Software Components

Software
Computer cannot do anything without instructions.
Software refers to the set of computer programs, procedures
that describe the programs. Software guides the computer at
every step where to start and stop during a particular job.

Two categories of Software

1. System software
2. Application software
System software
System software provides the basic non-task-specific
function of the computer. It is responsible for controlling,
integrating, and managing the individual hardware components of
a computer system. Generally, system software consists of an
operating system and some utility program.

Operating system
 A software that controls and monitors the running of
applications.
 Are the most important forms of systems software
 Establish the interface between computers and users
Function of Operating System

1. Memory management it allocate memory to each program that

is running.
2. Resource allocation and sharing allocates processing time,
memory and resources to several programs run at once.
3. Backing store management controls the transfer of data from
disk to memory and back again

4. Interrupt handling display the appropriate error messages and

may suggest corrective action to the user.

5. Allowing users to communicate with the computer allows

users to run applications by entering a command, or in the case of
a GUI, by pointing and clicking
Two basic versions of OS
1. Proprietary operating system works with only certain
kinds of computers.

2. Portable operating system – can run on many different

types of computers.

Examples of OS
1. The UNIX OS it was developed by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie and
Douglas Mcllroy, was not designed for the home users. It was mainly
developed for academic, government and business application.
2. The Macintosh OS developed by Apple Computer. The Mac OS has been
culturally installed on every Apple Mac computer
3. The MS-DOS commercialized by Microsoft. It was the most dominant OS for
the PC compatible platform. It is a command line driven interface program where
the user interacts with the computer through command prompts to execute
different programs
Language translators and Utility programs
* Are other forms of system software.

* These are small programs that help perform specific system

function, e.g. searching for files, sorting data, backup, virus
scanning, virus checkers, security software, file management
utilities.
Examples of utility programs
1. Programming language compilers are used to translate
instructions programming language
2. Communication software controls the flow of data to and
from remote locations
3. Drivers software that communicate between the
operating system and hardware devices
Application Software
Application Software is used to accomplish specific
task. It consists of a single program.

Basic characteristics of application software

1. Graphical User Interface

2. Menus with command options

3. Online help
Example of application software
1. Word processing helps work with words.

2. Spreadsheet helps work with numbers.

3. Databases help to store, organize and retrieve data much
more efficiently than paper file folders stored.

4. Graphics software helps to create all kinds of graphs, charts,

illustrations, computer art, and even 3-D animations.
5. Desktop publishing allows to produce professional looking
newsletter, reports, manuals, brochures, advertisement and
other documents that combine text with graphics and photos,
e.g. MS Publisher
6. Communication software helps to connect to other
computers.

7. Presentation software helps to create polished and

sophisticated materials that you can use when making group
presentations.
8. Web browser software is program that allows you to browse
the world wide web and its resources.
9. Personal Information Manager (PIM) is a program that
includes an address book, calendar of appointments, notes and
other information you want to manage and access when needed.
10. Video software are programs to create, modify and enhance,
add and remove segments and other effects a user may want to
apply to video files.

11. Computer Aided Design (CAD) software are programs

optimized for designing and drawing of homes, buildings, cars,
airplanes and other machineries.
12. Web Page Authoring program is a software made to assist the
uses to create their own web pages.
13. Accounting software is a program designed for integrated
accounting applications for any business including schools.
14. Educational software is a program that teaches a certain skill.
These include cooking, making of origami, typing tutor, etc.