� 1.
Software Basics
� Definition of Software
Software refers to the set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and
perform specific tasks. Unlike hardware, which is the physical part of a computer, software is
intangible and consists of coded instructions.
� Types of Software
1. System Software
System software manages and controls computer hardware so that application software can
function. It acts as an interface between the user and the hardware.
Examples:
Operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux)
Utility programs (antivirus, file management tools)
Device drivers
✳ Key Functions:
Hardware management
Resource allocation
System monitoring
File handling
2. Application Software
Application software is designed for end users to perform specific tasks.
Examples:
Word processors (Microsoft Word)
Spreadsheets (Microsoft Excel)
Browsers (Google Chrome)
Games, media players, educational tools
✳ Categories:
General-purpose (MS Office, browsers)
Special-purpose (Hospital Management Systems, Accounting software)
3. Utility Software
Utility software is a type of system software that helps to analyze, configure, optimize, or
maintain the computer.
Examples:
Antivirus programs
Disk cleanup tools
Backup software
File compression tools
4. Programming Software
Used by developers to write, test, and debug programs.
Examples:
Compilers (GCC)
Interpreters (Python Interpreter)
Text editors (Notepad++, VS Code)
IDEs (Eclipse, Visual Studio)
� Software Installation and Licensing
Proprietary software: Licensed and must be purchased (e.g., Microsoft Office)
Open-source software: Free to use and modify (e.g., LibreOffice)
Freeware: Free but not open source (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader)
Shareware: Trial version provided; purchase required after a period
� Differences Between Software and Hardware
Feature Hardware Software
Tangibility Physical components Intangible instructions
Durability Can wear out Cannot wear out
Creation Manufactured Programmed
Function Performs actions Tells hardware what to do
� 2. Introduction to Operating Systems (OS)
� Definition of an Operating System
An Operating System (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware, software
resources, and provides common services for computer programs. It acts as a bridge between
the user and the computer hardware.
� Functions of an Operating System
1. Resource Management
o Manages CPU, memory, disk, and I/O devices
o Allocates resources to programs efficiently
2. Process Management
o Handles the creation, scheduling, and termination of processes (programs in
execution)
3. Memory Management
o Keeps track of each byte in memory
o Allocates and deallocates memory as needed
4. File System Management
o Manages files on different storage devices
o Handles file naming, storage, retrieval, permissions
5. Device Management
o Controls communication between hardware and software via drivers
6. User Interface Management
o Provides user interface (command-line or graphical)
� Types of Operating Systems
1. Single-user OS
o Supports one user at a time
o Example: MS-DOS
2. Multi-user OS
o Allows multiple users to use the system simultaneously
o Example: UNIX
3. Multitasking OS
o Supports running multiple applications at once
o Example: Windows, macOS
4. Real-Time OS
o Processes data as it comes in, with minimal delay
o Used in robotics, embedded systems
5. Distributed OS
o Manages multiple computers as a single system
o Used in cloud environments
6. Mobile OS
o Designed for smartphones and tablets
o Examples: Android, iOS
� Common Examples of Operating Systems
Microsoft Windows – Most widely used on PCs
macOS – Used in Apple computers
Linux – Open-source and widely used in servers
Android – Mobile OS developed by Google
iOS – Apple’s mobile operating system
� Command Line vs. Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Feature CLI GUI
Interface Style Text-based Visual (icons, windows)
Ease of Use Requires knowledge of commands Easy for be ginners
Speed Faster for advanced users Slower for certain tasks
Examples MS-DOS, UNIX Windows, macOS
� Booting Process
The process of starting the computer is called booting. It involves loading the operating
system into RAM.
Steps:
1. Power is turned on
2. BIOS/UEFI performs POST (Power-On Self-Test)
3. OS is located and loaded from storage into memory
4. User interface is presented
Types of Booting:
Cold Boot: Starting the computer when it is off
Warm Boot: Restarting the computer when it is already on
