Unit 1

Information Technology Systems

• Learning Aim A - Digital Devices in IT Systems
• A3 – Computer Software in IT System
 Learning Objectives
• IT System Paradigm
• Software Fundamentals
• Logical instruction
• Program
• Software
• The role of software in an IT system
• Classification of Software – System and Application
 IT System
Paradigm

IT
Hardwa Softwar
System
re e
s
 Software
Fundamentals
Logical
instruct Progra Softwar
ion m e
 Logical Instruction
• A specific order and method instructed to someone
or something to perform a task or calculation or
process.
• In the computer science context, the instructions are
referred to as logical instructions that manipulate
binary values (inputs) to perform logical
operations such as AND, OR, exclusive OR, NOT etc.,
 Program
• A computer program is a set of clear, ordered, logical
sequence of computational instructions written in a
programming language and fed into the computer for
execution to accomplish a task or solve a problem.
• Program is developed transforming the algorithm (blue
print of the logic) that a computer can understand.
• Detailed plan or procedure for solving a problem with a
computer
 Software
• A set of programs put together collectively is
referred to as a Software or an Application
 Software

Type
s

Applicati
System
on
 System Software
• System software is a collection of programs
developed to trigger the functionalities of the
hardware units and applications by managing its
resources - memory, processors, and devices.
• Serves as a platform to install the application
software
 Operating
System

Utility Device
Software Drivers

• Newer type of firmware

• More features than BIOS

Syste
• Platform independent
• Has larger boot volume than
BIOS
• Can boot from high capacity
devices (2 TB or more)
m
Programm Softw
ing
languages
translator
are Firmware

UEFI
(unified
extensible BIOS
firmware
interface)
 System Software – Operating
System
• Vital software
• Provides a working platform
• Controls the functionality of the hardware components
• It manages the flow of data between the hardware resources
• Can install additional software with the operating system and add-ons to improve
user experience.
• OS is initially loaded into the computer by a BIOS from ROM which then controls and
manages all the other application software
• API (Application Program Interface) - The application software use the OS by services
requested via API.
• UI (User Interface), Graphical User Interface (GUI) and Command-line interface
(CLI) - Users with the OS through UI, CLI and GUI.
 System Software – Utility
software
• Utilities are programs that help maintain and
optimize a computer's performance.
• Examples of utility programs include file managers,
virus scanners, and disk defragmenters.
• Utility programs are usually bundled with the
operating system or can be downloaded from the
internet.
 Utility Software
• Software that performs routine tasks
• Some examples include:
• security checks
• identifying and removing viruses
• cleaning up files
• software updates
• backing up data
• issuing warnings or alerts that updates or backups are required
• managing peripheral devices (such as cameras, printers and webcams).
• Improve performance
• Occupies storage space based on its functionality
Factors affecting the choice and
performance of utility software
• User requirements
• Performance factors – depend upon the memory
storage of the utility software
• Other factors – bandwidth, conflicts (concurrence)
with other utility software
• Examples:
• multiple antivirus applications running on one device
• memory failures
 Application Software
• Applications developed for a specific purpose
• Examples:
• Word processors
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation software
• Any software applications developed for clients – banking
applications etc.,
Features of Application Software
• Create, Edit and Save files.
• Perform calculations.
• Creating and formatting documents.
• Email software
• Browsers/Search engines.
• Graphical applications.
 Purpose of an Application
Software
• Enables business to cut costs
• Increase productivity
• Improve quality
Factors that affect the choice, use and
performance of Application Software
• Ease of use
• Familiarity
• Interoperability
 Types of OS
• Open Source
• Proprietary
 Open Source OS/software
• What is Source code?

• Source code written collaboratively – contributed by more

than one programmer
• Advantage: free, programmers can contribute their creativity
and skills globally
• Can download open source code, amend and use
• Disadvantage – can be edited by malicious programmers
 Proprietary OS/software
• OS/software owned by an organization
• Examples:
• Developed by more than one programmer but …
• What is the difference between this group and the group of programmers of
open source?
• They are licensed – copyrights reserved, should be purchased
(expensive)
• Amendments not allowed
• Patches and updates: ??
 User interfaces
• A method of communicating between the system and its
users
 Types of User interfaces
• Command line
• GUI
• Menu based
 Command line interface
• OS commands given at the command prompt
• Example: C:\
• DOS OS has command line interface
• User should know OS commands
• Used to operate lower specification computers
 Menu based interface
• Menu based functions
• Advantage: Requires less memory than GUIs
• Examples: menu options in mobile,
 Comparative Analysis of Command
line, Menu driven and GUI interfaces
CLI GUI Menu
Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages Advantages Disadvantages
Requires fewer system Steep learning curve.
resources
Efficient for experienced Not user-friendly for
users. beginners.

Allows for complex Requires memorization of

scripting and automation. commands.
 GUI based interface
• Need not input commands
• Has windows, pull down menus, buttons, scroll bars and
icons
• Advantages:
• Easier for novice to use the system
• universal accessibility – millions of users can use with less or no
prior training
• Very much useful for physical and mental disability users
 File types
• File types
• Text
• Image
• Audio
• Video
 File formats
• Image file types include:
• • .bmp (BITMAP) •
• .tif (TIFF) •
• .jpg ( JPEG) •
• .gif (GIF) •
• .raw (RAW).
 File formats
• Video file types include:
• • .mov (MOV)
• • .avi (AVI)
• • .mp4 (MPEG4)
 File formats
• Application software file types:
• Word (.docx)
• Excel (.xlsx)
• Access (.mdb)
Compare and Contrast the
different File formats
 Further Reading
• User interfaces - Human computer interfaces (HCI) - GCS
E ICT Revision - WJEC - BBC
Bitesize
 Plenary
• Research the internet and prepare a report in a
Word document on the following:
• Examples of operating systems
• Examples of utility software
• Examples of application software
 Plenary
• Research the internet and prepare a report in a
Word document on the following:
• Other UI apart from GUI, Menu driven and Command line
interface
 Plenary
• Think about what has influenced you in your choice of
software and devices for your own personal use. What
choices would you make now, based on what you have
learnt in this unit so far?
Hint: 1. Identify the devices and software you use and make
a list.
2. Analyse and evaluate the advantages and
disadvantages of each item
on your list.
3. Then consider which devices and software you