1. Welcome to Computing Fundamentals
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2. Computing Fundamentals
Computer Software
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
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3. Hardware vs. Software
Hardware is any physical device associated with your computer.
Software is the instructions that make the hardware work.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Most hardware must have software to function.
Hardware is any physical part of a computer.
Software is not physical; it only exists as sets of instructions inside the hardware that tells the hardware how to perform.
Hardware devices are used to enter data into the computer:
Mouse
Keyboard
Scanner
Microphone
Digital Camera
Digital Video Camera
Software—specific programmed instructions—processes the data that you enter into the computer according to specific rules and guidelines.
You get results through the monitor, printer, speakers, or other devices.
These output devices are the interface between you and the computer, and software makes it all happen.
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4. Computer Software There are two basic types of software:
Applications software
Systems software
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Software is also called a program; applications are groups of similar programs working together.
Without an operating system and system utilities, the computer cannot run any applications or programs.
There are three basic kinds of software functions:
Running the operating systems
Running applications
Running networks
Most computer software can be placed into two basic groups:
Applications software
Systems software
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5. Software Development Terms
Terms about software to know:
Programming
Debugging
Beta review
Quality control
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Programming
Writing the instructions, or code, that makes a program perform a task
Debugging
Finding and correcting errors in code
Quality control
Internal testing of software to make sure it works right
Beta review/testing
Testing of software to make sure it works right before it is released
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6. Installing New Applications
Close all open applications.
Insert the CD-ROM or click Download.
3. Use the installation wizard.
4. Restart the computer.
5. Open the new application.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
New software typically comes on CD- or DVD-ROMs, or it can be downloaded directly from Web sites.
To install new applications:
Close all open applications.
Insert the CD/DVD-ROM into the appropriate disk drive (the computer will display an error if you don’t get it in the right drive), OR download the software from a Web site. An installation wizard appears that guides you through the setup process.
When the installation is complete, the computer may prompt you to shut down the computer and start it again. If you see a message of this type, click OK or FINISH to restart the system.
After the computer restarts, you can double-click the new icon on your desktop to open the application.
It is a good idea to register software so that when upgrades are available, you’ll be notified immediately.
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7. Upgrading Software Software is always being revised to make it better.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Application software is identified by a version number when it is developed or updated.
Reasons for upgrading software:
New features
Fixes for problems and bugs
Compatibility with new hardware or software
Benefits:
Has new functionality
Can use new hardware and software
Drawbacks:
Incompatibility
Risks of being an early adopter
Conflict with existing programs
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8. Software Categories Word Processing Spreadsheet Database Presentation
Graphic / Multimedia
Other
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
There are several software categories:
Word Processing
Spreadsheets
Database
Presentation
Graphic/Multimedia
Other
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9. Word Processing Concepts
Documents
Editing
Formatting
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Fundamental concepts of Word Processing include:
Creating documents
Editing documents
Formatting documents
Adding Graphics to documents
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10. Word Processing Uses Use word processing to create: Letters Memos
Reports
Books
Web pages
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Desktop publishing includes:
Printed materials that combine text and graphics
Newsletters, brochures, or business cards
Page-layout software applications, such as QuarkXPress or Adobe InDesign
Create short documents such as letters and memos.
Create long documents such as reports and books.
Create specialized documents such as Web pages.
Word processing software can be used to create relatively simple Web pages. For more complex Web design, use specific software such as Microsoft FrontPage or Adobe GoLive.
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11. Spreadsheet Concepts Workbooks are made up of one or more worksheets.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Worksheets are also known as a spreadsheet.
A table is made up of columns and rows.
The intersection of a column and a row is known as a cell.
Cells are identified by the column letter and row number (e.g., B4, U8, A1), known as a cell address.
Text and numbers can be entered into worksheet cells.
Numerical values and cell addresses can be included in a formula or a function, a special kind of formula that performs a specific type of action.
Workbook
A workbook is made up of multiple worksheets.
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12. Spreadsheet Uses Use a spreadsheet application for: Numbers Text
Formulas
Functions
Charts
Sorting
Filtering
Analyzing
Reports
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Spreadsheets are generally used for calculating numerical data.
Use a spreadsheet application for:
Numbers/values
Text
Formulas and Functions
Charts/graphs
Sorting data
Filtering data
Analyzing data
Reports
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13. Presentation Software Concepts
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Presentation software is used to create and displays on-screen slide shows.
Presentation software includes:
Slides
Slide masters
Speaker notes
Handouts
Notes Pages
Outline View
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14. Presentation Software Uses
Business
Training
Education
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Presentations can be delivered:
On a computer screen
On an overhead projector
Over the Internet
Purposes:
Business
Training
Education
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15. Database Concepts Records Fields Tables Queries Reports Forms
Key Fields
Relational databases
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
A database is a collection of related information.
Database management software (DMS):
Organizes information
Uses information
Examples: FileMaker Pro; Microsoft Access
Information can be entered in any order and then moved around in any order to create reports about the data.
Databases usually have the same basic structure:
Fields (also known as columns)
Records (also known as rows)
Tables
Queries
Reports
Forms
Key Fields
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16. Database Uses Databases are used to sort, record, and analyze data.
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Large business and enterprise databases manage large amounts of complex data. Examples include:
Airline reservation systems
Library systems
Individual, school, or small business databases are used for:
Small amounts of data
Less-complex data
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17. Graphic and Multimedia Concepts
BMP
GIF
JPEG
WAV
MP3
MOV
QuickTime
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Art software uses either raster or vector graphic reading and editing methods to create, edit, and view art.
Different kinds of media are saved in different file formats:
Graphic:
.bmp—Bitmap
.gif—Graphic Interface Format
.jpg—Joint Photographic Experts Group
.tiff—Tagged Image File Format
Audio:
.wav—Windows Wave
MP3—MPEG Audio Layer 3
Movies:
.mov
QuickTime
Flash—a programming tool used for animation, creates files in the Small Web Format (SWF)
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18. Graphic and Multimedia Uses
Brochures
Advertisements
Informational materials
Music
Videos
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Graphic software is used for
Graphic design
Multimedia development
Image editing
Accessing graphic files
Using graphic software, you can create professionally designed:
Brochures
Advertisements
Informational materials
Music
Videos
Graphic and multimedia programs have become easier to use, so they promote creativity.
Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, and CorelDRAW are some popular multimedia programs.
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19. Utility Software File compression Disk compression Virus detection
Disk maintenance
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
There are different utility software types for specific uses.
File-compression programs (sometimes called zipping):
Large files can be compressed—made smaller for storage or transferring.
Best for text files and .bmp graphic files.
.jpg and .gif files are already compressed.
Disk compression programs:
Usually creates a single large file, which becomes a virtual hard drive.
When information needs to be stored to the hard disk, the utility will compress the information.
When information needs to be read, the utility will decompress the information.
Anti-virus programs help protect your system from unwanted virus and detect viruses as they try to invade the system.
Disk maintenance programs help the system run at optimum speed and performance.
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20. Other Software Financial and accounting Electronic mail Web-browsing
Web-page authoring
Integrated software
Specialized software
INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
Other software programs include:
Personal information management
For example, a contact management system, such as GoldMine, ACT!, and Maximizer.
Financial and accounting, such as Peachtree and Quicken
Electronic mail, including Outlook, Eudora and Netscape
Web-browsers, including Internet Explorer, Safari, Foxfire, Mozilla, and Opera
Web-page authoring programs, used to write Web pages and written using Hypertext Markup Language (HTML)
Integrated software, including Microsoft Office, Corel’s WordPerfect Office, and IBM’s Lotus SmartSuite
Examples of customized programs are an airline reservation and booking program or a restaurant system that tracks food orders.
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21. Software Selection Does the software match the task? INSTRUCTOR NOTES:
When you are deciding which program to use to do a task, you need to think about how well that program may be able to handle future demands.
Software vendors often offer a free trial of software so you can see if the software will do what you want it to.
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