computer software in Computer Fundamentals

Software
On the basis of
form
Firmware
Computer
Software
On the basis of Function
Application Software System Software
Word Spreadshee Communicatio Project GraphicsOperating Device Language
Processing t n Planning System Driver Processor
Utility
Programs

Software
A set of instruction given to the computer to
perform a specific task is called software.
OR
A set of program instructions written in any
computer language that can be understood
by the computer is called computer software.

On the Basis of Form
Firmware
A special set of instructions stored
permanently in the ROM (Read Only
Memory) is called firmware. Its example is
BIOS. BIOS stands for Basic Input Output
System.
Types of Software

Types of Software
Computer software
The software that is stored on semi-
permanent storage devices, e.g. Hard disk,
Floppy disk, CD-ROM etc. is generally called
computer software.
Computer software can be classified on the
basis of function as follows:
1. System software
2. Application software

System software
System software is a set of one or more
programs, designed to control the operation of
a computer system. They are also known as
system packages.
Explanation:
These programs are not developed to solve a
specific problem, that’s why they are called
general purpose programs.
Computer Software

Types of System Software
1. Operating system
2. Device driver
3. Utility Program
4. Language Processor
System Software

Operating system
“An operating system is a set of
programs/instructions that controls all the
activities of the computer system”.
OR
“An operating system is a program that acts as
an interface between user and the computer
hardware.”

Interfaces provided by an operating system
Interface means the way or environment by
which user can give instructions to a computer
system. An operating system provides two
interfaces:
CLI (Command Line Interface)
GUI (Graphical User Interface)
Operating System

CLI (Command Line Interface)
In CLI, user can give instructions to the
computer system only by typing through the
keyboard. In a command line interface, a user
types commands or presses special keys on
the keyboard such as function keys to enter
data and instructions.
Operating System

GUI (Graphical User Interface)
In GUI, operating system provides a graphical
interface. User can easily give instructions with
the help of mouse by clicking on some icon
and also can use keyboard to give commands.
Operating System

Functions of Operating System
Starting of computer:
Operating system helps a computer to start.
When we start the computer, a part of operating
system ‘kernel’ and other frequently used
operating system instructions are loaded from hard
disk to the RAM.
manages memory and devices, maintain
computer’s clock, starts applications etc.
Kernel is a special set of instructions that
the
The
‘kernel’ remains in RAM while the computer is
running. Other parts of operating system remain
on the hard disk until they are needed.
Operating System

Input/Output operations:
Operating system controls the input and output
operations.
Memory Management:
The purpose of memory management is to optimize the
use of RAM. The operating system allocates or assigns
data and instructions to an area of RAM while they are
being processed.
File Management utility:
Operating system provides the facility of managing
files. A file manager is a utility that performs functions
related to file management.
Operating System

Image Viewer:
An image viewer is a utility that allows users to display
and copy the contents of a graphics file.
Uninstaller:
An uninstaller is a utility that removes a program, as
well as any associated entries in the system files.
Disk Scanner:
A disk scanner is a utility that detects and corrects both
physical and logical problems on a hard disk or floppy
disk.
Disk Defragmenter:
A disk defragmenter is a utility that recognizes the files
and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so the
operating system accesses data more quickly and
programs run faster.
Operating System

1. Stand-alone operating system
2. Network operating system
3. Embedded operating system
Types of Operating
System

Stand-alone operating system
A stand-alone operating system is a complete
operating system that works on a desktop
computer, notebook computer or mobile computing
deice.
Some stand-alone operating systems are called
client operating system because they also work in
conjunction with a network operating system.
Client operating systems can operate with or
without a network.
Examples: DOS, Windows XP Professional, Mac
OS X
Types of Operating
System

Network Operating system
A network operating system is an operating
system that is designed specifically to support a
network. A network operating system typically
resides on a server. The client computers on the
network rely on the server to share resources. The
main function of this type of operating system is to
support all sizes of networks, including medium to
large-sized businesses and web servers.
Examples: Windows 2000 Server, OS/2 Warp
Server for e-business, Linux, Solaris.
Types of Operating
System

Embedded Operating System
An embedded operating system is an
operating system that resides on a ROM chip.
These are specially designed for PDAs and
small devices.
Examples: Windows CE.Net, Pocket PC
2002, Palm OS.
Types of Operating
System

Device driver
“A special set of instructions used to manage
or control a device attached to a computer is
called device driver.”
Explanation:
When a new device e.g. sound card, modem
etc. is attached to a computer, it requires a
specific device driver to work. Because device
driver is the instruction set that tells that
device, how to perform. Device drivers are
provided on CD or Floppy disk.
Types of System software

Utility Programs
The programs which are used to perform
maintenance-type tasks are called utility programs.
Explanation:
These are used to perform maintenance-type
tasks, usually related to managing a computer, its
devices, or its programs. These are written
normally as a part of operating system to perform
repetitive processing tasks.
Example: Uninstaller utility, Disk Management
utilities, Screen saver etc.

Language Processor
Def:
“The software that is used to convert high level
language into low level language is called
language processor”.

Application software is a computer program,
which is written to perform any specific task. It
is also called application program, application
package or utility packages.
Explanation:
Each application program is written in a
specific computer programming language
which is used to perform one or more than one
tasks.
Application Software

Word processing packages:
The programs used for writing letters and
preparing office or personal documents are
called word processing packages.
Example: MS Word, Word Perfect.
Types of Application Software

Spread Sheet Packages:
These packages are used for preparing
accounts and other financial reports as
needed by the user.
Example: MS Excel

Communication Packages:
These packages are used to communicate with
others. These are used for sending and receiving
e-mail through internet.
Example: Internet Explorer, Netscape
communicator
Project planning packages:
These application packages are used to develop
project plans and work schedules.
Example: Visio, Microsoft Project

Graphics Packages:
These packages are used to prepare graphics,
drawings and other artwork used in desktop
publishing and report writing.
Example: Corel Draw, Adobe Photoshop
Engineering Packages:
These packages are used to prepare drawings
for engineering purposes.
Example: Auto Cad
Types of Application
software

Animation Packages:
These packages are used to prepare animations
for slide shows or on web.
Example: MS PowerPoint, Macromedia Flash
Database Packages:
These packages are used to develop database to
store a large amount of data in organized form on
computer hard disk. These packages provide
information to the user, as user requires. Most
commonly used databases are inventory control
system, payroll system etc.
software

Games:
These packages are used by computer users
for entertainment. These are developed in
some specific computer programming
language.
Example: Lion King, Solitaire
Music Players:
Different player are available for audio/video
music and movies.
Example: Media Player, Jet Audio, Win Amp.
software

computer software in Computer Fundamentals

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computer software in Computer Fundamentals