Computer Software

GPDR113 – Introduction to Information and Communication Technology

Department of ICT Education
Faculty of Science Education
University of Education, Winneba
Lesson Outcomes
• At the end of this lesson you should be able to:
• Define computer software
• Explain the uses of system software
• Identify and explain the various system software
• Explain application software
• Identify and explain the various application software

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Introduction
• Computer software consists of all the electronic instructions that
tell the computer how to perform a task.
• There are 2 types of software
• System
• Application

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System Software
• A collection of programs designed to
operate, control, and extend the processing
capabilities of the computer itself.
• System software serves as the interface
between the hardware and the end users.
• Enables users to interact with the computer
and application software
• Examples – Operating Systems (Windows,
Mac, Linux, etc.), Utility programs (antivirus,
backup, disk repair, file management etc.),
Device drivers
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System Software - Operating Systems
• An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer
user and computer hardware.
• It also interfaces between the user and application software.
• An operating system is a software which performs all the basic
tasks like file management, memory management, process
management, security management, handling input and output,
and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and
printers.
• Mention some examples.

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System Software – Utility Programs
• These are programs that perform tasks related to the control
and allocation of computer resources.
• They are designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or
maintain a computer.
• It is used to support the computer infrastructure.
• They are usually accessed through the computer's control panel,
control centre, settings or system preferences.
• Examples – Backup and Restore, Disk Defragmenter, Task
Scheduler, Antivirus, File Compresser etc.

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System Software – Device Drivers
• These are specialized system software programs that allow input
and output devices to communicate with the rest of the
computer system.
• Drivers are needed so that the operating system can recognize
and run peripheral hardware.
• It controls a hardware devices attached to the computer.
• Examples – Printers, Modems,

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Application Software
• Application software is a type of computer program that
performs a specific personal, educational, or business function.
• They are designed for end users and help them perform a task.
• Examples – Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel etc.), Internet
browsers (Chrome, Opera, Safari etc.), Mavis Beacon, etc.
• They serve the following purposes:
• Productivity/Business
• Graphics & Multimedia
• School/Professional
• Home/Personal
• Communications
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Application Software - Categories

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Application Software
Class Activity
• Mention 2 examples each in every category of the application
software

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 Questions and Answers

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