Part 1, Computing FundamentalsChapter 1, Computer Basics

Lesson 1-3, What is computer software?

Robert Crawford, MBAWest Middle School

Describe what an operating system does. Summarize why compatibility is an issue for

computer users. Explain what utility software does. Identify four different types of application

software and way s to obtain them.

UNIT O BJECTIVES

Application Software Operating System (OS) Software System Software Utility Software

KEY TERMS

Remember, last week we discussed hardware,◦ the physical pieces that make up the computer.

What is software?

Remember, last week we discussed hardware,◦ the physical pieces that make up the computer.

Software includes all of the programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it.

What is software?

Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software◦ Application software

Types of Software

Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software

Programs that are needed for the computer to work properly

◦ Application software

Types of Software

Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software◦ Application software

Programs that are designed to help you perform tasks

Types of Software

System software is also divided into two major categories:◦ Operating Systems◦ System utilities

System Software

System software is also divided into two major categories:◦ Operating Systems

In its simplest definition, the operating system is the layer of software that exists between the applications and the hardware. However this doesn’t tell us much

◦ System utilities

System Software

Operating Systems◦ The operating system

actually performs a lot of different tasks.

◦ So, instead of defining it as what it is, let's define it by what it does

System Software

Operating Systems◦ The operating system lets the hardware devices

communicate with one another.◦ It supports the hardware when applications

programs are running

System Software

Operating Systems◦ The operating system lets the hardware devices

communicate with one another.◦ It supports the hardware when applications

programs are running◦ The most widely used OS’s are

Microsoft Windows UNIX

Apple OSx Linux

System Software

System software is also divided into two major categories:◦ Operating Systems◦ System utilities

System Software

System utilities◦ These are programs that help the computer work

properly. Maintenance and repair that the OS does not do by

itself Repairing damaged files Compressing files

System Software

Software is divided into two main categories.◦ System Software◦ Application software

Types of Software

The application software consists of the programs you run on the computer.

Application Software

There are four main categories of application software.◦ Productivity◦ Graphics◦ Communication◦ Home, Education, and Entertainment

Application Software

There are four main categories of application software.◦ Productivity

These are the programs people use to be more productive at work. Word processors Spreadsheets Databases Etc.

Application Software

There are four main categories of application software.◦ Graphics

These are programs that make it possible to draw, paint, and touch-up photos

Application Software

There are four main categories of application software.◦ Communication

These are the programs used to: Connect to the internet Send email

Application Software

There are four main categories of application software.◦ Home, Education, and Entertainment

This is a broad category that includes: Games Tax Preparation General learning

Application Software

Remember, There are four main categories of application software.◦ Productivity◦ Graphics◦ Communication◦ Home, Education, and Entertainment

Application Software

There are two ways to obtain application software:◦ Custom ◦ Off-the Shelf

Application Software

There are two ways to obtain application software:◦ Custom ◦ Off-the Shelf

◦ Both have advantages and disadvantages

Application Software

Function of an operating system Function of utility software Four types of application software Two ways to obtain software

◦ An advantage and disadvantage of each method

Things to remember

Key terms◦ Application Software◦ Operating System (OS)◦ Software◦ System Software◦ Utility Software

Things to remember