Information Technology Ms. Abeer Helwa

Software

Software They are instructions that tell the computer what to do and how to do it.

Software Operating System Application

1) Operating system Examples of operating system: An interface between hardware and user, which is responsible for the management of activities and the sharing of the resources of a computer. Examples of operating system: MS DOS (Disk Operating System) MS Windows (98 – Me – 2000 – XP – Vista – 7). MAC OS. UNIX.

Operating system Types a. CLI (Command Line Interface): A user interface in which you type commands instead of choosing them from a menu or selecting an icon.

Operating system Types b. GUI (Graphical User Interface): A visual way of interacting with a computer using items such as windows, icons, and menus. It is user-friendly. 7

Operating system Tasks Interface: It provides an interface between the user and the machine. Resource management: Allocates computer resources such as CPU time, main memory, secondary storage, and input and output devices for use.

Operating system Tasks Input/output management: This checks the input and output of the data, their location, storage, and retrieval. File management: Setting up directories to organize your files according to their type and displaying a list of files stored on a particular disk.

2) Application Software Special software to do special functions.

Examples of Applications Word Processor: It is used to write and format texts, insert tables and pictures, e.g. MS Word. Spreadsheet: It is used for automatic calculations and creating charts, e.g. MS Excel. Database: A structured set of data held in a computer, e.g. MS Access.

Examples of Applications Web Browser: A program designed to enable users to access, retrieve and view documents and other resources on the Internet, e.g. Internet Explorer. Presentation: It is used to design slides for business and education, e.g. MS PowerPoint.

Computer Networks

Network Definition It is a set of tow or more connected computers to share resources.

Advantage of using Networks Information sharing. Resources sharing (printers). Software sharing. Information protection (user names and passwords) Emails.

Network Types LAN. WAN.

1) LAN ( Local Area Network) It is a group of computers connected together in the same region or limited area.

2) WAN (Wide Area Network) A network that connects computers over wide geographical area or may be other countries using telephone lines or satellite.

Main Parts of network architecture 1) Client: It is a computer connected to the network and hasn’t any control privilege. 2) Server: It is a computer that is responsible for controlling network resources. 3) Resources: All files, printers and other hardware or software that the network users can share.

Internet (Interconnected Network) It is a global network of inter-connected networks. A system of connected computers that allows your computer to exchange data, messages and files with any of the millions of other connected computers.

Intranet (Internal Network) An Intranet is a network of computers within a private company. It is a close version of the Internet but can only be accessed by authorized members in the same organization.

Extranet (External Network) It is similar to an Intranet but it can be accessed by outsiders who have the permission to access the company’s network.

Note: All of these networks need a modem to work. The speed of modem called Transfer rate and it is measured by bps (bit per second). New modem speed is measured in Mbps or Gbps

Terms WWW (World Wide Web): ISP (Internet Service Provider) A collection of web pages and related resources which are linked together across the internet. ISP (Internet Service Provider) It is a company that provides individuals and other companies access to the Internet, and other related services such as Web site building and virtual hosting.

Terms URL (Uniform Resource Locator) Every page has its own unique address.

Terms Web Browsers: Cookie They are software application used for retrieving and presenting an URL on the World Wide Web. Cookie A file created by an Internet site to store information on your computer.

Terms Web Site Home Page A computer Storage area that contains one or more web pages. Home Page The first web page you see when you lunch Internet Explorer.

Terms Search Engine Is designed to search for information on the World Wide Web.

Terms Downloading Uploading The process of transferring a file from a network computer to a local computer. Uploading The process of transferring a file from your local computer to a network computer.