2. Introduction To Software
• Software, also called a program, is a series of related
instructions, organized for a common purpose, that
tells the computer what task(s) to perform and how
to perform them.
• Interaction, You interact with a program through its
user interfaceing text, graphics, and visual images
such as icons.
• An icon is a miniature image that represents a
program, an instruction, or some other object.
• You can use the mouse to select icons that perform
operations such as starting a program.
3. • System software consists of the programs
that control or maintain the operations of
the computer and its devices.
• System software serves as the interface
between the user, the application software,
and the computer’s hardware.
• Two types of system software are the
operating system and utility programs.
System Software
4. Operating System
• An operating system is a set of programs that
coordinates all the activities among computer
hardware devices.
• It Provides a means for users to communicate
with the computer and other software.
• Mac OS, Apple’s operating system.
• When computer starts, portions of the operating
system are copied into memory from the hard
disk. These parts remain in memory while the
computer is on.
5. Utility Programs
• A utility program allows a user to perform maintenance-type
tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices, or
its programs.
• For example, You can use a utility program to transfer digital
photos to an optical disc.
• Most operating systems include several utility programs for
managing disk drives, printers, and other devices and media.
• You also can buy utility programs that allow you to perform
additional computer management functions.
6. Application Software
• Application software consists of programs
designed to make users more productive and or
assist them with personal tasks.
• Software allows users to create letters, reports,
and other documents; develop multimedia
presentations; design Web pages and diagrams;
draw images; enhance audio and video clips;
prepare taxes; play games; compose e-mail
messages and instant messages.
7. • Packaged software is mass-produced, copyrighted retail
software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users,
not just a single user or company. Packaged software is
available in retail stores or on the internet.
• Custom software performs functions specific to a business
or industry. Sometimes a company cannot find packaged
software that meets its unique requirements.In this case,
the company may use programmers to develop tailor-made
custom software.
• A Web application is a Web site that allows users to access
and interact with software from any computer or device that
is connected to the Internet. Types of Web applications
include e-mail, word processing, and game programs.
8. • Open source software is software provided for use,
modification, and redistribution. This software has no
restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification
of the software’s internal instructions and its redistribution.
Open source software usually can be downloaded from the
Internet, often at no cost.
• Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed at no
cost for a trial period. To use a shareware program beyond
that period, you send payment to the program developer.
• Freeware is copyrighted software provided at no cost to a
user by an individual or a company that retains all rights to the
software.
• Public-domain software has been donated for public use and
has no copyright restrictions. Anyone can copy or distribute
public-domain software to others at no cost.
