Computer Software
Software is a collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer
or have the computer perform specific tasks for them. Without any software the
computer would be useless.
Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions,
often broken into two major categories: system software that provides the basic non-
task-specific functions of the computer, and application software which is used by users
to accomplish specific tasks.
System software is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the
individual hardware components of a computer system so that other software
and the users of the system see it as a functional unit without having to be
concerned with the low-level details such as transferring data from memory to
disk, or rendering text onto a display. Generally, system software consists of an
operating system and some fundamental utilities such as disk formatters, file
managers, display managers, text editors, user authentication (login) and
management tools, and networking and device control software.
Application software, on the other hand, is used to accomplish specific tasks other than
just running the computer system. Application software may consist of a single
program, such as an image viewer; a small collection of programs (often called a
software package) that work closely together to accomplish a task, such as a
spreadsheet or text processing system; a larger collection (often called a
software suite) of related but independent programs and packages that have a
common user interface or shared data format, such as Microsoft Office, which
consists of closely integrated word processor, spreadsheet, database, etc.; or a
software system, such as a database management system, which is a collection
of fundamental programs that may provide some service to a variety of other
independent applications.
Software is created with programming languages and related utilities, which may come
in several of the above forms: single programs like script interpreters, packages
containing a compiler, linker, and other tools; and large suites (often called Integrated
Development Environments) that include editors, debuggers, and other tools for
multiple languages.
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Computer Software
Kinds of Operating System
1. Microsoft Windows - PC and IBM
compatible operating system. Microsoft
Windows is the most commonly found
and used operating system.
2. Apple MacOS Macintosh Operating System - Apple
computer operating system. The only Apple computer
operating system.
3. Ubuntu Linux - A popular variant of Linux used with
PC and IBM compatible computers.
4. Google Android - operating system used
with Android compatible phones.
5. iOS - Operating system used with the
Apple iPhone, iPad.
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Computer Software
Linux vs. Windows
Users who are considering making a change from Windows to Linux or Linux to
Windows commonly want to know the advantages and disadvantages of each of
the operating systems. Below is a chart to help illustrate the major advantages and
disadvantages of each of these operating systems.
Topic Linux Windows
The majority of Linux variants are available Microsoft Windows can run between
Price for free or at a much lower price than Php 2,000 – Php 15,000 per each license
Microsoft Windows. copy.
Microsoft has made several
Although the majority Linux variants have advancements and changes that have
improved dramatically in ease of use, made it a much easier to use operating
Ease
Windows is still much easier to use for new system, and although arguably it may not
computer users. be the easiest operating system, it is still
Easier than Linux.
The majority of Linux variants and versions Although Microsoft Windows has made
are notoriously reliable and can often run for great improvements in reliability over
Reliability
months and years without needing to be the last few versions of Windows, it still
rebooted. cannot match the reliability of Linux.
Because of the amount of Microsoft
Linux companies and hardware manufacturers
Windows users and the broader driver
have made great advancements in hardware
support, Windows has a much larger
support for Linux and today Linux will
Hardware support for hardware devices and a good
support most hardware devices. However,
majority of hardware manufacturers will
many companies still do not offer drivers or
support their products in Microsoft
support for their hardware in Linux.
Windows.
Although Microsoft has made great
Linux is and has always been a very secure improvements over the years with
operating system. Although it still can be security on their operating system, their
Security
attacked when compared to Windows, it much operating system continues to be the
more secure. most vulnerable to viruses and other
attacks.
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Computer Software
Types of Utility Software
a. Disk Defragmenter is a utility in Microsoft
Windows designed to increase access speed by
rearranging files stored on a disk to
occupy contiguous storage locations. Disk Defragmenter
also reduces system startup times.
b. Disk Cleaner is a computer maintenance utility
included in Microsoft Windows designed to free up disk
space on a computer's hard drive. The utility first
searches and analyzes the hard drive for files that are no
longer of any use, and then removes the unnecessary
files.
c. Disk Partitioner it is the dividing of a hard disk drive into
multiple logical storage units referred to as partitions, to
treat one physical disk drive as if it were multiple disks.
d. Backup Utilities are computer programs used to
perform backup; they create supplementary exact copies
of files, databases or entire computers. These programs
may later use the supplementary copies to restore the
original contents in the event of data loss.
e. Anti-Virus utilities is software used to prevent, detect and remove malware
such as computer viruses, adware, backdoors,
malicious BHOs,dialers, fraudtools, hijackers, keyloggers,
malicious LSPs, rootkits, spyware, trojan
horses and worms. Computer security, including
protection from social engineering techniques, is
commonly offered in products and services of antivirus
software companies.
Kinds of Application Software
a. Word Processing Software is usually what leads people
to using a computer for their work. Word processors will
normally have the following capabilities built into them:
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Computer Software
• Spell checking
• Standard layouts for normal documents
• Have some characters appear in bold print, italics, or underlined
• Center lines, make text line up on the left side of the paper, or the right
side of the paper
• Save the document so it can be used again
• Print the document.
Two of the most common word processing
programs are WordPerfect and Microsoft
Word.
b. Spreadsheet Software. The spreadsheet packages are designed to use
numbers and formulas to do calculations with ease. Examples of
spreadsheets include:
• Budgets
• Payrolls
• Grade Calculations
• Address Lists
The most commonly used spreadsheet programs are Microsoft Excel and
Lotus 123.
c. Database Software is an application software that allows users to create,
access, and manage a database. A database is a collection of data and
records. Database programs are designed for these types of applications:
• Membership lists
• Student lists
• Grade reports
• Instructor schedules
Some of the most commonly used database programs are Microsoft Access
and dBASE.
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Computer Software
d. Graphic Presentation Software. The presentation programs can make
giving presentations and using overheads easier. Other uses
include:
• Slide Shows
• Repeating Computer Presentations on a computer monitor
• Using Sound and animation in slide shows
The most recognized graphic presentation programs are Microsoft
PowerPoint and Harvard Graphics.
e. Desktop Publishing Software is a tool for graphic designers in
creating visual communications for professional or desktop
printing as well as for online and on-screen electronic publishing.
Example of desktop publishing software is Microsoft Publisher.
f. Graphic Software is a program that enables the user to
manipulate visual images on a computer. Example of
graphics software is Adobe Photoshop.
g. Multimedia Software is a program that can combine text,
graphics, full-motion video, and audio into an integrated
package. Example of multimedia software is Windows Movie
Maker.
h. Entertainment Software is a program designed to listen to
music and watch video clips using the computer. Example of an
entertainment software is Windows Media Player.
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