The document discusses different aspects of computer software. It explains that computer hardware requires software programs to function and direct operations. There are two main types of software: systems software like operating systems, and applications software for specific tasks. Applications software can be custom software for large organizations or commercial packages for personal use like word processors and games. The document then focuses on the Microsoft Windows operating environment, describing its graphical user interface and role in facilitating interactions between the user and computer system. It also provides guidelines for evaluating instructional software and online educational resources.

2. Whenever people think about computers,
they are most likely thinking about the computer
machine such as the television like monitor
screen, the keyboard to type on, the printer
which produces copies of text-and-graphics
material, and the computer circuits (the central
processing unit) that receives stores data and
directs computer operations.

3. The computer
machine or hardware is
naturally an attention-
getter . It’s more difficult
to realize, however, that
the computer hardware
can hardly be useful
without the program or
system that tells what the
computer machine should
do. This is also called the
software.

4. There are two kinds of software:
 The systems software. This is the operating
system that is found or bundled inside all
computer machines .
 The applications software . This contains the
system that commands the particular task or
solves a particular problem .

5. In turn the applications software may be:
(a) a custom software that is made for specific
tasks often by large corporations, or
(b) a commercial software packaged for
personal computers that helps with a variety
of task such as writing papers calculating
numbers, drawing graphs, playing games,
and so much more.

6. Microsoft Windows
Also referred to as a program,
Microsoft windows for short is an operating
environment between the user and the
computer operating system. Also called a
shell, it is a layer that creates the way the
computer should work .

7. Windows uses a colorful graphics
interface
(called GUI-pronounced “gooce”)that can be
seen on the computer screen or monitor
whenever the computer is turned on .

8. The user can work with on-screen
pictures (icons) and suggestions (menus) to
arrive at the desired software .Windows 95
(now improved with Windows 2003, 2007)is
a software designed for Microsoft Windows.

9. Actually, Windows is in itself a self-
contained operating system which
provides :
 User convenience-just click a file name to
retrieve data or click from program to
program as easy as changing channels in
your TV screen.
 A new look-fancy borders, smooth and
streamlined text fonts.

10.  Information center-Windows puts all
communications activities (e-mail,
downloads etc. in a single screen
icon);adapts/configures the computer for the
Internet.
 Plug and play-configures the computer with
added components, such as for sound and
video.

11. Instructional software
Instructional software
can be visited on the Internet
or should be bought from
software shops or dealers. The
teacher through his school
should decide on the best
computer-based instructional
(CBIs) materials for the school
resource collection .

12. But beware since CBIs need much
improvement, while web-based
educational resources are either
extremely good or what is complete
garbage is evaluating computer-based
educational materials, the following can
serve as guidelines:

13.  Be extremely cautious in using CBIs and
‘free’ Internet materials.
 Don’t be caught up by attractive
graphics,sound,animation,pictures,video
clips and music forgetting their instructional
worth.
 Teachers must evaluate these resources
using sound pedagogical principles.

14.  Among design and content elements to
evaluate are text legibility, effective use of
color schemes attractive layout and design,
and easy navigation from section-to-section
(such as from game to tutorial to drill-and-
practice section).
 Observe clarity in the explanations and
illustrations of concepts and principles.

15.  Maintain
accuracy,coheren
ce, logic of
information.
 Are they being
current since
data/statistics
continually
change.

16.  Are they relevant and
effective in attaining
learning objectives?
 Observe absence of
biased materials (e.g.
gender bias or racial
bias).

17. Prepared by: John Santos M. Nacional
Prof. Rubi R.Orbeta