Touchpad Modular Ver. 1.1 Class 7: Windows 7 & MS Office 2010

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TYPES OF SOFTWARE

A computer system is made up of a number of electronic devices which are connected together. It is made up of both hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. You have already learnt about hardware in the previous classes. In this chapter, you will learn about software.

Software

Software is a set of instructions that makes the computer perform tasks. Software is another term for a computer program. It controls the computer and makes it do useful work. Without software a computer is useless. Software can be classified into two broad categories: system software and application software.

System Software

It is the most important software to operate a computer. The operating system is a type of system software. System software can be classified into three categories: Operating System, Programming Software and Utility Software.

Operating System

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the computer’s memory, processes data and controls all its software as well as hardware. It serves as an interface between the user and the hardware. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Types of Operating Systems

Operating systems usually come preloaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating system that comes with their computer, but it is possible to upgrade or even change an operating system.

The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and Linux. Other known names are iMac, UNIX and DOS.

Functions of an Operating System

Operating system performs three types of functions:

★ Manages computer resources

Coordinates memory, processing storage, and printers

Monitors systems performance

Provides security

Starts-up the computer

★ Provides Character User Interface (CUI) or Graphical User Interface (GUI)

★ Runs applications through

Multitasking

Foreground and background applications

Programming Software

It is the software used by the computer to understand and convert the instructions by programming language into machine language. Programming and computer software, founded in 1975, is devoted to provide solutions to problems in all areas of computer science: operating systems, compiler technology, software engineering, artificial intelligence, etc. Examples of programming software are:

★ Assembler: An assembler is a program used to translate assembly language into machine language so that the computer can understand it.

★ Compiler: A compiler is a software that converts the entire source program into machine language before executing it. It displays the errors for the whole program together.

★ Interpreter: An interpreter is also a separate program that converts the entire source program into machine language before executing it. An interpreter translates and executes one statement at a time. It displays the errors one line at a time and it goes to the next line only after the error is corrected.

Utility Software

Utility software are provided as a part of operating system. They are specifically designed to manage the computer hardware, operating system and application software. Some of the utility software are:

★ Backup Utility: It is used for keeping the backup files for emergency. Windows Backup and Restore is the default Windows backup utility.

★ Data Compression Program: It is used to compress a large file into a file of smaller size so that it occupies less space and is easy to store. Winzip and Winrar are examples of these software.

★ Disk Defragmenter: The memory of a computer is divided into small blocks. The files are stored in continuous blocks of space in the hard disk. When a file is deleted from the computer, a part of that space becomes free. When a new file is saved on the computer, some part of it is saved on the first available free space in the memory. After some time, the files get stored in various fragments which slows down the speed of the computer. The Disk defragmenter organises the fragments of files into continuous blocks to improve performance of the computer.

★ Virus Scanner: It is used to scan the computer for viruses among files and folders. It scans the disk each time you insert it into a computer or whenever the computer is booted. It is also called antivirus software. Quick Heal, Norton, etc. are examples of these software.

Application Software

It is a program designed to help users perform specific tasks. It is designed to be used by end-users. Generally, people refer to application software as software. Application software can be broadly classified into two categories:

General Purpose Software

General purpose software are those which have not been developed according to the needs of a particular organisation or a particular industry. It can be used for both commercial and non-commercial purposes. The general purpose software can further be classified into seven different groups on the basis of their use. These are:

★ Word Processors: Word Processors are used to create, edit and format text documents. They are commonly used in businesses, schools and at home. Microsoft Word is the most commonly used word processor. Some other word processors are WordPerfect, Writer and Kword.

★ Spreadsheet Software: Spreadsheet Software are used to calculate, compare and analyse data and used to prepare different reports. It is also used to create graphs and charts based on the data stored in the spreadsheet. Some commonly used Spreadsheet programs include Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Calc, etc.

★ Presentation Graphics Software: Presentation Graphics Software are used to create presentations which include sound, music, video, charts and animation. Presentations are used by sales persons, managers, teachers, students, etc. Some commonly used presentation graphics software are: Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, Impress, etc.

★ Graphics Software: Graphics Software are further divided into two parts - Drawing & Painting Software and Computer Aided Design (CAD).

A drawing and painting software allows freehand drawing and colouring. Some commonly used drawing & painting software are Paint, Draw, etc.

Computer Aided Design (CAD) is used to help in designing of a product. CAD software is used by engineers, architects and designers to produce detailed design plans and technical drawings.

★ Database Management System (DBMS) Software: Database Management System (DBMS) Software is used to create, store, modify and sort data stored in a database. A database is an organised collection of related data. The DBMS is used to query the database and find any information easily. It is also used to generate reports on the basis of data stored in it. Some commonly used DBMS include Microsoft Access, Oracle, Microsoft SQL Server, Base, etc.

★ Desktop Publishing (DTP) Software: Desktop Publishing (DTP) Software are used to create newspapers, magazines, brochures, still advertisements, etc. They are commonly used to create files that create lot of graphics. Some commonly used DTP software include Corel Draw, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, QuarkXPress and Microsoft Publisher.

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