INTRODUCTION

TO COMPUTING SCIENCES
COS101
TUTOR: Dr.(Mrs.) Abisoye O.A
Phone: +23460546074
E-mail: o.abisoye@futminna.edu.ng

Module 2: Computer Software

Unit 1: Introduction to Computer Software
 Module 2: Computer Software

Unit 1
Introduction to Computer Software
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Unlike hardware which refers to the physical parts of the
computer that can be touched, software is the set of instructions
that tell the computer what to do. We will discus the two major
categories of computer software, namely application and system
software, as well as the types of software in each category.
 System Software
 Application Software
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE
 System Software: These are the software that interact with the
computer at a very basic level. They help the computer to carry out
its basic operating functions such as managing files, interacting
with input/output devices, and removing viruses from the computer.
Examples of system software are operating systems, utilities and
language translators.

 Application Software: These are the software that help users to

do real work such as creating documents, editing photos or tracking
finances. Application software do not interact with the computer
directly. Rather, they do so through system software such as
operating systems and utilities.
 Operating Systems

System Software Utilities

Software
Language translators

Wordprocessors

Spreadsheet Software

Application Database management

Software systems

Presentation software

Graphics software

Overview of Type of Software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Operating Systems

Operating systems are the most important programs that run on a

computer, because they control all activities that take place in a
computer. Operating systems perform basic tasks such as
keeping track of files, management of memory allocated to
programs and data, and controlling input/output devices such as
keyboard and printer.
Examples of operating systems for general-purpose computers
are Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, UNIX and Linux. Handheld
devices use operating systems such as Windows Mobile OS, iOS
and Android OS.
Utilities

A utility is a program designed to perform tasks such as optimizing

a computer’s performance, protecting data and facilitating
communication. Examples of utility programs are:

 Antivirus software
 Backup software
 Compression utilities (or zip software)
 Email software
 Utilities

a. Antivirus Software: AVG Antivirus security, Kaspersky, McAfee,

Avast, Avira, Norton360

b. BackUp Software: CommVault, NetVault, SpiderOak, Retrospect

c. Compression Utilities: is a software program that compresses and

decompresses various file types . Example: Winzip, WinRaR,
WinAce, PeaZip, 7-Zip

d.Email Software: is a program that features and functionality for

using electronic mail.
Language Translators
Computers understand only machine language, in which
instructions are written as strings of zeros and ones. However,
programming in machine language is tedious and error-prone for
humans.

As a result, programs are usually written in high level languages

which contain English commands and mathematical symbols that
humans are familiar with.
Language Translators
Language translators are system software that convert high level language
programs to machine language programs which the computer understands.
Examples of language translators are:
 Compilers
 Interpreters

 Compilers which translate all instructions in a high level language program to

machine language before executing any instruction.

 Interpreters which translate and execute an instruction in a high level language

program before moving to the next instruction.
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Word Processors: A word processor is a program for

producing documents such as letters, memos, reports
and manuscripts. Word-processing software allow you
to create, edit, format and spell-check documents on
the screen before orienting on paper. Example
Microsoft Word
Word Processing

 Uses
 Memos
 Reports
 Correspondence
 Minutes of meetings
 Anything to be typed

 Functions
 Create
 Edit
 Format
 Store
 Print text and graphics
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Spreadsheets: A spreadsheet is an arrangement of
rows and columns containing values that can be
manipulated.

Electronic spreadsheets allow users to simple or

complex formula, they can be used for performing
tasks such as budgeting, tracking finances, calculating
loan payments, computing student grades and
estimating project costs. Example Microsoft Excel
Electronic Spreadsheets

 Uses
 Comparing mortgage interest rates
 Preparing budgets
 Tracking weight loss

 Functions
 Manipulates numbers in rows and columns
 Recalculates the results when a number is
changed
 What if?
Electronic Spreadsheets
APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Database Management: A database is a collection of

data stored on one or more computers.

A database can contain data such as details of books

in a library, university student records, or bank
customer details and user can storing, modifying,
finding and reporting data contained in a database.
Example Microsoft Access
Database Management

 Uses
 Keep track of a large number of related facts
 Query the data for specific information
 Retrieve information in a variety of ways

 Functions
 Store data
 Update data
 Manipulate data
 Retrieve data
 Print data in many forms
 Report on data in a variety of ways
 Graphics Software
 Graphics software: Graphics software allow users to create, edit
and manipulate graphics. These graphics could be pictures, images,
drawings, icons or photographs.
 Uses
 Maps
 Graphs
 Charts
 Helps to
 Compare data
 Spot trends
 Make decisions
 Visual information is more compelling
 Presentation Graphics
 Uses

Presentation Software: Presentation software enable users to

combine text, graphs, photos, sound clips and animation into
series of electronic slides.
 Uses
 Salestool
 Demonstrate a product
 Show cost/benefit projections on charts
 Present audio/video testimonials from satisfied customers

 May contain
 Text
 Graphics
 Audio

Desktop Publishing

 Uses
 Newsletters
 Reports
 Brochures
 Functions
 Handles high-level publishing needs
Computer Art

 Use software to
 Produce art
 Express ideas

 Graphic artist
 Artistic ability
 Computer skills
 Produces computer art
Communications

 Communicate from home with computer at office

 Access data stored in another computer in another location
 Stock exchange updates
 Weather information
Communications

 Provides method for

communicating
between computers
 Most likely way to
connect is via the
Internet
 Use a browser to
access the Internet
Office Suites

 Group of basic software applications designed to

work together
 Data is portable between basic applications of the
suite
 Various applications in the suite have the same
“look and feel”
 Cost of suite is less than purchasing individual
applications
Integrated Applications

 Combine basic word processing,

spreadsheet, and graphics capabilities
 More limited than a suite
 Easier to learn and use
Software Development Focus

 Ease of use
 Personal use programs
 Personal time organizers
 To-do list makers
 E-mail programs
 Internet access
Business Software

 Custom-written to
meet special
business needs
 Standard packages
 Combination of
custom-written and
off-the-shelf
Vertical Market Software

 Written for a particular type of business

 Dentist’s
office
 Drugstore
 Auto shop

 Software may be part of complete package

 Hardware
 Installation
 Training
 Support
Software for Workgroups

 Groupware / collaborative software

 Lets a group of people share information or track
information together
 Data being used is located in central database
 Data can be accessed and updated by anyone in
the project group
Software for Workgroups

Examples
 Scheduling
 Preparation of proposals by several
individuals
The Information Center
Help Desk

 Software selection
 Software training
 Software and hardware installations
 Software and hardware updates
 Troubleshooting
Software for Small Business

 Accounting
 Spreadsheet software
 Accounting package – Basic accounting,
financial statements, tax summaries, payroll
 Writing and Advertising
 Word processing
 Desktop publishing

 Customer Service
 Database management
Software for Small Business

 Keeping Up and Making Contacts

 Networking over the Internet
 Making Sales Pitches
 Graphical presentation software