SOFTWARE
Software
The software is the information that
the computer uses to get the job
done.
Software needs to be accessed
before it can be used.
There are many terms used for
process of accessing software
including running, executing, starti
ng-up, opening, and others.
Software
Computer programs allow users to
complete tasks.
A program can also be referred to as
an application and the two words
are used interchangeably.
Examples of Software
Operating System
Word Processors
Spreadsheet
Database
Graphics Program
Internet Browser
Email and many others.
File
As well any document that
you create, graphic you
design, sound you
compose, file you make,
letter you write, email you
send or anything that you
create on your computer is
referred to as software. All
software is stored in files.
Where Software is stored?
Software is stored on a
disk, card, tape or one
of the dozens of other
storage devices
available.
Where to find software?
There are millions of different
pieces of software available for
almost every conceivable need.
Software is available
commercially through stores
and mail order and also
available on the Internet.
Where to find software?
Software is also available
through an Open Source
license which allows anyone to
use the Open Source software
free of charge as long as the
license is maintained.
If you can't find the application
that you need software
development companies can
Software Applications
The largest software companies offer packages
of software or suites that include many of the
programs that the average person or business
needs.
Software packages or suites contain programs
that work together and share information,
making it easier to combine that information
in versatile ways.
Types of Software
The three basic types of
software are; commercial,
shareware and open source
software.
Some software is also released
into the public domain without
a license.
Commercial Software
Commercial software
comes pre-packaged
and is available from
software stores and
through the Internet.
Shareware
Shareware is software developed by
individual and small companies that
cannot afford to market their software
world wide or by a company that wants
to release a demonstration version of
their commercial product.
You will have an evaluation period in
which you can decide whether to
purchase the product or not.
Shareware software often is disabled in
Open Source
Open Source software is created by generous
programmers and released into the public
domain for public use.
There is usually a copyright notice that must
remain with the software product.
Open Source software is not public domain in that
the company or individual that develops the
software retains ownership of the program but
the software can be used freely.
Many popular Open Source applications are being
developed and upgraded regularly by
Operating System
All computers need some sort of Operating
System (OS).
The majority of modern home computers use
some form of Microsoft's operating
systems.
The original Microsoft operating system was
called DOS (Disk Operating System) though
most computers use Windows.
Windows comes in various versions beginning
with version 3.x then 95, 98, ME, XP, Vista
and currently version 7.
Operating System
The operating system
controls the
input and output or
directs the flow of
information to and from
the CPU. Much of this is
done automatically by the
system but it is possible to
modify and control your
Operating System
When you turn your
computer on it first needs
to load the operating
system sometimes referred
to a booting up.
Basically the computer starts
from scratch every time
you turn the power on.
Operating System
It checks all its components and
will usually display a message
if there is a problem. Loading
the system is usually
automatic.
Once the system is loaded the
user can start the application
or program that they are going
to use.
Operating System
Most computer users will run Microsoft
Windows, Mac OS or Linux as their
operating system. These OS are
Graphic User Interface (GUI) which
allows the user to control or run the
computer using a Mouse and Icons.
The user simply moves the mouse on a
flat surface, rolls the trackball, or
moves their hand over the touchpad
to control a pointer. They then choose
the option they want by pressing a
Operating System
Without a GUI the user
controls the computer
using the keys on the
keyboard. This is referred
to as a Command Line
Interface (CLI).
Disk and Storage
Disks and cards are used to store information.
All information on computers is stored in
files. The size of a file is measured in bytes.
A byte is made up of 8 bits. A bit is simply an
on or an off signal which passes through the
computers circuitry. Every piece of software
can be broken down into a series of on or
off signals or it's Binary Code.
Units of Measurement
About a thousand bytes is a
kilobyte (Kb)
About a million bytes is a
megabyte (Mb)
About a billion bytes is a
gigabyte (Gb)
About a trillion bytes is a
terabyte (Tb)
Storage Media
Disk are a common way of
transporting information such as
bringing files home from work or
sharing files.
Floppy disks have become less useful
as file sizes increase and Compact
disks (CDs), Flash drives and Digital
Video Devices (DVDs) are becoming
more popular.
Most software is sold on a CD.
Storage Capacity