Introduction to Computer Software

Introduction to Computer Software

S. Sabraz Nawaz, MCPLecturer in MIT

By: S. Sabraz Nawaz, Lecturer in MIT

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In this lesson • After completing this lesson, you

should have clear understanding ono What is computer softwareo System software

• Operating system and its functions• Utility programs• Language Translators


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Computer Software•A set of programs that are specifically written to provide the user a precise functionality like solving a specific problem is termed as a software package

•Tells the computer what to do and how to do it.• instructs to display on the user’s screen• what kinds of input to take from the user• what kinds of output to generate.


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Categories of Software•System software •Application software.


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System Software • Consists of several programs directly responsible

for controlling, integrating, and managing the individual hardware componentso Operating Systemo Utility Programso Language Translators


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Operating System•A set of system programs that controls and coordinates the activities of the computer’s hardware and application. •The platform on which the application software operates

• DOS (Disk Operating System), Windows 3.x, Windows 95, Windows NT, Windows 2000, Windows XP, Windows Vista, Mac OS, UNIX and LINUX


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Functions of an Operating System

• Memory Management


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• Spooling Print Jobs


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• Configuring Devices


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• Monitoring System Performance


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• Administering Security


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• Managing Storage Media and Files


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• User Interface


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Functions of an Operating System:User Interface

• Command-driven: o you enter commands. You type keywords or

special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions. Example: MS DOS.


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• Menu-driven: o you select command choices from various menus

displayed on the screen. Example: Windows and Mac OS.


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• Graphical (GUI): o use menus and visual images such as icons and buttons

to issue commands


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Utility Programs•system software used to perform maintenance-type tasks such as managing a computer, its devices and its programs

•Most utility programs are included in the operating system


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Utility Programs• System Diagnostics


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Utility Programs• Backup Utility


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Utility Programs• Data Recovery Utility


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Utility Programs• Disk Defragmenter


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Utility Programs• Installer/Uninstaller


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Utility Programs• Disk Scanner


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Utility Programs• File Compression Utility


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Utility Programs• File Viewer


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Utility Programs• Antivirus Programs


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Language Translators• A language translator is a type of system

software that translates a program in assembly or higher level language into machine languageo Assemblers: is system software that translates the assembly

language program into machine language

o Compiler: a language translator that converts the entire program of a higher level language (source code) into machine language

o Interpreter: a language translator that converts each high level language statement into machine language and executes it immediately statement by statement


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What we have covered• What is computer software• System software

o Operating systemo Utility programso Language Translators


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Doubt?

Documents

Introduction to Computer Software