Computer Software

 Computer Software

     Computer Software are programs that tell the computer    what to do.

Categories of Computer 

    Software

   Types of Software

   lApplications Software

   lSystems Software

 lOperating systems

 lUtilities

lLanguage translators

Operating Systems

lInterface between user and the computer

lMany brands

lWindows – designed for processor Intel

lMacintosh computers use processor made by Motorola - OS

Operating Systems: Windows

••Windows 95, 98

    ––32-bit OS

       –GUI

       –Multitasking

       –Networking

•Windows NT, Me, 2000

   –Bigger, more advances versions of 95 & 98

•Windows CE

   –Pared-down for handheld computers, wireless communication devices

Operating Systems: Non-Windows

•Unix

       –For powerful Microcomputers to

            Minicomputers.

       –Multitasking, Multi-user Processing, 

            Networking.

          –Portable to various Computer Platforms

•Linux

     –Free version of Unix

•Mac OS

    –For the Macintosh. Powerful graphics

      capabilities

•DOS

•Palm OS

     –For Palm-compatible handheld devices

Functions of an Operating System

    Utility Software

  lHelps perform housekeeping chores

  lTasks include:

  lAntivirus programs

  lCopy file from hard drive to another location

  lConvert graphics file so it can be used by  another program

  lBackup copy of hard drive

Language Translators

lConverts code written in English to a language the computer can understand

lTranslator helps computer process data

Programming Language Translation

Creating Software: Programming

•Software must be created.

•Written in a programming language