of warranty eg 6 months or 1 yrs etc
Callout response and liability agreement. Eg incase
of device failure how long will it take to be repaired.
Preventive maintenance- regularity of repair.

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 11

Criteria for selecting hardware
Cost
Upgradability and compatability- a good
hardware is one that can easily be upgraded
to accommodate emergent technologies.
Portability- can easily be carried from one
place to another
User needs

PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 12

Criteria for selecting software
 Authenticity- this refers to genuineness, validity and
legitimacy of the item. Original software must be accompanied
by developers license and certificate of authenticity.
 Documentation-refers to the manual prepared by the
developer having details on how to install and used the
software
 User needs- this determines type of operating system and
application software to be installed in a computer
 User friendliness- how easily can the user use the software.
 Reliability and security- users have confidence with the
software because it offers good security to private information
 Cost
 Compatibility and system configuration
 Portability- can be installed in more than one computer
PREPARED BY Madam WAIGANJO ICT 13