Types of Software

Mrs. S. Palmer

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System Software and Its Function
What is a software?

- The instructions needed to direct the computer to

complete specific tasks.
- Software can be categorized into two types :-
Operating Software/System Software
- program controlling the actual operations of the computer
equipment
- the operating system tells the computer how to perform
functions such as load, store, execute application program,
transfer data between I/O ( Input/Output) devices and main
memory
Application Software

- program that tells a computer how to produce information

- examples of application software :
Business, scientific, educational programs and etc.
Purposes of OS :-
• To manage the hardware for efficient utilization of
computer resources

• To interface between a user/an application

program with the hardware
 WHAT AN OPERATING SYSTEM DOES?
1. Checks the functionality of the computer’s hardware. It
generates an error message (by messages or beeps) if
any components are found faulty.

2. Then the OS control programs will load the supervisor

program into the computer’s memory – booting

3. Once the supervisor control program in memory, the

system displays the prompt sign (C:\>), indicating that
it is ready to work
TYPES OF OS

 Microsoft Windows (98,

2000, XP, Vista)
 Mac OS (X)
 Linux OS
 Unix OS etc.
 MS-DOS
EXPLORING POPULAR OPERATING SYSTEMS: A GUIDED
© 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

TOUR

WINDOWS XP MAC OS

UNIX
MS-DOS LINUX

Slide 7
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Windows version (1985-2001)
Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows
Windows
3.x2000
ME
NT
XP
2.0
95
98
(1990-1992)
1.0(1998)
(1995)
(2001)
(1993)
(1987)
(2000)
(2000)
(1985)

Slide 8
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

WINDOWS XP
 Released in 2001 by Microsoft
 XP is short for “experience”
 Uses the same underlying code for all
versions
 Replaces all previous versions of
Windows
 versions:
 Windows 3.1, ’95, ‘98
 Windows XP Home Edition
 Windows XP Professional
 Windows XP Server, New
Technology (NT)

Slide 9
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

WINDOWS NT
 Released in 1993 by Microsoft
 Designed for client/server
systems
 Two components:
 Windows NT Workstation

 Windows NT Server
 Oriented to business needs
 Offers security, remote
administration, directory
services, and a Web server
 Example of multi user operating
system

Slide 10
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

WINDOWS CE

 Released in 1996 by Microsoft

 System used in PDAs or palmtops
 Runs simplified versions of Windows programs
 Data can be transferred to PCs
 Includes handwriting and voice recognition
 Example of multi user operating system

Slide 11
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

MAC OS
 Created in 1984
 First OS to use graphical
user interface
 Easiest operating system
for beginners
 A new version, Mac OS
X, was released in 2000
 An example of multi
user operating system

Slide 12
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

MS-DOS

 Developed for IBM PCs in 1981

 Uses command-line interface
 Use is diminishing
 Example of single user operating
system

Slide 13
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

UNIX
 Developed by AT&T in 1970s
 Included first preemptive
multitasking system
 Developed concepts of file
management and path names
 Facilitates client/server
networking
 Widely used by corporations

Slide 14
 © 2005 Prentice-Hall, Inc.

LINUX
 Developed in 1991 by
UNIX
 Open-source code –
Available for all to see
and use
 Competes with
Windows and MAC-
OS
 Powerful and free
 Growing acceptance

Slide 15
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 

Is the name given to the programs that

perform specific task. It is used in
business, desktop publishing, education,
graphics and designing.

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 Common Application Software
 

Word-Processing Programs
Used to enter, edit and format text, add graphics and print documents.

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 Common Application Software

Spreadsheet Programs
Used for creating tabular reports which allows user to organize, calculate
and manipulate figures.

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 Common Application Software

Database Management Programs

Used to manage mailing lists, catalogues, inventories and personnel
files.
 

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 Common Application Software
Presentation Programs
Used to create documents called slides that can be
used to make presentations.

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 Common Application Software
Desktop Publishing Programs
Used for the design, layout and printing of books,
flyers, magazines.

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 Common Application Software

Internet Browser
To access the Internet through a service provider.

Anti-virus
To scan files from the internet and attachments from e-mail for
viruses

 
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 WORK
1. Define the term Software
2. Explain the following terms:
- software piracy
- graphical user interface
3. Clearly explain the difference between operating system
software and application software.
4. Name three examples of operating system software
5. Indentify three types of applications software clearly stating
the purpose of each.
6. Name three features of Windows 8

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