ME 181 Computing Basics Lecture 2
Topic: Software
Course Teacher:
Abdullah Al Rifat
Assistant Professor
Department of Mechanical Engineering
Chittagong University of Engineering and Technology
Software
Software is a set of programs and
instructions that tells a computer what to
do.
System Software
• Used to control computer hardware and
provide a platform for application
software to run.
• It works in the background
• Acts as an interface between user and
hardware
Application Software
• Designed to perform specific user tasks
• Examples: MS Word, Excel, Photoshop,
Browser
System Software: Operating Software (OS) Function
An OS manages all computer resources, Ex: Windows, Linux, macOS, Android, iOS
• Handles the execution of programs in the computer
Process • Function: Creates and deletes processes, Allocates CPU time to
management processes, Manages multitasking, controls process, Synchronization
• Example: Running a browser, music player, and Word at the same time.
• Memory management controls the use of main memory (RAM).
Memory • Functions: Allocates memory to programs, Deallocates memory after use,
management Prevents memory overlap, Manages virtual memory
• This manages data storage and organization on storage devices
Files and folder • Functions: Creates, deletes, and renames files/folders, Organizes data in
system management directories, Controls file access, Manages disk space
• Controls input and output devices.
Device management • Example: Printer, keyboard, mouse, scanner.
• This ensures system protection and controlled access.
Security and user • Functions: User authentication (login/password), Authorization
management (permission levels), Data protection, Prevents unauthorized access
System Software: System Development Software
System Development Software is a type of system software used to
create, test, and maintain other software programs.
Why It Is Needed !!!
•Convert programs into machine-readable form
•Helps in writing, testing, and debugging programs
•Makes software development easier and faster
Features
•Helps program development
•Error detection and correction
•Faster program execution
•Improves software quality
System Software: System Development Software
Types of System Development Software
1. Compiler
• Translates the entire program at once into machine language
• Errors are shown after compilation
• Example: C, C++ compiler
2. Interpreter
• Translates and executes line by line
• Stops when an error is found
• Example: Python interpreter
3. Assembler
• Converts assembly language into machine code
• Example: MASM
4. Debugger
• Used to find and remove errors (bugs) in programs
• Example: GDB
5. IDE (Integrated Development Environment)
• Combines editor, compiler, debugger in one software
• Examples: Visual Studio, Code::Blocks, Eclipse
System Software: Utility Software
➢ Utility software is a type of system software that helps to maintain,
protect, and improve the performance of a computer system.
➢ Maintains and optimizes system performance
➢ Examples: Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, Backup tools
Functions of Utility Software
•Protects the system from viruses
•Improves system speed
•Manages files and storage
•Detects and fixes errors
Advantages
•Increases system life
•Prevents data loss
•Improves performance
•Enhances security
System Software: Utility Software
Types of Utility Software
1. Antivirus Software
• Protects against viruses and malware
• Scans and removes threats
• Example: Windows Defender, Avast
2. Disk Management Utilities
• Organizes disk space
• Improves performance
• Examples: Disk Cleanup, Disk Defragmenter
3. Backup and Recovery Tools
• Creates backup of data
• Restores data after failure
• Examples: Backup utility, Restore points
4. File Compression Software
• Reduces file size
• Saves storage space
• Examples: WinZip, WinRAR
5. System Monitoring Tools
• Monitors CPU, memory usage
• Example: Task Manager
Application Software Categories
1. Horizontal Application Software (General Purpose Program)
• Addresses the needs of many people
• Ex. Word processing, spreadsheets, database
2. Vertical Application Software
• Designed for customer of specific job (Custom Software)
• Costly because of small size of market
• Ex. Production tracking system, restaurant management system etc.
Three Types of Horizontal Application Software
1. Personal productivity program: Word processing, spreadsheet, database etc.
2. Multimedia and graphics program: Power point
3. Internet Program: E-mail, Web browsers etc.
Software for Word Processing & Office Management
Word Processing Software
• Create, edit, format text documents
• Features: Spell check, formatting, tables
• Examples: MS Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer
Office Management Software
• Helps manage office tasks
• Email, scheduling, accounting, communication
• Examples: MS Office Suite, Google Workspace
Database Management System (DBMS)
A DBMS is software used to store, retrieve, and manage data efficiently.
DBMS Type Structure Relationship Meaning Feature Limitations
• One parent can • No many-to-many
have many children • Fast data access relationship
Hierarchical Tree One-to-many
• Each child has only • Simple structure • Difficult to
one parent modify
• Flexible data
• A record can have • Complex design
relationships
Network Graph Many-to-many multiple parents • Difficult to
• Faster than
and children maintain
hierarchical DBMS
• Easy to use
• Rows = Records
• Supports SQL
Relational • Columns = Fields • Requires more
Table Using keys • High data security
(RDBMS) • Tables are linked memory
• Easy data
using keys
modification
Database Management System (DBMS)
Features Examples
• Data storage and retrieval • MySQL
• Data security • Oracle
• Data integrity • SQL Server
• Backup and recovery • MS Access
Website Design
Website design involves creating and maintaining websites.
Components
• Layout
• Color scheme
• Fonts
• Graphics
Tools
• HTML (Structure)
• CSS (Design) Uses
• JavaScript (Interactivity) • Business websites
• CMS: WordPress, Wix • Educational sites
• E-commerce
MIS Design (Management Information System)
• MIS is a computer-based system that collects, processes, stores, and provides
information to managers for planning, decision-making, and control.
• MIS helps managers take the right decision at the right time.
Components
• Hardware: Computer, server, printers
• Software: Database software, application program
• Data: Sale data, employee details
• People: Managers, operators, IT stuffs
• Procedures: Rules and methods for using the system
Types of MIS
• Marketing MIS – Sales, customer data
• Financial MIS – Accounts, budget, profit
• Human Resource MIS – Employee records
• Production MIS – Inventory, production planning
MIS Design (Management Information System)
Advantages of MIS
Limitations of MIS
• Faster decision making
• High initial cost
• Better planning • Needs skilled staff
• Reduced workload • Depends on data
• Improved accuracy accuracy
• Better coordination • Cannot replace human
Applications
• Business management
• Inventory control
• Financial management
Software for Design & Drafting
• Design and drafting software is used to create technical drawings, designs, and models
accurately with the help of a computer.
• Used for engineering, architecture, and graphic design
• It replaces manual drawing and makes work faster, accurate, and professional
Examples
Purpose of Design & Drafting Software
• AutoCAD – Engineering drawings •Create 2D and 3D drawings
• SolidWorks – 3D mechanical design •Improve accuracy and precision
• CATIA – Product design •Save time and effort
• Photoshop – Graphic design •Easy modification of designs
•Better visualization
• CorelDRAW – Vector graphics
Computer Troubleshooting
➢ Process of identifying and fixing computer problems
Troubleshooting Steps
Common Problems
1. Identify the problem
• System not booting
2. Check connections
• Slow performance
3. Restart system
• Software crashes
4. Update software/drivers
• Network issues
5. Scan for malware
System Setup Procedure
➢ System Setup Procedure means the step-by-step process of making a
computer ready to use after assembling or buying it.
Steps to make a computer ready for use:
1. Assemble hardware
2. Connect peripherals
3. Install Operating System
4. Install drivers
5. Install application software
6. Configure system settings
Assemble Hardware
This step means putting together the main computer parts.
• Install CPU, RAM, hard disk/SSD, motherboard
• Place everything inside the cabinet
• Connect power supply
System Setup Procedure
Connect Peripherals
Peripherals are external devices used to operate the computer.
• Keyboard, mouse, monitor, printer, scanner (if needed)
The Operating System (OS)
Essential to run the computer.
• Installed using DVD or USB drive
• Controls hardware and software
Driver Installation
Special programs that help the OS communicate with hardware.
•Graphics driver, Sound driver, Printer driver, Network driver
Application Software Installation
• software is used to perform user tasks. MS Word, Excel, Browser, Antivirus
Configure System Setting
This step customizes the computer for the user.
• Ex. Set date and time, create user account, Set language and region, Update system and
security settings
BIOS (Basic Input Output System)
• BIOS is a small program stored on the computer’s motherboard.
• It starts the computer when power is turned on
• Prepares the computer to load the operating system
• Connects the hardware and the software.
• Checks hardware (POST – Power On Self Test)
POST (Power On Self Test)
A checking process done by the BIOS when the computer is turned ON.
It checks whether the hardware components are working properly or not.
What POST Checks?
When you press the power button, POST checks: RAM (memory), processor (CPU), Keyboard,
Hard disk / SSD, Graphics card, Other connected devices.
POST ensures all hardware is ready before loading the OS. If hardware fails, the computer
will not boot.
Commercial Software
• One must pay before using it
Shareware Software
• One can use on a ‘try before buy’ basis
Freeware Software
• Given for free
Q. Differentiate among commercial, shareware, and freeware software?