Computer Software Digital Literacy

Software Categories There are two main type of software categories Operating Systems Software Application Software Each serve a different but important part in the information processing cycle.

Understanding Operating Systems

Operating Systems

Operating System’s Job Booting: The events that occur between the time you turn the computer on and when it becomes ready to use. Six Events of the Boot Process Power up Start the boot software Power-on self-test Identify peripheral devices Load operating system Check configurations and customizations

Operating System Software for Personal Computers The Operating System is the master controller on your computer. Computers cannot function without it. It manages the computer's memory, processing, software, and hardware.

Types of Operating Systems The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux.

Most Popular OS? https://www.netmarketshare.com

Windows Operating System Characteristics Almost 90% of the computer users in the world use the Windows Operating System. Pros: Lots of software available, easy to use, and many people learn it in school Cons: More vulnerable to virus attacks, slower, and expensive

Mac operating System Characteristics MAC OS was the first ever successful graphical-based operating system, released one year before Windows! Pros: Fewer viruses—(mostly because of Window superior market share)— Mac OSX has less crashes and is faster than other operating systems. Cons: Mac OS software and Mac computers are more expensive and have fewer apps and games than Windows PCs.

Linux Operating System Characteristics Less popular operating system than Windows or MAC OS, but growing Pros: You can download it, install it, use it, and customize it FREE! It can often be used for months without needing to be rebooted. Cons: It is complicated to use, requires someone with training to customize it, and it does not have as many programs or games available.

Graphical User Interface Modern operating systems use Graphical User Interface, or GUI (pronounced gooey) GUI is a graphics-based interface GUI lets you use a mouse to access or move things, click on icons, buttons, and menus. Icon: An image or graphic that represents an executable file Menu: A dropdown list or table of executable options

Operating Systems for Mobile Devices Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and mp3 players run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile devices. They are generally not as fully-featured as those made for desktop or laptop computers. Notice the types different types of Operating Systems for mobile devices shown above.

Understanding Applications

Review Application or App? An application (or app) is software designed to help the user perform specific tasks. Applications for desktop or laptop computers are called application software. Applications for mobile devices are called mobile apps. Multitasking is running more than one application at the same time.

App vs. Application Review: Mobile apps are simple applications that can be downloaded from the Internet cheaply or even for free. Many apps are available for mobile devices and even some TVs. Application Software or Desktop Applications are full-featured software that allow you to run complex programs like a word processor, spreadsheet, computer game, or web browser.

What type of application software should you use? Click on the ovals below to learn about common application software and what they are used for. Application Software Word Processing Spreadsheet Presentation Database Graphics & Multi-media

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There is never an end to the possibilities in the world of computing! Works Cited http://www.informatics-tech.com/ http://www.gcflearnfree.org/ The End! There is never an end to the possibilities in the world of computing!

Word Processing Software Word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents that contain text and graphics. Go Back

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Database Software Collects and manages large amounts of data: Go Back

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Spreadsheet Software Used to organize numeric information in columns and rows. Lets you perform mathematic calculations Go Back

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Presentation software Communicates ideas, messages, and other information to a group through a slide show. Go Back

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Graphics & Multimedia software Software that allows you to create, play, and edit photo, audio, and video files. Desktop Publishing Software Computer Aided Design (CAD) Go Back

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