Software for Educators and Students

Software
- set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. It is the
opposite of hardware, which describes the physical aspects of a computer.
- a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a device. It can be thought
of as the variable part of a computer, while hardware is the invariable part.
- All software provides the directions and data computers need to work and meet users' needs.

2 Main Categories of Software

1. System Software
- designed to run and control the operations of the computer’s hardware and provides a platform for
applications to run on top of.
- It serves as the interface between the user, the application software and the hardware. Coordinates the
activities and functions of the hardware and software.
- sits between the computer hardware and the application software. Users do not interact directly with
system software as it runs in the background, handling the basic functions of the computer. This
software coordinates a system's hardware and software so users can run high-level application software
to perform specific actions. System software executes when a computer system boots up and continues
running as long as the system is on.
- Operating System (OS) is the best example of system software. They usually come pre-loaded on the
computer.

Different Operating Systems (OS)

Remember: Modern OS uses Graphical User Interface or GUI. A GUI lets you use your mouse to
click icons, buttons, and menus, and everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination
of graphics and text.

Each operating system's GUI has a different look and feel, so if you switch to a different operating system it
may seem unfamiliar at first. However, modern operating systems are designed to be easy to use, and most of
the basic principles are the same.

Different Types of Operating System (OS)

1.1 Stand-Alone Operating System

 A complete operating system that works on a desktop computer, notebook or mobile.
 Examples are Microsoft Windows, MAC OS X

1.1.1 Windows
 - Microsoft Windows is the most known operating system. Many versions have been out in
the market to help users perform computer-based tasks with more convenience.
- Microsoft created the Windows operating system in the mid-1980s. There have been many
different versions of Windows, but the most recent ones are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows
8 (2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista (2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new
PCs, which helps to make it the most popular operating system in the world.

1.1.2. macOS
- only available for computer which are manufactured by Apple.
- macOS (previously called OS X) is a line of operating systems created by Apple. It comes
preloaded on all Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some of the specific versions
include Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra (2017), and Sierra (2016).
- According to StatCounter Global Stats, macOS users account for less than 10% of global
operating systems—much lower than the percentage of Windows users (more than 80%). One reason
for this is that Apple computers tend to be more expensive. However, many people do prefer the look
and feel of macOS over Windows.

1.1.3. Linux

- is a family of open-source operating systems, which means they can be modified and

distributed by anyone around the world. This is different from proprietary software like Windows,
 which can only be modified by the company that owns it. The advantages of Linux are that it is free,
and there are many different distributions—or versions—you can choose from.

- The operating system is loading itself into memory and begins to control the computer’s
resources. After that, it offers certain tools for other applications that the client wants to run. Most of
the embedded systems run Linux today. Electronic gadgets such as internet router, washing machine,
TV, refrigerator, etc can be run on Linux. Hence Linux is also one of the most popular operating
systems nowadays.

Linux is a  computer operating system which is similar to Unix built under the development

and distribution model of free and open-source software. Linux’s popular feature is the Linux kernel,
the first operating system kernel released by Linus Torvalds on September 17, 1991. The operating
system is loading itself into memory and begins to control the computer’s resources. After that, it offers
certain tools for other applications that the client wants to run. Most of the embedded systems run
Linux today. Electronic gadgets such as internet router, washing machine, TV, refrigerator, etc can be
run on Linux. Hence Linux is also one of the most popular operating systems nowadays.

According to StatCounter Global Stats, Linux users account for less than 2% of global
operating systems. However, most servers run Linux because it's relatively easy to customize.

There are several pros and cons to consider when it comes to Macs.

Pros of Macs

When it comes to Macs, they are the no-brainer choice if you already have Apple products. All Apple products
work seamlessly with each other, so if you have an iPhone or iPad, you will likely be better off with a Mac than
a Windows PC.

Also, if you are already familiar with how the Apple OS works, you will find the Mac to be more intuitive. In
general, Macs are known for their user-friendliness and approachability. They are considered to be more
intuitive than Windows. While the way your iPad/iPhone and MacBook work may differ slightly, they are very
similar, so it would be easy to adjust to the computer.

Macs are also known for their built-in retina displays that draw in people like graphic designers, artists, and
anyone else looking for fantastic visual elements. The designs of Macs are also considered to look more artful
than a Windows PC.

Cons of Macs

There are several cons to buying a Mac.

 Mac computers tend to be much higher in price than Windows PCs.

 It isn't uncommon for an application to be available on Windows but not on Mac because Windows is
the more commonly used operating system.

All about Windows

There are pros and cons to buying a Windows PC, as well.

Pros of a Windows PC
Many brands of computers run Windows, which means you can find a Windows PC at almost any price point.

Touch screens are another place where Windows thrives over Apple. Windows 8 and Windows 10 were
developed with touch screens in mind. This means your devices can act like different devices fairly easily. For
example, laptops can become tablets, and you can use tablets like computers.

As mentioned above, Windows PCs have much more software available to them. Along with that, Windows
PCs are extremely customizable, so you can buy your own parts to create a device you want.

Windows PCs are also known for their backwards compatibility, which means you can run older programs on a
newer device. This is especially helpful for people who like to play games on their computer. Games may not be
updated to the newer computer specs, but they will still play on the newer computer just fine.

Cons of a Windows PC

Here are some of the cons of buying a Windows PC.

 More susceptible to virus attacks

 Most major software (Photoshop, Office Suite, etc.) has to be bought separately and can be expensive.
 The system can slow to the point of needing to reboot
 Resource Intensive
 Technical support is flaky

Conclusion

If you are looking for a device to do something that benefits from high visual resolution, a Mac is likely the way
to go. It is also a good choice for people who already have Apple products. However, if you want a device you
can customize a lot and want to have more access to applications, a Windows PC is the better bet.

1.2. Embedded Operating Systems

- resides in an internal chip rather than in a hard drive. This is best used in mobile devices and
other electronic devices.

- Mobile devices such as phones, tablet computers, and MP3 players are different from

desktop and laptop computers, so they run operating systems that are designed specifically for mobile
devices. Operating systems for mobile devices generally aren't as fully featured as those made for
desktop and laptop computers, and they aren't able to run all of the same software. However, you can
still do a lot of things with them, like watch movies, browse the Web, manage your calendar, and play
games.

- Examples of embedded OS or mobile operating systems include Apple iOS and Google

Android.

1.3 Emerging Operating Systems

 Like that of Google Chrome’s.
 This type of OS has the potential to revolutionize computing. It was designed to work
exclusively with web-based and cloud applications and to run on Chromebook
computers.

2 Application Software
- software that fulfils a specific need or performs tasks. Can be self-contained or can be a group of
programs that run the application for the user.
 - consists of many programs that perform specific functions for end users, such as writing reports and
navigating websites. Applications can also perform tasks for other applications. Applications on a
computer cannot run on their own; they require a computer's OS, along with other supporting system
software programs, to work.

- Examples of application software are office suites, graphics software, databases, web browsers, word
processors, image editors and communication platforms.

There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several categories. Some are more full
featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app).
Below are just a few types of applications you might use.

 Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create
many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.

 Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers
come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you
prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome,
and Safari.
  Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll
need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.

 Games: There are many types of games you can play on your computer. They range from
card games like Solitaire to action games like Halo. Many action games require a lot
of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.

Mobile apps

Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run applications. You can also download apps for
mobile devices like smartphones and tablets. Here are a few examples of mobile apps.
  Gmail: You can use the Gmail app to easily view and send emails from your mobile device.
It's available for Android and iOS devices.
 Instagram: You can use Instagram to quickly share photos with your friends and family. It's
available for Android and iOS.
 Duolingo: With a combination of quizzes, games, and other activities, this app can help you
learn new languages. It's available for Android and iOS.

Operating Systems are usually pre-installed in on any computer. Below we will discuss different types of
Operating System:

1. Apple iOS
Apple’s iOS is a popular operating system for smartphones. It works on Apple hardware, including iPhone’s and
iPad tablets. iOS features include an application shop where users can buy and download free apps, strong
safety and encryption focus to limit what unauthorized users can remove from the phone and a simple,
streamlined interface with minimal hardware buttons.

2. Microsoft Windows
Since 1985 Microsoft Windows has been in one form or another and remains the most common home and office
software operating system. The latest versions are also used in some devices, including Windows 10, and the OS
is also used on some internet and server computers. Windows may be used by machines from a variety of
companies. Windows ‘ original versions worked with a previous Microsoft OS called MS-DOS modern
interface on top of traditional DOS text-driven commands. Microsoft Windows UI’s signature features include
windows themselves – panel-screens that represent individual applications in a rectangular shape. The start
menu of Windows helped generations of users to find their programs and files.

3. Apple MAC OS
Apple’s macOS is running on Apple laptops and desktops as the successor of the popular operating system OS
X. Because of its research into AT&T’s Bell Labs in the 1960s on the historic Unix family of operating systems,
macOS shares certain features with other Unix-related systems, including Linux. Although the graphical
interfaces are different, many of the programming interfaces and command-line features are similar. Signature
elements in macOS include the dock used to check for programs and files that are commonly used, single
keyboard keys, including the Command key. macOS is famous for its user-friendly functionalities like Siri,
Apple’s video chatting software, FaceTime and a natural-voice personal assistant.