What is Computer Software?

What is Computer Software?
Hardware vs Software
Got to have both to get the job done!
How does Software work?
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Algorithms have to be written
Algorithm turned into computer language
Another specialized program turned this
language into something the computer
understands
Software development – multi-step process
First programmer – Grace Hooper – created
FLOW MATIC (later known as – COBOL)
Types of Software
Applications Software
 Systems Software

Operating systems
 Utilities
 Language translators
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Applications Software
Operating Systems
Interface between user and the computer
 Many brands
 Windows – designed for processor Intel
 Macintosh computers use processor
made by Motorola - OS

Utility Software
Helps perform housekeeping chores
 Tasks include:

Antivirus programs
 Copy file from hard drive to another location
 Convert graphics file so it can be used by
another program
 Backup copy of hard drive

Language Translators
Converts code written in English to a
language the computer can understand
 Translator helps computer process data

I don’t
understand! I
need a
translator.
Operating Systems
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Mac OS
DOS
Windows
Unix – portable operating system (can run on
just about any hardware platform)
Networking Operating System – group of two
or more computers to be connected
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Window NT
Novell’s Netware
IBM’s Warp Server
User Interfaces
Determines how user friendly the
computer is
 Part we interact with when using the
computer
 Command-line interface such as DOS
 Graphical interfaces such as Windows

Command Line
Early computers used only this
 Have to memorize codes
 Not very user friendly
 Not colorful – usually written in black and
white
 No pictures

Graphical User interfaces
Came about with menus
 Graphical user interface (GUI)
 Came about with Apple’s development of
Macintosh Finder
 Pictures (icons) represent software
 Colorful
 Contributed to the explosion of computer
use.
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Project
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Research the three operating systems:
Mac OS v.?
 Windows XP or Vista
 Unix
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Determine advantages and
disadvantages of each, create a two
page report on your findings. Which one
do you think would be the best for
someone to use in a home business.