computer software computer technology day 5. software provides step-by-step instructions that tell...
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Computer SoftwareComputer TechnologyDay 5
Software
Provides step-by-step instructions that tell the computer how to perform
Categories System Software Application Software
System Software
Controls computer’s operations Manages computer’s resources Includes operating system, utilities,
and computer programming tools
Operating System Software Controls the allocation of hardware
resources Handles basic input and output (I/O)
for data flowing from and to storage devices and peripherals
Enables application software to access system resources
Allocates resources and processing time between several programs that are running at the same time (also known as multitasking)
Multitasking
More than one program can run at a time.
Instructions and data from one area of memory do not interfere with memory allocated for other programs.
Enables users to perform multiple tasks at the same time Copy a chart from an open Excel document,
then pasting it into a report in Wordand
Download a document from the Web
Operating Environment
Operating system software or “platform” Windows Macintosh
Types Command-line interface—user must type
in commands to control the computer Graphical user interface (GUI)—users
interact with the computer by using a mouse to point and click on icons, buttons, and menus
System Software Terms Device driver—controls input and output
to the peripherals Virus checker—searches files for
potentially harmful programs (for example, viruses, worms, or Trojan horses)
Firewall—protects your computer from unauthorized access over a network
Utilities—programs that perform a very specific task (for example, managing system resources)
Application Software
Runs on top of the operating system Enables the user to perform a specific
task Word processing a letter Calculating payroll in a spreadsheet Reading e-mail messages Manipulating digital photos Managing a database of information
Application Types Word Processors (for example, MS Word)
Users can create a variety of business documents
WYSIWIG (What You See Is What You Get) display
Spreadsheet (for example, MS Excel) Worksheet consisting of rows and columns Enable business and financial people to create
“what if” scenarios Database Management (for example, MS
Access) Graphics (for example, Adobe Photoshop)
Application Types
Presentation (for example, MS PowerPoint)
Web Authoring (for example, Dreamweaver)
Integrated Packages–combine functions from several different application programs