ICTE

• Software


  A set of instructions, data, or programs that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks or functions
• Software


  • It's the intangible aspect of computers, contrasting with the physical components known as hardware
• Common forms of software

  • Commercial Software
  • Open Source Software
  • Freeware
  • Shareware
  • Cloud-based Software (Software as a Service - SaaS)
  • Mobile Apps
  • Web Apps
  • Custom Software
  • Public domain software
• Commercial Software


  Developed and sold by companies or vendors for a profit. Users typically purchase licenses to use the software, and it often comes with customer support and regular updates
• Commercial Software


  • Microsoft Office
  • Adobe Creative Suite
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
• Open Source Software


  Developed collaboratively by a community of developers and is made freely available to the public. Users can access the source code, modify it, and distribute it under specific licenses
• Open Source Software


  • Linux operating system
  • Apache web server
  • Mozilla Firefox web browser
• Freeware


  Software that is available for free and can be downloaded and used without any cost. While freeware is free to use, it may not always include full functionality or support
• Freeware


  • VLC Media Player
  • 7-Zip
  • Audacity
• Shareware


  Distributed as trialware, allowing users to try the software before purchasing it. Users can typically use the software for a limited trial period or with restricted features. If users find the software useful, they are encouraged to purchase a license to unlock additional features or remove restrictions
• Shareware


  • WinRAR
  • WinZip
  • Some antivirus software
• Cloud-based Software (Software as a Service - SaaS)


  Hosted and accessed over the internet, eliminating the need for users to install and maintain software on their devices. Users typically pay a subscription fee to access the software, which is hosted and maintained by the service provider
• Cloud-based Software (Software as a Service - SaaS)


  • Google Workspace
  • Microsoft 365
  • Salesforce
• Mobile Apps


  Software applications designed specifically for smartphones and tablets. They are available for download and installation from digital distribution platforms like the Apple App Store and Google Play Store
• Web Apps


  A software application that is accessed and used through a web browser over the internet. Unlike traditional desktop applications, web apps do not need to be downloaded or installed on a user's device; instead, they are hosted on remote servers and accessed via URLs or web addresses
• Custom Software


  Developed specifically for a particular organization or individual to address unique requirements or challenges. It is designed and built from scratch to meet specific needs and is not typically available off-the-shelf
• Public domain software


  Software that is not protected by copyright and is freely available for anyone to use, modify, and distribute without restrictions
• Types of software


  • System Software
  • Application Software
• System Software


  A type of software that acts as an intermediary between the hardware of a computer system and application software. It provides essential functions for managing the hardware and enabling the execution of other software programs
• Components of system software

  • Operating System (OS)
  • Device Drivers
  • Utility Programs
• Operating System (OS)


  The most critical component of system software. It provides a user interface for interacting with the computer and controls the execution of all kinds of programs as well as managing hardware resources such as memory, CPU, storage devices, and peripherals
• Operating Systems


  • Microsoft Windows
  • macOS
  • Linux
  • Unix
• Sleep mode


  Allows the computer to enter a low-power state while still retaining the current system state in memory. It enables quick resume times when the user wakes the computer, as it consumes minimal power compared to normal operation
• Hibernate mode


  Saves the current system state to the hard drive and then powers off the computer completely. This allows the system to resume exactly where it left off when powered back on, but with minimal power consumption during the hibernation period
• Shutdown mode


  Completely powers off the computer, terminating all running processes and shutting down all hardware components. This is the most energy-efficient mode but requires a longer boot-up time compared to Sleep or Hibernation mode
• Restart mode


  Shuts down the computer and then immediately restarts it. This is often used to apply system updates or troubleshoot issues that require a system reboot
• User interface (UI)


  Controls how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen
• Types of User Interface

  • Command-line interface
  • Graphical user interface (GUI)
• Single tasking


  Single-tasking operating systems can handle only one task or process at a time, requiring users to complete one task before starting another
• Multitasking


  Multi-tasking operating systems can execute multiple tasks or processes concurrently, allowing users to run multiple applications simultaneously
• Foreground


  Tasks, processes, or applications that are currently in focus or actively being used by the user
• Background


  Tasks, processes, or applications that are running but not actively in focus or being used by the user
• Single-User Operating Systems


  Designed to support a single user at a time. They are commonly used on personal computers (PCs) and workstations
• Multi-user Operating Systems


  Support multiple users concurrently, allowing them to access and use the system resources simultaneously. They are commonly used in server environments and time-sharing systems
• Virtual memory


  A portion of a storage medium functioning as additional RAM
• Device Drivers


  Software components that enable communication between the operating system and hardware devices attached to the computer, such as printers, graphics cards, and network adapters
• Plug and Play


  Automatically configures new devices as you install or connect them
• Performance monitor


  A program that assesses and reports information about various computer resources and devices
• Utility Programs


  Additional tools included with the operating system to perform various system maintenance tasks and optimize performance
• Examples of Utility Programs

  • Antivirus software
  • Disk cleanup tools
  • Backup and recovery tools
  • Disk defragmenters
  • System monitoring utilities