Software is a set of
programs and associated
documentation that tells
a computer what to do
and how to perform a
task.
A set of programs A set of programs
that solve end user that facilitate the
problems by efficient use of the
performing computer’s
specified tasks or resources.
functions.
General Purpose Special Purpose/ Integrated
Customized Custom Written
Specialized Package
Refers to computer applications This type of software This type of software is A software that is specially A package that contains a combination of popular general-
that are not designed for a is a general-purpose created or designed designed for a specific task purpose software.
particular business, industry, or software that has specifically for a user or an
department. It is normally used been modified by a organization by a
by many people in a variety of programmer to fit the programmer. It is designed
jobs and personal situations needs of a user or to fit the specific needs of
organization. the user or organization.
This enables a company to
get their software exactly
how they want it.
EXAMPLES
• Word Processing (Microsoft • Oracle (used by • Account Billing Software • Expert System (ES MS Office
Word, OpenOffice Writer, Guardian Group and • Accounting Software • Decision Support Systems Adobe Creative Suite
Apple Pages …) Sagicor Group but • Advertising (DSS) – assist decision
• Spreadsheet (Microsoft customized to meet Management Software makers in making decision
Excel, OpenOffice Calc, their specific • Asset Inventory by analyzing the business
Apple Numbers …) requirements) Software data
• Database Management • Banking Software • Camera App on a phone
(Microsoft Access, Oracle …)
• Communication (Microsoft
Outlook, Skype, FaceTime
…)
• Graphics/Presentation
(Adobe Photoshop,
CorelDRAW …)
Software Description
Proprietary Software
Open Source Software
Bespoke Software
Popular Application Programs
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Utility
Operating System
Programming Language
Translators
Disk Defragmenters (MyDefrag, Defraggler)
Disk Cleaners (Disk Cleanup)
Windows (95, 98, 2000, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 10) Disk Compressors (DriveSpace, DiskDoubler)
MAC OS (8, 9, 10, X) Complier - Dev Pascal Antivirus Software (AVG, Avast, Norton, McAfee)
Linux (UBUNTU, RedHat) Interpreter Registry Cleaners (CCleaner)
IOS Assembler System Restoration Software
Android Firewall Software
UNIX Backup Software
Functions of the os
Function Description
HARDWARE Sets the rules for controlling hardware resources such as peripheral devices like keyboard and mouse, the amount of
CONTROL memory used, CPU time allocation and disk space used.
This process consists of four basic steps:
1. The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS) is activated when the user powers on the CPU.
BOOTING
2. In the POST check, the BIOS verifies that all attached devices are in place
3. The OS is loaded into RAM
4. Configuration and customization settings are checked
1. Memory management – Splits up program to share between main memory and secondary storage (virtual
memory)
2. Input/Output (I/O) Management - Controls the flow of information between devices through drivers.
3. Process Management – Allocates time for processes to use the CPU, checks on the processes waiting to use
SOFTWARE
CONTROL the CPU, and signals when the CPU is available.
4. File Management:
The OS allows you to organize the contents of your computer in a hierarchical structure of
directories, folders, libraries, and drives.
C:/MyDocuments/School/Fun.txt
Category Examples
Hardware User Touch Screen
Interface
Specialized Keyboards – ergonomic, braille, etc.
Mouse
Sensors
Examples Description
Software User
Requires you to type in commands using a special
Interface
language.
Allows you to make a selection from a list.
An easy to use interface which is characterized by
the acronym WIMP – Windows, Icons, Menus
(Pop-up & Pull down), Pointers
Touch Work with hardware touch screen. It allows for a
response when a section of the screen has been
touched.
Question: Karen wants to use handheld computers to take customers’ orders
in her restaurant. She is thinking of using custom written, open source
software.
1. State what is meant by custom written software.
2. State two reasons why Karen may decide to use custom written software.
3. Discuss the implications of creating open source software for the
restaurant.
Type of Processing Description Advantages (2) Disadvantages (2) Application
where data is collected over a period of utility billing
time then processed
Batch
Time-Sharing
On-Line
Real - Time
OS Characteristics Description
Multi-Tasking
Multi-Programming
Multi-Processing
Multi-User
• Fundamentals of Information Technology, Book 2, Second Edition – S.Collins-Robinson
• Just Click for Jamaica – Student’s Handbook, Second Edition – Alison Page, Janice Steele, Aggett Crosbie, Denzle Murray, Nicoleen Rhoomes
• Offord excellence for the Caribbean Information Technology 3 rd ed. , Glenda Gay, Ronal Blades
• https://www.teachwithict.com/types-of-software.html
• http://www.webopedia.com/TERM/U/utility.html
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