Software

• Software

  • It is a genetic term for organized collections of code representing instructions executed by a computer.
  • Enables the hardware to work.
  • 2 General Types: System Software / Application Software
• System Software

  • It provides the basic non-task-specific functions of the computer.
  • It is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the individual hardware components of the computer system.
  • Kinds: Operating System, Utility Program
• Operating System acts as a communication bridge (interface) between the user and computer hardware. The purpose of an operating system is to provide a platform on which a user can execute programs conveniently and efficiently.
• • Basic Functions of OS:
  • Memory Management
  • Resource Allocation and Sharing
  • Backing Store Management
  • Interrupt handling
  • Allowing users to communicate with the computer
• UNIX

  • A network computer system designed to allow users to share software and to have controlled access to other users' files. It was developed by Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, and Douglas Mcllroy.
• Macintosh OS (MacOS)

  • An operating system developed by Apple computer
  • Vendor specific software.
• MS-DOS Operating System (MicroSoft Disk Operating System)

  • An operation commercialized by Microsoft corporation. It was initially called QDOS (Quick and Dirty Operating System) developed by Tim Paterson.
• Linux Operating System

  • An open source operating system developed by Linus Torvalds.
  • Originally based on UNIX.
• Application Software

  • It is used to accomplish specific user-oriented tasks. More on user interaction.
• Categories of Application Software: Bespoke, Off-the-shelf, General-purpose, Integrated packages, Generic, Specific
• Bespoke - “tailor-made” to meet the requirements of a specific organization.
• Off-the-Shelf - can be purchased by anyone.
• General-purpose - it does a variety of jobs.
• Integrated Packages / Software Suites - packages of common productivity tools that are bundled together. (Ex. MS OFFICE)
• Generic - can be used to perform a number of tasks, not necessarily for which the application was originally designed.
• Specific - the software only has one / few application
• Licensing Software: Proprietary, Freeware, Shareware
• Proprietary Software - can be used off-the-shelf which is manufactured by a particular company. Software that is privately owned, controlled, and distributed under specific licensing terms that restrict users' rights to modify, distribute, or access its underlying source code.
• Shareware - available with limited use
• Freeware - software that is typically proprietary and is offered at no cost to users.