1. CHAPTER 2 COMPUTER SOFTWARE

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES At the end of this class, students should be able to:  Explain the significance of software  Define and describe the types of system software

3. SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE  The analogy between computer programs and TV programs is a good illustration on the significance of software.  Software is to a computer what programs are to a TV set.  What is the use of having a TV if no programs are broadcast?  The same is true for the computing world: the computer and its peripherals are useless without a wide array of programs to make them useful.

4. SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE 1.A world of diversity  Software aimed for different peoples and is used for a variety of purpose.  For example a personal accounting package, a browser, or integrated management software which gives real- time information to decision makers in an organization.  The fields of activity and issues solved by computer programs are as wide ranging as can be imagined.

5. SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE 2.A structuring resource  Supports users as they manipulate data, gathering and saving it in databases or files.  Having easy access to large quantities of information, decision makers can act with greater confidence.  Organization has the essential tools to perform in a constantly changing environment.

6. SIGNIFICANCE OF SOFTWARE 3.Communications  Software packages govern the way in which we communicate and interact on the vast medium we call the Internet. 4.In effect / Updated  Software is a vital resource for the good functioning and evolution of modern societies.

7. SYSTEM SOFTWARE  Handles technical details  Works with end users, application software and computer hardware  Three types of programs  Utilities  Device drivers  Operating system

8. UTILITIES  Specialized programs to make computing easier.  A type of computer software.  A program that performs a very specific task, usually related to managing system resources.  Specifically designed to help manage and tune the computer hardware, operating system or application software, and perform a single task or a small range of tasks.

9. TYPES OF UTILITIES  Most essential utilities  Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs  Antivirus programs  Uninstall programs  Backup programs  File compression programs

10. TYPES OF UTILITIES Most essential utilities  Troubleshooting or diagnostic programs  Recognize and correct problems  Antivirus programs  Guard computer system against viruses or other damaging programs  Uninstall programs  Allow users to safely and completely remove unneeded programs and related files from hard disk.  Backup programs  Make copies of files to be used in case the originals are lost or damaged.  File compression programs  Reduce the size of files

11. WINDOWS UTILITIES  Backup  Disk Cleanup  Disk Defragmenter

12. BACKUP  Utility program included with many Windows versions  Makes a copy of all files or selected files that have been saved on a disk  Helps prevent against disk failure

13.  Identifies and eliminates nonessential files Frees up valuable space and improves system performance DISK CLEANUP

14. DISK DEFRAGMENTER  Identifies and eliminates unnecessary fragments.  Rearranges files and unused disk space to optimize operations.  Speeds up file access.

15. UTILITY SUITES  A group of several utility programs bundled for sale.  Buying the package is economical.  Examples of popular suites:  McAfee Office  Norton System Works  V Communications SystemSuite

16. DEVICE DRIVERS  Specialized programs that allow communication between a device and the computer.  Loaded into memory each time a computer is started.  When a new device is added, new device drivers must be installed.  For a Plug and Play device, operating system automatically configures new devices as you install them.  Example of Plug and Play device: flash drive

17. OPERATING SYSTEMS (OS)  Coordinates computer resources.  Provide an interface between the users and computer.  Runs applications.  A collection of programs that handle technical tasks.  Every computer has an operating system.  OS often called software environment or platform.

18. FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM  Performs three types of functions 1.Manages computer resources Coordinate memory, processing storage, and printers Monitor system performance Provide security Start-up the computer

19. FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM 2.Provides user interface Command-line interface The user interacts with the operating system by typing commands to perform specific tasks. An example of a command line interface is DOS (disk operating system). Graphical user interface (GUI) The user interacts with the operating system by using a mouse to access windows, icons, and menus. An example of a graphical user interface is Windows Vista, Windows 7, Windows 8.

20. FUNCTIONS OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM 3.Runs applications Multitasking Foreground & background applications The foreground contains the applications the user is working on, and the background contains the applications that are behind the scenes, such as certain operating system functions, printing a document or accessing the network. Users may find all sorts of programs running in the background that they are not aware of.

21. FEATURES OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM Booting  Warm boot Occurs when the computer is already on and users has to restart it without turning off the power.  Cold boot Starting a computer that has been turned off.

22. FEATURES OF AN OPERATING SYSTEM  Features in common with application software  Icons  Pointers  Windows  Menus  Dialog boxes  Help

23. CATEGORIES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS  Three basic categories 1.Embedded operating systems Used for handheld computers and smaller device. 2.Network operating systems Used to control and coordinate computers that are networked and linked together. 3.Stand-alone operating systems Also known as desktop operating system. Control a single desktop or notebook computer.

24. TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS  Operating systems commonly used by individuals  Windows – most widely used  Mac OS – powerful and easy to use  UNIX – network; originally designed for Web  LINUX – non proprietary; free from the Web

25. WINDOWS  The most popular microcomputer operating system – over 90 percent of the market  Comes in a variety of different versions  Windows 8 is the latest version

26. MAC OS  An operating system designed to run on Apple computers  Not used as widely as Windows  Other examples of newer MAC OS versions are:  Mac OS X  Leopard

27. UNIX AND LINUX  UNIX operating system  Originally designed to run on minicomputers on a network  Used by powerful microcomputers  LINUX is a version of UNIX  Not proprietary computer software not licensed under exclusive legal right of its owner.  Open source