Introduction to

Computer Applications

Lecture # 13
Objective of Lecture
Software
Types of Software
System software
Description
Examples
What is Software
Def#1
Software is a set of instruction that use to operates
various kind of program.
Def#2
Software is a generic term for organized collections of
computer data and instructions.
Software
Software, is a collection of computer programs that
provide the instructions for telling a computer what to do
and how to do it.
In contrast to hardware, software is intangible,
meaning it cannot be touchedhaving no physical
existence.
Types of software
It is divided in to two major categories

System software that provides the basic non-task-

specific functions of the computer.

Application software which is used by users to

accomplish specific tasks.
Types of Software
Application softwares
System softwares
1. Operating System
2. Utility Program
3. Device Drivers
System Software
Serves as the interface
between the user, the
application software, and
the computers hardware.

Example:
Operating system
Device Drivers
Utilities
System software
System software is responsible for controlling,
integrating, and managing the individual hardware
components of a computer system.
Generally, system software consists of an operating
system and some fundamental utilities such as
disk formatters
file managers
display managers
user authentication (login)
and management tools
networking software
device control software
System Software
What is system software?

Programs that control Two types are

or maintain operation operating systems
of computer and utility programs

Operating system (OS)

(sometimes called the platform)
coordinates all activities
among computer
hardware
resources
System Software
Operating System
Operating system is a set of programs including
instructions that coordinate all the activities among
hardware resources.
Examples:

Windows,Macintosh,Linux,Unix
Operating System
A program that acts as an intermediary between a user
of a computer and the computer hardware.
Operating system goals:
Execute user programs and make solving user

problems easier.
Make the computer system convenient to use.

Operating system Examples:

Linux, Unix, XP ,Windows 7 ,Windows 8.
Operating System Functions
starting a computer,
providing a user interface,
managing programs, memory,
coordinating tasks,
configuring devices,
establishing an internet connection,
monitoring performance,
providing file management utilities.
Operating System Functions
What is a command line interface (CLI)?
Operating System Functions
What is a graphical user
interface (GUI)?

User interacts with menus

and visual images such as
buttons and other graphical
objects
Basic Interface
Windows Aero Interface
Device Drivers
In computing, a device driver or software driver is a
computer programs to interact with a hardware device.

Drivers are hardware-dependent and operating-system-

specific.
Device drivers
Device Driver or Software Driver is a computer
program allowing an external extended mother board
components to interact with computer system.
Because of the diversity of modern update hardware
and operating systems, drivers operate in many
different environments. Drivers may interface with;
Printer
Scanner
Sound card
VGA card
Network card. etc.
Operating System Utility Programs

What is a Utility Program?

System software that performs maintenance-type
tasks related to managing computers devices or
programs
Also called utility
Example:
antivirus software
Defragmenters
Internet and network connection is managed by
variety of small software utilities, including firewall
programs, while program installation and removal
is achieved by package managers and installation
clients.
Utilities
 Utilities
Utility software is a kind of system software designed to
help analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer.
A single piece of utility software is usually called a utility or
tool. Utility software should be contrasted with application
software, which allows users to do things like creating text
documents, playing games.
Utility software :
Antivirus(MC cafee)
Data compression software (win RAR)
Disk partitioning
Backup
Memory testers
Network utilities etc
Operating System Utility
Programs
What is a File Manager?
Performs functions related to file management
A file manager displays list of files on storage
medium
Organizes file into folder
Used for Copy, Delete, Rename, Move and shortcut
of files
Operating System Utility Programs

What is a Disk
Defragmentation?

Reorganizes files and

unused space on hard disk
so that programs run faster

p. 414 Fig. 8-19

Utility Programs

What is File compression?

Shrinks size of files to free up room and improve
performance
Compressed files are sometimes called zipped files
Two popular utilities:
Win RAR and WinZip
Operating System Utility Programs
What is a Backup utility?
Copies selected files or
entire hard disk onto
another storage medium
Most compress files
during backup to
require less storage
space
Questions??