Computer Software and Troubleshooting

Introduction

Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that
provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do it.

Any set of instructions that guides the hardware and tells it how to accomplish each task.

Classification of computer software

Software
System Programming Application
Software Software Software
There are majorly three types of software −

 System Software
 Programming Software
 Application Software

A System Software

These are programs which were designed to provide an interface between the computer hardware and
the user to run other programs known as application software.

They refer to the operating system (Windows, Linux, Mac MS-DOS etc) and all utility programs such
as Anti-virus programs, Disk Defragmenter, Disk Partition tool and System Restore.that manage
computer resources at a low level.

They were designed to:-

a. Manage and control the computer hardware operations.

b. To load in application software in a computer.
c. To manage the computer data files.
d. Report the status of the computer.
e. Shows the memory capacity and usage.
f. Shows various files in the storage etc

The BIOS (basic input/output system) gets the computer system started after you turn it on and manages
the data flow between the operating system and attached devices such as the hard disk, video adapter,
keyboard, mouse, and printer.
The boot program loads the operating system into the computer's main memory or random access
memory (RAM).
Operating System

Operating system is an interface between computer and user. It is responsible for the management and
coordination of activities and the sharing of the resources of the computer.

This is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have
an operating system to run other programs. OS as commonly known performs basic tasks, such as
recognizing input from the keyboard, sending output to the display screen, keeping tracks of files and
directories on the disk, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers. It is also
responsible for security, ensuring that unauthorized users do not access the system (user account)

Types of Operating System

i. Real-Time: A real-time operating system is a multitasking operating system that aims at executing real-
time applications. Responds to input instantly.
ii. Multi-user vs. Single user:
A multi-user operating system allows multiple users to access a computer system concurrently while
Time-sharing system can be classified as multi-user systems as they enable a multiple user access to a
computer through the sharing of time.
Single-user operating systems, as opposed to a multi-user operating system, are usable by a single user
at a time.
iii. Multi-tasking vs. Single-tasking:
When a single program is allowed to run at a time, the system is grouped under a single-tasking system
While in case the operating system allows the execution of multiple tasks at one time, it is classified as
a multi-tasking operating system.
iv. Distributed: A distributed operating system manages a group of independent computers and makes
them appear to be a single computer. The development of networked computers that could be linked
and communicate with each other, gave rise to distributed computing.
v. Embedded: Embedded operating systems are designed to be used in embedded computer systems.
They are designed to operate on small machines like PDAs with less autonomy. They are able to operate
with a limited number of resources.

Major Functions of Operating System

i. Resource Management: The resource management function of an OS allocates computer resources

such as CPU time, main memory, secondary storage, and input and output devices for use.
ii. Data Management: The data management functions of an OS govern the input and output of data
and their location, storage, and retrieval. It also is responsible for storing and retrieving information on
disk drives and for the organization of that information on the drive.
 iii. Job Management: The job management function of an OS prepares, schedules, controls, and monitors
jobs submitted for execution to ensure the most efficient processing. A job is a collection of one or more
related programs and their data.
iv. Standard Means of Communication between User and Computer: The OS also establishes a
standard means of communication between users and their computer systems. It does this by
providing a user interface and a standard set of commands that control the hardware.

Operating System User Interface

A program that controls a display for the user (usually on a computer monitor) and that allows the user
to interact with the system). The user interface allows the user to communicate with the operating system.
The user interface provides means of:
Input - allowing the users to manipulate a system
Output - allowing the system to indicate the effects of the users' manipulation.

Types of User Interface:

i. Command line interface: is a mechanism for interacting with a computer operating system or
software by typing commands to perform specific tasks. This method of instructing a computer to
perform a given task is referred to as "entering" a command. Accept input via keyboard only. Not
suitable for beginners. Examples of commands:
DIR: to display a list of files or folders
COPY: to copy file or folder
MD: to make new folder
CLS: to clear screen
Quit: to exit
ii. Graphical user interface: Is a type of user interface which allows people to interact with computer with
images rather than text commands. Accept input via keyboard and pointing devices. Is easy to learn.
Elements of Graphical User Interface
i. Pointer: A symbol that appears on the display screen and that you move to select objects and
commands. Usually, the pointer appears as a small angled arrow.
ii. Icons: Small pictures that represent

commands, files, or windows.

iii. Desktop: The area on the display screen where icons are grouped is often referred to as the desktop
because the icons are intended to represent real objects on a real desktop.
iv. Windows: Used to divide the screen into different areas. In each window, you can run a different
program or display a different file.
v. Menus: Most graphical user interfaces let you execute commands by selecting a choice from a menu.
Two types of menu: a) Pull-down/drop down menu
b) Pop-up menu
Examples of Operating System
i. Microsoft DOS: DOS stands for Disk Operating System. It was developed by Microsoft Inc. It
uses command line interface and does not support multiple users and multitasking.
First version: MS-DOS 1.0 (1981) and final version: MS-DOS 7.0 (1995)
ii. Windows: Produced by Microsoft, Inc. It uses graphical user interface. Support multitasking
and multiuser.
First version: Windows 1.0 (1985) Latest version: Windows 11
 iii. Mac OS: The official name of the Macintosh operating system. Created by Apple Inc and is
used on Apple Macintosh computer.
First version: Mac System 1 (1984) Latest version: Mac OS
iv. Linux: A freely-distributable open source operating system that runs on a number of hardware
platforms. Linux has become an extremely popular alternative to proprietary operating
systems.
First version: Linux (1992) Latest version:
v. Android: Android is a Linux-based operating system for mobile devices such as smartphones
and tablet computers. It is developed by the Open Handset Alliance, led by Google, and other
companies.
First version: Android 1.0 (2008) Latest version: Android

What happens when you switch on the computer?

 The process of starting a computer is called booting.

 The computer first checks its memory (ROM) and some other components.
 After that, the drive begins to spin and the boot process will commence.
 The system then reads drive C for the operating system. If it does not find it, in drive C, it
checks others drives.
 On finding the OS, it reads COMMAND.COM. This is the command processor file. It contains
all internal commands e.g. CLS, DATE, TIME etc.

After reading the command.com, it checks if autoexec.bat exists. If it does, it carries on the commands
in that file. If it does not exist, it prompts for date, time after which the prompt appears.

B. Programming Software
Programming software include tools in the form of programs or applications that software developers
use to create, debug, maintain, or otherwise support other programs and applications.
The term usually refers to relatively simple programs such as compilers, debuggers,
interpreters, linkers, and text editors.

Computer programming is the process of writing, testing, debugging/troubleshooting, and maintaining

the source code of computer programs. This source code is written in a programming language like C,
C++, JAVA, Perl etc.
A computer programmer is someone who writes computer program. They write, test, and maintain
programs or software that tell the computer what to do.
What skills are required to become a programmer?
i. Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.
ii. Writing - Communicating effectively with others in writing as indicated by the needs of the
audience.
iii. Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related
documents.
iv. Critical Thinking - Using logic and analysis to identify the strengths and weaknesses of different
approaches.
v. Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of electric circuit boards, processors, chips, and
computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
vi. Mathematics- Knowledge of numbers, their operations, and interrelationships including
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
 vii. Oral Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so
others will understand.
viii. Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas
presented through spoken words and sentences.
ix. Written Expression - The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so
others will understand.
x. Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas
presented in writing.
xi. Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to come
up with logical answers. It involves deciding if an answer makes sense.
xii. Information Organization - Finding ways to structure or classify multiple pieces of
information.

Generations of Programming Language

A. The first generation languages, or 1GL, are low level languages that are machine language.
B. The second generation languages, or 2GL, are also low-level languages that generally consist
of assembly languages.
C. The third generation languages, or 3GL, are high level languages such as C.
D. The fourth generation languages, or 4GL, are languages that consist of statements similar to
statements in a human language. Fourth generation languages are commonly used in database
programming and scripts.
E. The fifth generation languages, or 5GL, are programming languages that contain visual tools to
help develop a program. A good example of a fifth generation language is Visual Basic.
Types of Programming Language
• There are three types of programming language:
1. Machine Language: Machine language is a collection of binary digits or bits that the computer
reads and interprets. Machine languages are the only languages understood by computers.
While easily understood by computers, machine languages are almost impossible for humans
to use because they consist entirely of numbers.
2. Assembly Language: A program written in assembly language consists of a series of
instructions mnemonics that correspond to a stream of executable instructions, when
translated by an assembler that can be loaded into memory and executed.
Assembly languages use keywords and symbols, much like English, to form a programming language but
at the same time introduce a new problem.
The problem is that the computer doesn't understand the assembly code, so we need a way to
convert it to machine code, which the computer does understand.
Assembly language programs are translated into machine language by a program called an
assembler.
3. High Level Language
High-level languages allow us to write computer code using instructions resembling everyday
spoken language (for example: print, if, while) which are then translated into machine
language to be executed.
Programs written in a high-level language need to be translated into machine language before
they can be executed.
Some programming languages use a compiler to perform this translation and others use an
interpreter.
High-Level Language
Examples of High-level Language:
 ADA
 C
 C++
 C#
  JAVA
 BASIC
 Visual Basic
 COBOL
 PASCAL
 PYTHON
 HTML
 PHP

Comparison

Machine Language Assembly Language High-level

Languages
Time to execute Since it is the basic A program called an A program called a
language of the ‘assembler’ is required compiler or interpreter is
computer, it does not to convert the program required to convert the
require any translation, into machine language. program into machine
Thus, it takes longer to
and hence ensures better language. Thus, it takes
execute than a machine
machine efficiency. This more time for a
language program.
means the programs run computer to execute.
faster.
Time to develop Needs a lot of skill, as Simpler to use than Easiest to use. Takes less
instructions are very machine language, time to develop
lengthy and complex. though instruction codes programs and, hence,
Thus, it takes more time must be memorized. It ensures better program
to program. takes less time to efficiency.
develop programs as
compared to machine
language.

Two examples of programming languages

i) BASIC
• Short for Beginner's All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code.
Developed in the 1950s for teaching University students to program and provided with every
selfrespecting personal computer in the 1980s,
BASIC has been the first programming language for many programmers.
It is also the foundation for Visual Basic.
Example:
PRINT "Hello world!"

ii) Visual Basic

A programming language and environment developed by Microsoft.
Based on the BASIC language, Visual Basic was one of the first products to provide a
graphical programming environment and a paint metaphor for developing user interfaces.
Example:
MsgBox "Hello, World!“

Choosing a Programming Language

Before you decide on what language to use, you should consider the following:

i. your server platform

ii. the server software you run
iii. your budget
iv. previous experience in programming
v. the database you have chosen for your backend

C. Application Software

A program or group of programs designed for end users. Allows end users to accomplish one or more
specific (non-computer related) tasks.

Application software may consist of a single program, such as Microsoft's notepad for writing and
editing a simple text. It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called a software
package/suite, which work together to accomplish a task, such as a Microsoft Office Suite.

Examples of Application software are the following −

 Word processors programs: is a software program capable of creating, storing, and printing documents.
e.g. Ms. Word, WordPro, AppleWorks etc
 Spreadsheets programs: is a data file made up of rows and columns that are used to sort data and allow
a user to manipulate and arrange data easily, commonly numerical data.
What makes a spreadsheet software program most unique is its ability to calculate values using
mathematical formulas and the data in the cells. e.g. Ms. Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Apple Numbers, Open Office
Calc etc
 Database Management Systems programs: A program that controls the organization, storage,
management, and retrieval of data in a database. Users can create tables, queries, forms and reports.
e.g. Ms. Access, Oracle Database, MySQL, FoxPro etc
 Presentation programs: is a software program that helps create a slideshow that addresses a topic.
These programs are often used in businesses and schools for discussing a topic or for teaching. e.g. Ms.
PowerPoint, Adobe Persuasion, Hypercard, OpenOffice Impress, Scala Multimedia etc

 Internet Browsers programs e.g. Firefox Mozilla, Google Chrome etc

 Accounting Packages programs: is an application software that records & processes accounting
transactions within functional modules such as accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and
trial balance. It functions as an accounting information system e.g. QuickBooks, Sage, Pastel etc
 Engineering applications programs e.g. Computer Aided Design, ArchiCAD etc
 DeskTop Publisher programs: Used to produce high-quality printed documents such as magazine,
greeting card, posters, etc. e.g. Adobe Indesign, QuarkXpress, MS Publisher etc
 Graphic Editor programs: or image editing software is a program or collection of programs that enable
a person to manipulate visual images on a computer. E.g. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustartor,
PaintShop Pro, iPhoto, GIMP, Macromedia Freehand, Inkscape etc

 Web Browser programs: Web browser, a software application used to locate and display Web pages.
E.g. Internet Explorer ( IE ), Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox, Opera, Chrome, Safari etc
Software Licensing
Is a legal instrument (by way of contract law) governing the usage or redistribution of software. Allowing
an individual or group to use a piece of software. Nearly all applications are licensed
Some are based on the number machines on which the licensed program can run whereas others are
based on the number of users that can use the program

Types of Software License

i. Registerware: Refers to computer software which requires the user to give personal information
through registration in order to download or use the program.
ii. Shareware/Demoware: Refers to copyrighted commercial software that is distributed without payment
on a trial basis and is limited by any combination of functionality, availability, or convenience.
iii. Freeware: Computer software that is available for use with no cost or for an optional fee.
Freeware is different from shareware, where the user is obliged to pay.
iv. Open Source Software (OSS): OSS is also a free software. OSS can be defined as computer software
for which the human-readable source code is made available under a copyright license (or arrangement
such as the public domain) that meets the Open Source Definition.
This permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute it in modified or
unmodified form.
v. Abandonware: It refers to sofware that is no longer available for purchase or that is at least a certain
amount of years old

License Key
A software license key is a pattern of numbers and/or letters provided to licensed users of a software
program.
License keys are typically created and delivered via a license generator once a software user has paid for
the software and has agreed to the conditions of use and distribution as legally specified in the software
license.

Software Piracy
The unauthorized copying of software. Refers to ways of obtaining software without the permission of
the software holder
Some common types of software piracy include:
i. Counterfeit Software: A type of software piracy that occurs when fake copies of software are
produced using a CD burner to copy the software. Counterfeit software is usually sold at prices
well below that of the retail price of the legitimate software
ii. OEM Unbundling: Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) unbundling is a type of software
piracy that occurs when OEM-packaged software is separated from the hardware it originally
came bundled with, at the OEM or retail level of sale.
iii. Softlifting: A type of software piracy that occurs when users share their software with other
users who are not authorized to have access by the End-User License Agreement (EULA). The
most common type of softlifting occurs when a person does legitimately purchase software but
installs it onto multiple computers which is a violation of the licensing agreement.
iv. Hard Disk Loading: A type of software piracy that occurs when hardware dealers install an
unauthorized copy of commercial software onto a computer system. In many cases consumers
will not receive any manuals or original CD of the software but the hardware dealer may
charge for the illegal software in the total system purchase price.
v. Internet Software Piracy: A type of software piracy that occurs when software, which is
illegally obtained through Internet channels, usually through peer-to-peer file sharing systems
or downloaded from pirate Web sites that make software available for download for free or in
exchange for users who uploaded software
Software installation

Installation (setup) of a computer program (including device drivers and plugins), is the act of
making the program ready for execution.

Installation refers to the particular configuration of a software or hardware with a view to making it
usable with the computer. A soft or digital copy of the piece of software (program) is needed to install
it. There are different processes of installing a piece of software (program). Because the process varies
for each program and each computer, programs (including operating systems) often come with an
installer (an installation program or installer is a computer program that installs files, such as
applications, drivers, or other software, onto a computer).

Common operations performed during software installations include:

 Making sure that necessary system requirements are met

 Checking for existing versions of the software
 Creating or updating program files and folders
 Adding configuration data such as configuration files, Windows registry entries or environment
variables
 Making the software accessible to the user, for instance by creating links, shortcuts or
bookmarks
 Configuring components that run automatically, such as daemons or Windows services
 Performing product activation
 Updating the software versions

How to install software

The installation process for software depends on your operating system and the program you are
installing. As a result of these many combinations, we have created the steps below as a general
guideline.

 Make sure your computer meets the system requirements of the program, game, or utility you
are attempting to install.
 The manual or readme file contains exact instructions on how to install a program and are in
the same directory as the installation files.
 When installing a program, utility, or game, it is always a good idea first to close or disable any
other programs that are running.
 After installing a new program, if it prompts you to reboot the computer, do it.

How to install from a CD or DVD

Many software titles, games, and utilities have an AutoPlay feature. This feature automatically starts a
setup screen for the software when the CD or DVD is inserted. If your program contains this feature,
follow the steps that appear after inserting the disc into the computer.

If AutoRun is disabled, or unavailable on your disc, follow these steps:

 Open My Computer.
 In the My Computer window, open the drive that contains the installation files. For example, if
the files are on the CD-ROM drive, open the D: drive or letter of your CD-ROM drive.
  In the drive that contains your files, locate either the executable setup (i.e. "setup.exe") or
install file. Double-clicking on this file starts the installation process. If there are multiple setup
or install files, locate the executable file or double-click each setup or install file until you find
the file that starts the installation.

How to install from a Download

 Download the program from the website providing the program.

 Open the download folder.
 If the file you downloaded is an executable file, double-click the file icon to start the setup
process. If the downloaded file is compressed (e.g., .zip), you must extract the file's contents
before setup can begin. Fortunately, this function is built into most versions of Windows.
 How to extract or decompress a compressed file.
 Once the files are extracted, double-click the setup to install.

How to install from a USB flash drive

 Open Windows Explorer or My Computer and find the USB drive that is often the last drive
letter.
 Once the drive is opened find the setup or executable file, double-click the file icon to start the
setup process.

PC troubleshooting

Troubleshooting is the process of detecting, isolating and repairing faults in a given system. It often
involves the process of elimination, where a technician follows a set of steps to determine the problem
or resolve the problem.
There are six basic steps of troubleshooting:

i. Identify the problem.

ii. Establish a theory of possible cause.
iii. Test the theory to determine cause.
iv. Establish a plan of action to resolve the problem and implement the solution.
v. Verify full system functionality and if applicable implement preventative measures.
vi. Document findings, actions, and outcomes.

Application of diagnostic software

Diagnostic software is used to identify problems on a computer or piece of equipment. These

programs test the onboard systems for issues and help to alert users of potential problems or
breakdowns.
Their purpose is to diagnose or identify problems with a particular set of hardware devices. It can be
used by a trained technician or by the owner of the device, to identify and resolve hardware issues.

Importance of PC Diagnostic Tools

If you are someone who uses their system frequently, it is very important for you to have diagnostic
tools that offer maximum performance. If you don’t have access to such useful tools; errors, slow
speed and downgraded performance can trouble you anytime.
Examples of diagnostic tools

POST
Your computer completes a Power On Self Test, or POST, every time you turn on your computer.
POST performs basic diagnostics on your computer’s memory and hard drives, checks for the presence
of a keyboard and mouse, and tests the clock and other system settings. POST resides in a small,
permanent memory area called BIOS, which stands for Basic Input Output System; this contains
compact, simple programs the computer uses when you first turn it on. If a problem exists with the
computer’s hardware, POST signals this through coded audio beeps.
Check Disk
The program “CHKDSK,” or Check Disk, is part of Microsoft’s Windows software. It tests and repairs
the file system information on hard drives. For example, if you work on your computer during a storm,
a sudden power failure may shut your computer down immediately. Electrical noise from the power
line may write random data into hard drive files that were open as you worked. This random data can
corrupt the Windows file system, making files unreadable. If Windows senses a problem with the file
system, it runs Check Disk automatically when you restart your computer; you can run it manually
from Windows Explorer or a command prompt. Check Disk scans the file structure, looking for and
reporting on problems.
Task Manager
The Windows operating system runs many programs that monitor the state of your printer, network,
mobile devices and other hardware. If your computer becomes unusually sluggish, the cause may be
one of these programs running excessively. The Windows Task Manager displays a list of all the
programs running on your computer, along with the amount of memory they consume and how active
they are. To see the Task Manager, press "Ctrl-Shift-Esc.” If a program in the Task Manager window
uses more than 20 percent of the computer’s CPU time for a prolonged period, the program may be
caught in an error state. To solve this problem, try restarting the computer.
Windows Defender
Malware may slow down computer’s performance and may also cause Web browser to display
unwanted pop-up ads etc. The Windows operating system includes a program called Windows
Defender, which scans your hard drives for viruses, spyware and other malicious programs. Windows
Defender reports on the problems it finds, isolates the malware and removes it. Windows Defender
uses a database of known malware, and the database is continually updated by Microsoft so that the
program catches even the newest viruses.
Drivers
Your PC uses a variety of devices for data storage, communications, input and display. Each of these
has a program called a driver that carries data between the hardware and Windows. Drivers have a
diagnostic capability that checks the device’s operation and troubleshoots problems. Windows
organizes these drivers in its Device Manager, which you can see by clicking the Windows "Start"
button, right-clicking “Computer,” selecting “Properties” and clicking the “Device Manager.”