Software
What is software?
Software refers to all programs(set of instructions) that can be run on a computer.
what to operating system manages?
system security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system and users
can perform only tasks assigned after entering a password
transfer of data to and from peripherals ex. mouse, printer
system resources, memory and allocation of cpu time to the task being run
Purpose of system software?
developed to SOLVE a specific problem
user oriented and usually written FOR OR BY THE USER
For PERSONAL, BUSINESS or SCIENTIFIC PROCESSING, such as payroll processing, order entry or financial analysis
Custom Written
Developed by the user or users request
INDIVIDUAL OR ORGANIZATIONS DEVELOP SOFTWARE because requirements of the individual or organizations cannot be et by other software's on the market
New software acquired by the organization must work with existing custom software
Specialized Keyboards
No pre-set keys, each can programmed with a wide variety of functions
Often used as a quick and easy way to input items
Braille keyboard allows people whose sight is impaired to use the computer.
Two main categories of software?
system software- software needed for the computer to function.
application software- software needed for users to perform tasks.
what is utilities?
part of an operating systems program that performs a maintenance task.
Types of Application Software?
General Purpose
Source: off the shelf
Special Purpose
Custom-written
Customized
Integrated Package
Customized
Software changed to accommodate needs of the user or organization
The amount of changes made will vary according to the need of the customer
Company may customize package to it fits the details required when it comes to the production of various documents such as INVOICES, PAY SLIPS AND CHEQUES.
Command Line
Allows user to interact with computer typing commands
Provide power and flexibility, that users can go directly to application of their choice and manipulate data to their desire.
It requires that the user remember more information
system software contains
utility programs
operation systems program
translation programs
Function of Utilities?
deleting and copying files
repairing damaged files
providing list of files
backing-up files
sorting
disk scanning
disk fragmentation
formatting
screen saving
renaming files
General Purpose
Not specific to a particular type of business
Provides a way for tasks that are commonly performed in all types of business
Referred to as productivity tools
Some types of general purpose software include, word processing, desktop publishing, spreadsheets, graphic applications etc.
User Interface
Method which user and computer exchange information and instructions.
It is a combination of hardware and software that allows a user to communicate with a computer system.
Menu Driven Interface
Menu displays on screen allowing user to make selection from multiple alternatives.
User does not have to remember special command
This process is slow and restrictive
3 TYPES OF MENU- Bar, Pulldown and Popup Menu
Operating system program does what?
most important program that runs on a computer, every computer must have one to run other programs
make sure that different programs and users running at the same time do not interfere with each other.
controls all hardware devices
What is translators?
part of the system software that is used to convert the code in programming languages into machine codes.
Special Purpose
Developed for a unique way of doing business, usually within a specific industry
Examples of specific industries, are food service and real estate
Each industry has UNIQUE information processing requirements.
User interface allow input values that will?
Responds to messages presented by the computer
Control the computer
Request information from the computer
Menu consists Three parts
Title- identifies menu and directs user to the choices that can be made
Selection- consists of means for identifying choices and describing these choices
Prompt- asks the user to enter one of the selections
operating system performs what tasks?
recognize input from computer
send output to the display screen
keep track of files and directories on disk
control peripheral(something that can be attached to a computer) devices such as disk drives and printers
Types of Translators?
Compilers- translate language program instructions into machine code ALL AT ONCE
Interpreters- translate language program instructions in into machine code ONE AT A TIME
Assemblers translate assembly language instructions into MACHINE CODE
Integrated packages
Software for personal computers that combines the most commonly used functions of many productivity software programs INTO ONE APPLICATION
ONE example is Microsoft OFFICE
Touch screen
Allows data to be input by touching a screen with finger or other object
The surface consists of programmed touch points, triggering different action when selected by user.
Graphical User Interface
Choose option by pointing mouse at icon representing that option
Easier for BEGINNERS
Easy to exchange information between software using cut, paste and drag, drop
Uses alot of memory and processing power
Can be slower than command-line interface if your an EXPERT USER
Irritating to EXPERIENCE users
Windows XP, Windows Vista, Apple OSX, and Ubuntu all have GRAPHICAL INTERFACE
Characteristics of of a good User Interface, attractive and pleasing to the eye, allow user to try out different option easily, be easy to use, use suitable colors for key areas, use words that are easy to understand, have documentation
YOUNG CHILDREN are likely to prefer pictures to words and people with DISABILITIES may benefit.