This document provides an overview of computer software, including its development process and main types. It discusses how software works by explaining the steps to turn algorithms into programs the computer can understand. The main types of software are applications software, systems software (operating systems, utilities), and language translators. Operating systems like Windows, Mac OS, and Unix are described as interfacing between the user and computer. Utility software helps with tasks like antivirus protection and file backups. The document concludes by discussing command line versus graphical user interfaces and asking the reader to research and report on various operating systems for home business use.

1. What is Computer Software?

2. Hardware vs Software
Got to have both to get the job done!

3. How does Software work?
 Algorithms have to be written
 Algorithm turned into computer language
 Another specialized program turned this
language into something the computer
understands
 Software development – multi-step process
 First programmer – Grace Hooper – created
FLOW MATIC (later known as – COBOL)

4. Types of Software
 Applications
Software
 Systems Software
 Operating systems
 Utilities
 Language translators

5. Applications Software

6. Operating Systems
 Interface
between user and the
computer
 Many brands
 Windows – designed for processor Intel
 Macintosh computers use processor
made by Motorola - OS

7. Utility Software
 Helps perform housekeeping chores
 Tasks include:
 Antivirus programs
 Copy file from hard drive to another location
 Convert graphics file so it can be used by
another program
 Backup copy of hard drive

8. Language Translators
 Converts code written in English to a
language the computer can understand
 Translator helps computer process data
I don’t
understand! I
need a
translator.

9. Operating Systems
 Mac OS
 DOS
 Windows
 Unix – portable operating system (can run on
just about any hardware platform)
 Networking Operating System – group of two
or more computers to be connected
 Window NT
 Novell’s Netware
 IBM’s Warp Server

10. User Interfaces
 Determines how user friendly the
computer is
 Part we interact with when using the
computer
 Command-line interface such as DOS
 Graphical interfaces such as Windows

11. Command Line
 Early computers used only this
 Have to memorize codes
 Not very user friendly
 Not colorful – usually written in black and
white
 No pictures

12. Graphical User interfaces
 Came about with menus
 Graphical user interface (GUI)
 Came about with Apple’s development
of Macintosh Finder
 Pictures (icons) represent software
 Colorful
 Contributed to the explosion of computer
use.

13. Project
 Research the three operating systems:
 Mac OS v.?
 Windows XP or Vista
 Unix
 Determine advantages and
disadvantages of each, create a two
page report on your findings. Which one
do you think would be the best for
someone to use in a home business.