The document outlines the meaning and types of computer software, including operating systems and application software. It explains the function of operating systems as programs that manage computer resources and support application software. Additionally, it categorizes application software into basic and specialized applications, describing their purposes and examples.

1. CMT 04212: COMPUTER APPLICATIONS
Session 3:
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
By: Ramadhani Chibwana
Victor Mwambije

2. Learning Objectives
Meaning of computer software
Types of computer software
Differentiate between operating system and
application software
Explain function of computer software

3. COMPONENTS OF COMPUTER cont…..
Computer Software
Computer software are programs that tell the computer what to do
OR
Programs which consist of the step-by-step instructions that tells the
computer how to do its work.
TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
1. Operating system(System software)
2. Application software
3. Programming software- java,HTML
4. Harmful software- VIRUS, WORMS, TROJAN HORSE

4. Operating system
 Is a set of programs that controls and managers the software and
hardware resources of a computer.
Example:
windows2000
Windows7
Windows XP
UBUNTU
LINUX
Windows 8
Windows 10

5. Controls the workings of the computer generally: the user interacts
primarily with application software.
System software enables the application software to interact with the
computer hardware.
System software is ‘background’ software that helps the computer to
manage its own internal resources.
System software is not a single programme; rather it is a collection of
programmes.
Operating system…

6. Operating system…
Operating system (OS) has three main functions:
I. Manage the computer's resources, such as the central processing
unit, memory, disk drives, and printers
II. Establish a user interface
III. Execute and provide services for applications software.

7. Three Categories of Operating Systems
 Embedded operating system – Is the one pertaining to code or a
command that is built into its carrier.
 Network operating system - operating system specifically designed
to support networking.
 Example windows server 2016
 Stand alone operating system- Is the one used in a device that does
not require support from another device or system, for example, a
computer that is not connected to a network.
3 January, 2023 7

8. Applications software
 Accept input from the user and then manipulates its to achieve the
output.
 Programs designed to do a specific task designed mainly for users.
These programs can be categorized into two parts
1) basic applications.
2) Specialized applications

9. Application software
 Includes
 Business software
 Health software
 Graphics software
 Educational
 Communication

10. Basic Applications
Also known as general-purpose applications, they are widely
used in nearly all career areas.
They are programs that one must know to be considered
‘competent’ in computing.
Example of basic applications
 Ms office package(2003,2007,2010,2013)
 Mozilla fire fox, VLC etc

11. Specialized Applications
 Also known as special-purpose applications, these include thousand of
other programs that are more narrowly focused on specific
occupations.
 Some of the best known are graphics audio, video, web authoring,

12. Communications software
 Enables your computer to use a modem and telephone lines to
exchange information with another computer equipped with a modem
and communications software.

13. Application software
 Application software is designed to help you accomplish a certain kind of
task. You might want to calculate your income taxes, write marketing
proposals, letters, or reports, pay bills, maintain a mailing list, or control
product inventory.
 There are thousands of application programs you can choose from.
Word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, and
computer-aided design (CAD) systems are just some of the many
software applications available.
 Word processing software is used to create, edit, save, and print text.
Word processing software is commonly used for producing letters,
memos, reports, and envelopes.

14.  A spreadsheet is a table of cells arranged in rows and columns into
which numerical data and mathematical formulas can be entered
and manipulated. A spreadsheet can be used for most mathematical
and financial projects. Budgets, cash flow projections, stock price
tracking, and balance sheets are just some of the possible
applications.
 Database management software allows you to effectively manage a
database. It enables you to retrieve needed information, print
reports, and update your records quickly and easily.

15.  Desktop publishing software enables you to combine text and
graphics to produce typeset-quality documents. Newsletters,
brochures, pamphlets, books, and manuals all can be designed using
desktop publishing software.
 Computer-Aided Design (CAD) software enables the computer to
replace traditional drafting and illustrations tools. It is used to create
architectural and engineering drawings.
 Utility software helps to analyze, configure, optimize and maintain
the computer.
1/3/2023 15

16. Key Points
 Computer software are programs that tell the computer what to do
 Application software is designed to help you accomplish a certain kind
of task.
 Operating System is a set of programs that controls and managers the
software and hardware resources of a computer.
 System software enables the application software to interact with the
computer hardware

17. Evaluation
 What is computer software?
 Types of computer software
 Differentiate between operating system and application software
 Explain the advantage and disadvantages of using computer software
in documentation and record management
 Explain function of computer software

18. References
Herniter, M.E. (2000). Personal Computer
Fundamentals for Students, Hardware Windows
2000 Application. (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall.
Joos, I. Whitman, N., Smith, M., et al. (2006).
Introduction to Computers for Healthcare
Professionals. (4th ed.). London: Barb Mews.
Morris, M. & Charles, M. (2003). Logol
Computer Designer Fundamentals. Prentice Hall.
O’leary, T. & O’leary, L. (2006). Computing
Essentials, Introductory Edition. Boston Burr
Ridge: Arizona State University