Computer

Software
 Objectives
To define what Computer Software is
To identify the importance and functions of Computer
Software
To differentiate System Software and Application
Software
To be familiar with the types of software in use today
To identify what viruses are and how they are harmful
to computers.
 What is Software?
Computer programs or
instructions that control certain
aspects of the operation of a
computer

Software can be categorized as:

System Software
Application Software
 System Software
Controls the internal functions of
the computer
Provides a way for users to control
or interact with the computer
Allows users to run other programs
 System Software
System Software can be built into
the computer
BIOS / System Setup

Operating Systems are usually

located on a disk
Must be loaded into RAM before it can
be used
Operating Systems
 Application Software
Software designed to perform
particular tasks
Installed on top of the Operating
System
Application software works with
the OS to help you use your
computer to do specific types of
work
 General types of
Application Software
Games
Word Processors
Spreadsheets
Graphics
Communications
Databases
 Application Software
Utilities
Specific purpose
application software used
to help a computer work
better or to avoid
problems
Some utility programs
are built into the OS itself

Disk System Disk Automatic File

Defragmenter Restore Cleanup Updates Compression
 Other Software
Viruses
A computer program that can
copy itself and infect a computer
without permission or
knowledge of the user
A virus can only spread from
one computer to another when
its host is taken to the
uninfected computer
Some viruses are programmed
to damage the computer by
damaging programs, deleting
files, or reformatting the hard
disk
 Types of Software based on
License
Commercial/Packaged software
Shareware
Freeware
Public-domain software/Open
Source software
Custom Software
End User License
Agreement
 Types of Software based on
License
Commercial/Packaged
software
Has the most restrictive
copyright.
You have to buy the software
before you can use it.
You can usually make one copy
of the software as a backup
copy.
You can not copy, look at the
program's code, change, or use
the software in another
program without the copyright
holder's permission.
 Types of Software based on
License
Shareware
Has a copyright.
You are allowed to use the
software before paying for it.
There is a set amount of time
you can use the software called
a Trial Period
You can only give away exact
copies of the software.
Shareware can not be changed
or used in another program
without the copyright holder's
permission.
 Types of Software based on
License
Freeware
Has a copyright - someone
owns the right to determine
who can make copies of the
software
You are free to use and make
copies of the program
You can only give away exact
copies of the software
Freeware can not be changed
or used in another program
without the copyright holder's
permission
 Types of Software based on
License
Public-domain
software/Open Source
software
Has no copyright - no one
owns the right to control who
can make copies of the
software.
You are free to use and make
copies of the program
Can be copied, used in other
programs, or changed by
anyone.
 Types of Software based on
License
Custom Software
Programs that are developed for specific
operations within a company or institution.
Either developed in-house or outsourced.
Copyright depends on the contract between
the client and the developer.
Also known as Bespoke software
Examples include ATM machines and supermarket
checkout scanners, web sites and web-based
applications