COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Highlights:
1.) Computer Application Software
2.) Types of Computer software.
3.) Software Licensing.
4.) Types of Software License
5.) Software piracy

Software
- It 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 tell it how to accomplish each task.

SOFTWARE

System Programming Application

software software software

System Software
- It is a computer software designed to operate the computer hardware to provide basic functionality and to
provide a platform for running application software.
- It refers to the operating system and all utility programs that manage computer resources at a low level

The BlOS (Baric Input/output system)

- Gets the computer system started after you turn it on and manages data flow between the operating system
into the computer main memory or Random-Access Memory (RAM)

Programming Software
- Includes 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.
- Examples of this are C, C+, C++, Python, Java, Visual Basic, etc.

Application Software
- A program or group of programs designed for end users.
- Allows end users to accomplish one or more specific tasks.

The different types of Application software’s:

1. Word Processor
- It is a software program capable of creating, storing, and printing documents.
- Unlike standard typewriter, users using word processors have the ability of creating a document and
making any changes anywhere in the document.
- This document can also be saved at a later time or to be opened. using the same word processor.

Examples: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer etc.

2. Spreadsheets
- a type of computer application used for organizing, analyzing, and manipulating data in a tabular format,
typically consisting of rows and columns.
- Spreadsheets are widely used in business, finance, science, and many other fields for various purposes,
including data entry, calculation, data visualization, and reporting.

Examples: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, etc.

3. Presentation software
- Tools designed to create and deliver multimedia presentations.
- These presentations typically include a combination of text, images, graphics, videos, and other media
elements to convey information, ideas, or messages in a visually engaging and organized manner.

Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, Keynote, etc.

4. Database Management System

- It is a category of software tools and applications designed to efficiently store, organize, retrieve,
manipulate, and secure data within an organization.
- The primary goal of data management software is to facilitate the effective handling and utilization of data
assets, ensuring data quality, accessibility, and security.

Examples: Oracle Database, Microsoft SQL Server, Amazon Redshift, etc.

5. Desktop Publisher
- Used to create, design, and layout documents for various print and digital media.
- Desktop publishing software allows individuals and professionals to produce a wide range of publications,
including brochures, flyers, newsletters, magazines, newspapers, books, and more.

Examples: Microsoft Publisher, Adobe InDesign, Canva, etc.

6. Graphic Editors
- It is a category of software applications that allow users to create, edit, manipulate, and enhance visual
content, including images, graphics, and illustrations.
- Provides a range of tools and features for working with digital or raster images (composed of pixels) and
vector graphics (composed of paths and shapes)

Examples: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP, Krita, etc.

7. Video Editors
- It is a category of software applications that allow users to create, edit, manipulate, and enhance video
content.
- These applications provide tools and features for cutting, trimming, arranging, and adding various elements
to video clips to create professional-quality videos for a wide range of purposes, including filmmaking,
video production, marketing, social media, and personal projects.
Examples: Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Sony Vegas Pro, etc.

8. Web Browser
- A software application that allows users to access and interact with content on the World Wide Web (the
internet)
- Web browsers enable users to view websites, access web pages, download files, and engage with various
online resources, including text, images, videos, and interactive web applications.

Examples: Google Chrome, Firefox, Opera, Safari, etc.

Software Licensing
- Refers to the legal agreement or contract between the creator or copyright holder of a software program and
the end user or organization that intends to use the software. This agreement outlines the terms and
conditions under which the software can be used, distributed, and accessed by the user.

Common types of software licensing include:

1. Proprietary (Closed Source) Licensing: Proprietary software is protected by copyright, and users
typically purchase a license to use it. The source code is not provided, and the software's usage is often
restricted by the terms of the license.

2. Open-Source Licensing: Open-source software is distributed with a license that grants users the right to
view, modify, and distribute the source code freely. There are various open-source licenses, including the
GNU General Public License (GPL), MIT License, and Apache License.

3. Freeware: Freeware refers to software that is provided to users at no cost. Users are allowed to use and
distribute freeware without purchasing a license, but the software may still have restrictions on usage or
redistribution.

4. Shareware: Shareware is distributed freely for a trial period, but users are typically required to purchase a
license to unlock full functionality or continue using it after the trial period.

5. Subscription Licensing: Some software is available through subscription models, where users pay a
recurring fee for access to the software and updates during the subscription period.

6. Perpetual Licensing: Perpetual licenses grant users the right to use the software indefinitely. However,
they may require additional payments for updates or support after an initial period.

Piracy or Software Cracking

- It involves obtaining or using software without the proper authorization or payment, often by bypassing
security mechanisms and protections put in place by software developers.
- Typically involves making unauthorized copies of software programs. This can include downloading
cracked or pirated software from the internet or sharing copied software with others.

Consequences of Software Piracy:

1. Legal Consequences: Software piracy is illegal in many countries and can lead to legal action, including
fines and imprisonment, for both individuals and organizations involved in piracy.
2. Security Risks: Cracked software often includes modifications that can compromise security. These
modified versions may contain malware, spyware, or other malicious code that can harm the user's
computer and compromise personal data.
3. Loss of Revenue: Software piracy results in substantial financial losses for software developers and
publishers. It undermines their ability to invest in research and development and impacts the sustainability
of the software industry.