BASIC INFORMATION

TECHNOLOGY 2
1.1 Overview of software
1.2 Types of software
1. COMPUTER SOFTWARE
• The term software is used to describe computer programs that perform a task or tasks on a
computer system.
• Software can also be defined as a series of instructions that tells the hardware how to perform
task. (The instructions that tells the computer what to do. )
There are two types of software:
• System software – Consist of the programs that control the operations of a computer and its
devices. It is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the individual hardware
components of a computer system. Examples: Operating System, firmware, utilities and
device drives.
• Applications Software – Often refered to as "apps," are computer programs designed to help
users perform specific tasks, like writing documents, browsing the internet, or managing
emails, distinct from system software that manages the computer's hardware (consist of
programs that helps end-users to perform specific tasks.). Examples: word processors, web
browsers, spreadsheets, and multimedia software
SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
There are main types of system software:
1.Operating system: An operating system (OS) coordinates all activities among hardware devices
and contains instructions that allows you to run application software (provide an interface between
users and the computer). Examples of OS: Windows 8.1, 10, Linux, Unix, Mac OSX etc.
Understanding different types of Operating Systems:
 By device type
Desktop Operating Systems: Designed for personal computers (PCs), laptops, and
workstations. Examples: Windows (Microsoft), macOS (Apple), Linux (various distributions like Ubuntu, Fedora
Mobile Operating Systems: Optimized for smartphones, tablets, and other portable
devices. Examples: Android (Google), iOS (Apple)
Embedded Operating Systems: Used in specialized devices like cars, appliances, and industrial
equipment. Examples: QNX, VxWork.
 By functionality
Real-Time Operating Systems (RTOS):Designed for applications where timing is critical, such as industrial
control systems and robotics
SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
Network Operating Systems (NOS): Manage and control resources within a network, including file
sharing, user authentication, and printing.
Time-Sharing Operating Systems: Allow multiple users to share a computer's resources
concurrently, switching rapidly between users.
Distributed Operating Systems: Manage resources across a network of interconnected computers,
enabling resource sharing and collaboration.
Batch Operating Systems: Process jobs in a sequential manner, without user interaction, often used
for large-scale data processing.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
Open Source vs. Proprietary:
Open Source: Linux, Android (source code is freely available and can be modified).
Proprietary: Windows, macOS (source code is not freely available).

User Interface:
• Graphical User Interface (GUI): Windows, macOS, Android, iOS (visual interface with icons and menus).
• Command-Line Interface (CLI): Linux (text-based interaction).

Cost:
• Some OS are free (Linux, Android), while others require a license fee (Windows, macOS).

Security:
• Different OS have varying levels of security features and are susceptible to different types of threat
SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
2. Utility program: A Utility program performs specific tasks, usually
related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs and
resources. Examples of Utility program: Antivirus etc.
3. Firmware: A program that is embedded into the memory of hardware
devices to help them operate. It enables hardware like cameras, mobile
phones, network cards, optical drives, printers, routers, scanners, and
television remotes to function smoothly.
4. Device drives: a piece of software that enables communication
between an operating system or application and hardware or peripheral
devices. It serves as a bridge between the different components of a
computer, allowing them to interact with each other.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
Some Windows Utilities:
• Backup is a utility program included with the many versions of Windows
that makes a copy of all files or selected files that have been saved onto a
disk. It helps to protect you from the effects of a disk failure.
• Disk Cleanup is a trouble-shooting utility that identifies and eliminates
nonessential files. This frees up valuable disk space and improves system
performance.
• Disk Defragmenter is a utility program that locates and eliminates
unnecessary fragments and rearranges files and unused disk space to
optimize operations.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE:
Essential programs: Trouble shooting, Antivirus, Uninstall,
Backup and file compression
Device drivers: specialized programs that allow particular
input or output devices to communicate with the rest of the
computer system.
Programming Language translators -convert the programming
instructions written by programmers into a language that
computers understand and process.
Application software is used to accomplish specific tasks.
Application Software
Basic Tools:
Word processors: A device or software program capable of creating, storing, and printing text
documents. It allows users to write and modify text, display it on a screen, save it electronically, and
print it out. Example Microsoft word
Spreadsheets: Computer software that allows the user to enter columns and rows of
numbers in a accounting book like format. Example Microsoft Excel
Database managers: A software tool that allows users to create, manage, and access databases,
ensuring data integrity, security, and efficient retrieval. Example Microsoft Access
• Graphics: A software designed to enable users to work with visual elements, whether it's creating
something from scratch, modifying an existing image, or preparing graphics for various purposes like
presentations, web design, or printing. Example Photoshop
• Presentation: A presentation-based program that uses graphics, videos, etc. to make a
presentation more interactive and interesting. Example Microsoft PowerPoint
The End