Software

• System software
• Application software
• Ms word, Ms Excel, Ms Access, Ms PowerPoint
• Software trend, computer applications
Systems Software

• System software is a type of

computer program that is
designed to run a computer’s
hardware and application
programs.
• If we think of the computer
system as a layered model, the
system software is the interface
between the hardware and user
applications.
Operating System (OS)

• An Operating System (OS) is an interface between a computer user and

computer hardware. An operating system is a software which performs
all the basic tasks like file management, memory management,
process management, handling input and output, and controlling
peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
• Some popular Operating Systems include Linux Operating System,
Windows Operating System, AIX, etc.
 Modes of Operation of OS

OS vary considerably in their processing capabilities. Hence, the processing capability of an

OS determines the type of processing that can be implemented in a computer system as
follows:

1. Single Program Operation / Single User OS

• The OS supervises the loading and running of one program at a time, and the input and
output of data from and to peripheral devices.
• This type of operating system enables the exclusive use of a computer by a single user.
• It is an interactive operating system and is used mostly on PCs.
• This user issues an instruction and the computer executes the instruction and gives
responses thereof. It can obey only one instruction at a given time
 Modes of Operation of OS

2. Multiprocessing

• The execution of a program or programs sharing all or part of the same memory by
multiple processors. It is the simultaneous execution of 2 or more sequences of
instructions by multiple CPU under common control.
 Modes of Operation of OS
3. Multiprogramming
• The execution of 2 or more programs concurrently by a single processor. The OS has to allocate resources to each
program, allowing each one a small amount of processor time before moving on to the next one. The various types of
multiprogramming systems that exist are:

Multi – user system / Time – sharing system

• The simultaneous running of different programs by several people from different workstations. This is a system in
which the C.P.U. allocates time slices to the various terminals connected to it. The CPU serves each user exclusively
only for a fraction of a second before going to the next user etc in round robin fashion.
• Each user has the impression that his working independently on his computer though they are using the same computer.

Multitasking
• The concurrent execution of 2 or more related tasks between which communication is possible. It is the breaking down
of a single job into stages called tasks which can be executed simultaneously. In this situation several users can run
their programs with each user having the illusion that he is working independently.
 Modes of Operation of OS

4. Batch Processing
• Is processing in which one or more programs are submitted to the computer as a job
and put in a queue until it is their turn to be run. It is processing where transactions
are accumulated in batches for processing after a pre-defined period of time.
• The CPU is characterized by numerous idle times and is overloaded with jobs when
processing falls due. It is very useful for applications such as payroll processing.
• The major disadvantage is that responses are not instant as the results are to be
obtained after the processing session.
• Another hindrance is that the processor is not fully utilised. The benefits obtained
are jobs may be processed to some degree offline e.g. sorting. This relieves the
burden on the processor.
 Modes of Operation of OS

5. Real – Time Processing

• Is processing in which results are produced at a speed commensurate with the
actual happening of the transaction. Data input to the computer is processed
immediately.
• It makes use of a central computer connected by remote terminals. It is interactive
and the master file is updated immediately
 Modes of Operation of OS

6. Centralised Processing

• The central hub is overloaded with jobs. It is characterized by delays hence difficult
to handle prompt queries.
• There is one processing centre where a number of terminals are connected to one
computer.
• Usually applied in business where the satellites sub-branches send there processing
to be done at their headquarters and results are communicated thereof.
• The major disadvantage is that if the central computer breaks down or employees
at the processing site go on strike then there is no processing at all.
 Modes of Operation of OS

7. Distributed Processing
• This is the reverse of centralized processing and is a situation where each branch
does its own processing.
• Usually processing is specialized per branch e.g. one branch may process payroll
another specializes in processing accounts.
• This permits specialization and efficiency in processing. The data produced at each
centre may be available to other centres as per need and can be communicated
through communications links.
• If there is a failure at one site, it is less likely to affect other branches in the
organization.
 Modes of Operation of OS

8. Online Processing
• This is a situation where people and equipment are in direct communication with
the CPU and jobs are sent to the computer CPU via terminals for processing.
• If the CPU is free it processes the job immediately and gives the necessary
responses and if not, the job is placed in a queue for processing later. Because of
queuing online processing is characterized by delays.
• Database is not a pre-requisite and speed is not the essence. This makes it much
different to real time processing.
 Modes of Operation of OS

9. Offline Processing
• This is a situation where processing is done without the aid of a processor. Activities
that may be carried out off-line include sort, verification and validation.

10. Integrated Processing

• This combines at least 2 or more types and rolls them all into one system
 Functions of an OS

1. Resource allocation and scheduling – loading of programs into memory and removing them from memory as
required by the user. The allocation of CPU time, memory and I/O resources to different processes running
concurrently.
2. Memory management – this is the partitioning of all or some of the computer’s memory so that different
programs will be running in different partitions. The OS decides on how these partitions are organised.
3. Backing store management – supervising the creation, updating and deletion of files.
4. Input / Output control – controlling reading from and writing to peripheral devices.
5. Interrupt handling – dealing with error control signals
6. Operator Interface – the OS accepts commands from the operator and responds to them
7. Security – most multi-user systems provide the ability to assign login codes and passwords to different users.
8. Accounting Facilities – keeping records of facilities used by each person such as processor time, number of
pages printed and disk space used.
9. Utilities – programs for performing tasks of a routine nature such as editing files, sorting records etc.
 Application Software

• Application software is the type of

software that is designed to
accomplish specific tasks within the
operating system.
• Some of these tasks include handling
documents, handling calculations,
image editing, video editing among
others.
• Example of application software
includes word processors,
spreadsheets, database software,
image editors among others.
 Application Software

• These are written to meet specific user requirements. Application software can be
divided into
1. General - Purpose Software (application packages) and;
2. Function - Specific.
• People in different industries at different levels can use general-purpose software.
• Function-specific addresses certain specific functions within an organization, for example
Accounting package.

APPLICATION PACKAGES/ OFF THE SHELF' PACKAGES

• These are pieces of software which have been created by a software manufacturer,
tested, documented and copied many times. Application packages tend to be generalist
in nature i.e. used by may different organizations for example word processing and
spreadsheet work.

• Application packages can be classified into the following categories:

Word-processing Software

• This is a collection of software that permits the user to create,

edit and print text documents.
• Most word processing packages come with spell-checkers,
grammar checkers and thesaurus programs for creating drawings
and table of contents. Word, WordPerfect are examples of word
processing software.
Spreadsheet Software

• Is used mainly for mathematical calculations allows managers to

prepare budgets, tax analysis, sales and profit projections.
• Managers can design templates, which contain formulas used to
create columns or row averages. Spreadsheets allow managers to
simulate various solutions. A user may enter a number of different
values and see the effect on the results such as profit margins. MS
Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 are examples of spreadsheets.
• This is software with pages that have 2 dimensional tables
concerned with the manipulation of numeric data and text. The
pages consist of a matrix of cells, which form at the intersection
of rows and columns.
Presentation Graphics Software

• Presentation graphics software lets managers prepare slides

containing charts, text and images.
• Presentation graphics software usually provides libraries of clip art
images that can be cut and paste into a slide to make the slide
more attractive and informative.
• Examples of Presentation packages include MS PowerPoint
Database Management Software

• Database Management Software is a software that allows users to

prepare reports based on data found in different records on the
database.
• Database management software is an important managerial
decisions support tool for managers at all levels of an
organization.
• Examples of database management packages include MS Access,
Sybase etc
Factors to Consider when buying buying an
Application Software
• Relevance of the software to the task at hand.
• Sophistication; simple programs are usually easy to learn, cost less and are
appropriate for those who use the software infrequently.
• Ease of use; user-friendliness.
• The readability and clarity of the documentation, or manual for the software
package, the clarity of the menus and prompts displayed on the screen, on-line
help that explains the prompts and commands, tutorials that teach you how to
use software, a graphical user interface with its point-and-click environment.
• Easiness of installation, continued support and compatibility with other
existing software and hardware.
• Memory requirements; software packages vary in the amount of main memory
they require.
Bespoke Software

• Bespoke software is custom or tailor-made software. The value of

bespoke software over off-the-shelf software is that it can be
designed specifically for key business or legislative objectives
 Advantages of Bespoke Software
1. It has been specifically designed for your particular requirements and can be tailored to fit in exactly with the way
that your business or organization wishes to operate.
2. It can be customized to interface with other software that you operate with the potential to provide you with a
fully integrated IT infrastructure across your whole organization.
3. The software can be tuned to your specific needs thus providing you with performance benefits that are just not
feasible with packaged software.
4. Users will usually find it easier and more intuitive to use as it should not contain unnecessary or superfluous
facilities and should operate in the way that they are used to working.
5. It can incorporate business processes that are specific to you and which do not exist in any packaged solution.
6. It is much more flexible than packaged software and can be modified and changed over time as your requirements
and business practices change.
7. You will (usually) receive much better support and can in many cases talk directly to the developers concerned.
8. If you are lucky and find a good developer then they can significantly add value to your company by suggesting
alternatives, improvements and by acting as a source of IT advice and information.
9. The use of professionally developed bespoke software applications can give you a significant business advantage
over your competition
Drawbacks of Bespoke Software

• If you do not have the source code you are dangerously exposed and are
wholly dependent upon the developers continuing existence and good
will. To avoid this problem make sure you choose a developer who
provides you with the source code.
• If the software is not developed to professional Best Practice standards
it may be unstable, unreliable and full of bugs (but then again so is some
packaged software!). Selecting a developer who works to Best
Practice should counteract this.
• The investment required will usually be much higher than with packaged
software. This is usually the biggest reason for not going down the
custom route - you need to undertake a business justification exercise
and compare the costs against the expected benefits and commercial
advantages.
Difference Between
Operating System and Application Software
 Difference Between
Application Software & Systems Software
System Software Application Software Criteria

Used to manage and control the Performs specific tasks Usage

hardware and AS
Installed when the OS is being installed. Installed only when a user needs them. Installation

Will start running once you turn your Will run only when required to do so. Execution
computer on. time
User does not interact with system The user controls how the software Abstraction
software. operates.
A system software runs independently Cannot run independently Dependency

Programming system software is quite Programming of application software is Complexity

complex. not that complex
The Electronic Office

The advent of personal computers has brought about a revolution in office life as stated below:

• Word processing – the writing of letters, reports, books and articles, and any other document
that in the past would have been typed on a typewriter.
• Use of databases – these have replaced manual filing, providing fast and easy access to
information that in the past would have been time consuming
• Desktop publishing – the production of high quality brochures, newsletters or manuals within
the organization, where previously the work would have to be sent to a printer for layout and
typesetting. Scanners can also be used to capture graphics, photographs or text from other
sources.
• Applications packages – these have made the jobs of planning, budgeting, monitoring and
accurate record keeping far easier.
• Local Area Networks – linking people and their workstations together so they can share
software, data and hardware such as modems and laser printers.
• Wide Area Networks – enable people to communicate across the world via electronic mail,
and access on-line databases anywhere in the world.
Health and Safety in the Electronic Office

Although most managers don’t regard health and safety in an electronic office as
being of great significance to them, there are more subtle dangers which arise
from the constant use of keyboard and VDU like the following:

• Repetitive strain injury (RSI) – this is a disorder of the arms and wrists which can
be caused by using a keyboard for a long time without regular breaks. It can
manifest itself as pain in the arms and wrists.
• Eyestrain – is caused by glare, flicker and focus of the computer’s VDU.
• Radiation – some studies show a possible link between VDU use an miscarriages
or chromosomal defects.
• Back problem – This is caused by continually sitting on a chair that is not an
ergonomic chair.
The Impact of Modern Technology

The introduction of computers into industry and commerce has caused major changes in patterns of
employment, causing hardships to some and bringing new opportunities to others. The past 2 decades have
seen the following changes taking place:

• Put many people out of work

• Changed the nature of many people’s work
• Resulted in de-skirling of some jobs
• Made some people’s jobs more interesting
• Resulted in high unemployment rate
• Enabled some organizations to operate more efficiently
• Resulted in increase in the number of bankruptcies
• Created many new job opportunities
• Forced people to learn new skills