COMP 6005 An Introduction To ComputingSession Three: Computer SoftwareIntroduction
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Session Objectives
• Describe different types of computer software– Business– Graphics and multimedia– Home/personal/educational– Database management software
• Describe the function of a utility program
• Describe the software requirements for an e-commerce/e-business initiative
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Session Objectives
• Compare and contrast different types of operating systems
• Understand the importance of the web to computing
• Distinguish between different types of web applications and tools
• Distinguish between a computer program and an algorithm
COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction
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Session Objectives
• Compare and contrast proprietary and open source software
• Different types of licenses– Volume– GNU– Number of users versus Number of
computers
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Definition of Software
• Computer instructions or data that can be stored electronically
• Used to operate computers and related devices
• Tells the computer what to do and how to do it
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Types of Software
• Application – programs that do real work for users
• System – any program that supports application software; includes operating system
• Middleware - programming that mediates between application and system software or between two different kinds of application software
• Utility – small useful program with limited capability
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Layers Of A Computer System
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Application Software
• Program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program
• Include: browsers, Web processors, database programs, spreadsheets, development tools, drawing, paint, image editing programs, and communication programs
• Uses the services of the computer's operating system and other supporting applications through a defined application program interface (API)
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System Software
• Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices
• Serves as interface between the user, application software, and the computer hardware
• Two types:– Operating system – Utility programs
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Operating System
• Set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices
• Contains instructions that allow users to run application software
• Examples: Windows XP, Mac OS X
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Utility Program
• Allows users to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to managing the computer, devices or programs
• Example: a program that examines a floppy disk or hard disk to determine if it contains any physical flaws such as scratches
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Discussion
• Issue 1-3, pg 17
• Issue 3-1, pg 136
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Links
• Reference– Discovering Computers 2005 by
Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat– http://www.whatis.com– http://www.webopedia.com