practical pc, 7 th edition chapter 3: getting started with software

Practical PC, 7th EditionChapter 3: Getting Started with

Software

Getting Started

• FAQs– How do I know which software will work on my

computer?– How do I install local software?– What about software upgrades and updates?– How do I remove local software?– How do I get started with Web apps?– What about apps for mobile devices?– What’s the significance of software copyrights and

licenses?• Technology: User Interfaces

2Practical PC, 7th Edition

How do I know which software will work on my computer?

• Check the software’s systems requirements– Will specify the operating system and minimum

hardware capacities necessary for software to work correctly.

– Located on the software product box, on the software’s download page, or in its apps store description• Operating system• Check Windows version and bit specs

Practical PC, 7th Edition 3


• Storage– Will specify how much space is needed to store the software

on the permanent storage device.

• Mobile devices– Not all apps work on all mobile devices. Read the app store

description before purchasing.


How do I install local software?

• Software installed on user’s computer is called local software– Two types of software do not have to be installed:

portable apps and Web apps• Portable apps are designed to run from removable

storage devices such as USB flash drives and CDs• Web apps run from a Web server and are accessed

using a browser



• When software is installed: – Some or all of the program modules are

downloaded (copied) to PC’s hard disk– Software’s name is added to Start screen– The program is added to the All Programs menu– The program is added to the Windows Registry,

which keeps track of installed hardware and software



– Usually a setup program is run that triggers the step-by-step installation process• Download software’s files• Find the download• Extract software• Set up software• Configure software• Access software




Figure 3-3

How do I install software?

• Many software applications have to be installed on your computer before you can use them. When you install software: – Some or all of the program modules are copied to

your PC’s hard disk– The program is added to the All Programs menu– The program is added to the Windows Registry,

which keeps track of installed hardware and software

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How do I install software?

• The software installation process is automated by a setup module

• Two categories of software:– Web applications run on a remote Web server– Portable applications are designed to run from a

removable storage device


How do I install software ?


How do I install software ?

• Downloading software is transferring the software from the Internet to your PC– The installation process is usually very similar to

installing programs from a CD– You run a setup program that triggers the step-by-

step installation process


What about software upgrades and updates?

• Types of software upgrades include:– New versions• Version number• Usually requires fee payment

– Software patches, which replace part of the program code



• Software upgrades are usually free and provided over the Internet– The software’s Preferences or Options menu gives

options for handling updates:• Manual• Notification• Automatic



• Types of software upgrades include:– New versions• Version number

– Software patches, which replace part of the program code

– Service packs, which correct problems• Some software provides an automatic update

option


How do I remove local software?

• Uninstall utility should be used to remove software – Handles the complexities of removing the program

modules behind the scenes

• When software is removed, it is deleted from:– The hard disk– The All Programs menu– The Registry


How do I remove local software?


How do I get started with Web apps?

• Web apps– Software accessed with a Web browser– Program code runs on a remote computer– Sometimes referred to as Cloud computing– Some Web apps, such as Facebook and Gmail,

require no installation at all on the local computer• Device must have a Web browser and must remain

connected to the Internet while using the apps• Some apps offer a local version that can be installed

and used when internet connection is not available, i.e., Google Docs


How do I get started with Web apps?

– Some Web apps are free– Some require a one-time registration fee or

ongoing monthly fee– Companies supplying software that runs from the

Internet are referred to as application service providers (ASPs)

– Process of deploying fee-based software over the Internet is called Software as a Service (SaaS)


What about apps for mobile devices?

• Mobile apps are designed for handheld devices– Sold through an online app store– Many are free or cost just a few dollars– Most handheld devices can use both Web apps

and mobile apps• Mobile apps must be downloaded and installed• Web apps run on a remote computer



– Installing a mobile app:• Visit desired app store, log in, select app, and pay for it,

if necessary• Touch the download button and app is automatically

installed• Download updates by accessing the Update button on

the app store screen

– Deleting a mobile app• Process varies by device




Figure 3-7


– iPads, iPhones, and iPods are only allowed to download apps from the iTunes store• Other apps are available but require an unauthorized

change to the device’s software• This change is called a jailbreak

– Android devices are not limited to a single app store


What’s the significance of software copyrights and licenses?


• A copyright is a form of legal protection for the author of an original work– Grants author an exclusive right to copy, distribute,

sell, and modify that work– Purchasers do not have this right – Purchasers can:• Copy software from distribution media to a computer’s

hard disk for installation purposes• Make an extra (backup) copy in case the original is

erased or damaged• Copy and distribute sections of a software program for

use in critical reviews and teaching


• Software licenses– A legal contract that defines how user may use a

computer program– EULA (end-user license agreement) is displayed on

screen when software is first installed. • Must agree for software installation to be completed

• Legal perspective– Public domain software is not protected by

copyright



– Proprietary software has restrictions on it based on copyright, patent, or license agreements• Commercial software• Demoware• Shareware• Freeware• Open source software

– Unauthorized use of applications• Vendors commonly use a registration key to activate

software


Technology: User Interfaces

• User Interfaces– Audio, visual, and mechanical tools used to

interact with a computer or hand-held device• Keyboard• Mouse• Touchpad• Touchscreen

– Originally computers used a command line interface (text based)




Figure 3-9


– Today most computers use a graphical user interface (GUI)• Icons represent an application, file, or hardware device

which can be displayed on the desktop• Can be incorporated into buttons or tiles on the Start

screen, toolbars, or taskbars


Figure 3-10


– Toolbars, taskbars, docks, menus, and ribbons• Buttons and icons can be grouped together to keep

them organized• Called taskbars and docks when they are part of the

operating system’s desktop• Generally located at the bottom of the screen


Figure 3-11


• Toolbars, menu bars, and ribbons are strips of icons and buttons in application windows– Select desired command from the list– All command choices are valid; therefore, it is impossible to

invoke invalid commands that generate errors



– Explicit user interface• Provides clearly labeled control• All are accessible using a standard access method, such

as clicking a menu tab• Every command is linked to an object on screen

– Implicit user interface• Calls for some experimentation on user’s part• Sometimes how to use it is not obvious, i.e, the Charms

menu.• Can be frustrating to use at times



– Tips for using an implicit user interface• Try clicking, double-clicking, and/or right clicking the

mouse• Be aware of the mouse pointer shape

– When it changes, an object on screen can usually be manipulated in some way

• Swiping touchscreen from the side, top, or bottom often reveals a set of controls• Hold or double-tap screen objects

– Often reveals list of commands or options


Technology

– Tips, continued• Watch demo, if available• Check Help• Check out online user groups


practical pc, 7 th edition chapter 3: getting started with software

Documents

software slide

local software

software applications

categories of software

types of software

software upgrades

software installation

download extract software