LESSON NOTES

SOFTWARE

Types of Software

What is software?

Software refers to a collection of programs, data, and instructions that enable a computer system to
perform various tasks and operations. It is the non-tangible component of a computer system

There two types of major software

- System Software
- Application Software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software controls the operation of the computer itself. An example would be Microsoft WIndows

The main type of system software include:

1. Basic Input and Output
2. Operating systems
3. Utilities
4. Software development

1. BASIC INPUT AND OUTPUT

Controls the operation of hardware items such as the keyboard and monitor.

2. OPERATING SYSTEMS
Controls the overall functions of the computer system so that all the parts works together.

Functions of the operating system

- Memory management- controls the use of virtual memory which is memory used from the hard
disk when there is not enough RAM.
- File management- keeps track of the thousands of files on a computer. It locates stored files and
saves files to memory when you tell it to. It will let you copy, erase, rename, and back up files.
- Device Management- controls the operations of peripheral devices. Eg. the operating system will
allow a word processing application to connect to a printer to print a hard copy document.
- Input/output management- receives input from devices and sends signals to output devices.
- Program management- will launch a program when you tell it to. It will abort programs that are
not working properly.
- Security control- controls some aspect of data security for example the password to login to a
network.
- Logging of events- keeps a record of all jobs that are executed by the computer and every
hardware device used. These are useful for spotting and diagnosing problems.
 - User Interface- allows the user to interact with the computer, to input instructions and data and to
receive results.

● User Interface
Is a graphical or visual display of the operating system that allows the user to interact with the program. A
user can interact with a computer through a software interface or a hardware interface.

● Hardware interface
Various hardware components makes it possible for a person to work with the computer system

● Software interface
There are two types of software interfaces
1. Command-driven interface
2. Graphical User Interface

Command driven interface

This is where the user used the keyboard to type a command such as print documents or delete file.
Command driven interface is rarely used in today’s world.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Is commands that are issued bt clicking on icons instead of typing into windows.

Features of a GUI
- Mouse pointer- a small arrow or other symbol that moves on the screen as you move the mouse
- Icons- small images that represent commands, files, and storage areas
 - Windows- rectangular areas of the screen that open to allow access to files and storage areas
- Menus- these allow you to pick commands from lists of choices instead of typing them.

GUI uses menus and is called menu driven interface.

- Menus display options for tasks and actions you can perform
- Pull-down menus drop a list of options when they are clicked
- Pop-up menus are usually activated by a right mouse click and is displayed where ever the cursor
is located.

3. UTILITIES

Utility software includes various tools and programs that help users manage and maintain their computer
systems. Examples include disk cleanup tools, antivirus software, file compression utilities, and backup
applications.

4. SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT

These are tools used by developers and programmers to create, debug, and maintain software
applications. Examples include integrated development environments (IDEs), compilers, and debuggers.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software are programs that allow a computer to carry out specific tasks but they are not
essential for the computer to work.
There are 3 major application software

1. General purpose software- software than can be used by most people for different purposes.
General purpose software are general cheap and affordable. Eg. word processing.
a. Customization- a company that can not afford its own custom-written software might
decide to customize a general package.
b. Integration as known as integrated software- is a set of useful application that are bundle
together or sold together as one package. Ex microsoft offers an integrated package of
five application programs word, excel, outlook, powerpoint and access.

2. Special purpose software- designed for a specific purpose or tasks. It is used by fewer people.
For example. accounting software is for creating and maintaining accounting records. It is useful
only to accountants. It is quite expensive

3. Custom written- often called tailor-made or bespoke software. It is written for a single user to
perform specific tasks. It is written specially for that user’s needs. A large company like a bank
will have its own custom written software