Software otherwise know as program, may be defined as the series of instructions that run on the computer and make the hardware to function. The word software is the general name used in describing any single program or a group of programs. It helps the user to make effective use of the computer.
Types of SoftwareThere are three types of software, these are: Application Software, System Software and Utility Software.
Application Software
Application software may be defined as programs designed to solve problems of specific nature. Application are developed for the user to carry out certain specific functions. For example application software can be designed for specific functions such as payroll. This is specifically designed to solve payroll problems. The problems include workers salaries, wages and other fringe benefits, tax and other deductions. Application software are always written in languages different from that of system programs and they are designed for commercial consideration. Examples of application software are WP, Lotus 123, D Base iv, DTP etc.
Types of Application Software
Word Processing: Word processing are application software that can be used for producing letters, memos, magazines etc there are various types of word processors. These include word star 2000, word perfect etc.
Spreadsheet: this types of software applications is used for producing financial reports and records and other statistical manipulations. Examples of spreadsheet are: Excel, which is a very popular software, Lotus 1-2-3 etc.
Desktop Publishing: This is the program used for type setting and drawing(Graphical presentation). there are several brands of desktop publishing. These are : Pagemaker, Microsoft word, Coreldraw etc.
Database Management: Database management is the type of software used for producing records and management reports etc. Examples of database managements include: Clipper, Dbase iii and iv and Foxbase etc.
User Interface
There are three types of user interface, for both operating system and application software. These are command driven, menu-driven and graphical interfaces.
Command Driven Interface
This type of interface is used in PC's that operate exclusively with the DOS operating system, or in PCs that are MS-DOS mode rather than windows. What interface requires from you is to enter a command by typing in codes or words. You just have to type in the command at the prompt on the display screen. For example at the A:\> prompt, where A:\ is regarded as the floppy disk, you can type the following command A:\> delete *,*
Database Management: Database management is the type of software used for producing records and management reports etc. Examples of database managements include: Clipper, Dbase iii and iv and Foxbase etc.
User Interface
There are three types of user interface, for both operating system and application software. These are command driven, menu-driven and graphical interfaces.
Command Driven Interface
This type of interface is used in PC's that operate exclusively with the DOS operating system, or in PCs that are MS-DOS mode rather than windows. What interface requires from you is to enter a command by typing in codes or words. You just have to type in the command at the prompt on the display screen. For example at the A:\> prompt, where A:\ is regarded as the floppy disk, you can type the following command A:\> delete *,*
This command is usually tells the operating system to erase all the floppy disk.
Menu Driven Interface
Menu Driven Interface allows a computer user to either use a mouse or cursor-movement (arrow keys) to make a selection from menu, Menu is made up of commands to print
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
This type of interface, also know as WIMP (Windows Icons, menus and Pointing devices) is the simplest and easiest interface to use. Graphical user Interface enables the computer user to use graphics(images) and menu as well as keystrokes to choose commands, start programs as list of files and other options. Some of such images take the form of icons. Icons may be describes as small pictorial figures that represents programs, folders, files. Another important features of the graphical user interface is the use of windows. (you may be tempted to ask what is a windows is). A window is a rectangles that display information on the screen. The display screen can show different windows at the same time. Each window and word processing in another window. The window appear over a common visual background called desktop (NOTE: window will be treated more elaborately subsequently in the book).
System Software
System Software are the programs which facilitate the working of internal operation of a computer. They allow the user to write and develop his/her program. System makes it possible for the computer to be used effectively and efficiently and makes it to run faster. System software is usually provided by the manufacturer. However, they are written in general fashion.
to enable many users avail themselves of such opportunity, it should be noted that system software can be modified of suit the specific need(s) of the user. System program consists of three types of namely: Operating system, utility or service program and Language translator.
Operating System
Operating system may be defined as a collection of programs designed to enable the computer manage its own operations. Infact, they are organized collections of procedures and techniques for controlling the computer without human intervention.
Types of Operating System.
Single User, Single task Operating system, examples are: DOS, RSTS/E, MS-DOS, PC-DOC etc.
Multi User, multi Programming Operating system, example include Unix, Xenix, etc.
Component of Operating System
Control Programs: This component oversees system operations and carry out functions such as input/ output scheduling, etc, and communication with the user.
Supervisor Program: This is the major part of the operating system, Its act as the co-coordinator for activities of the other parts of the operating system.
Processing programs: They are programme that are used for processing operations. They make the job of the user more easier by simplifying task of program preparation and execution for the user.
Example of this type of program include: language library program and utility program. Equally MS-DOS(DISC Operating system) used on personal computer contain processing programs such as DOS editor, BASIC interpreter, command COM, etc.
Function of the Operating System
Menu Driven Interface
Menu Driven Interface allows a computer user to either use a mouse or cursor-movement (arrow keys) to make a selection from menu, Menu is made up of commands to print
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
This type of interface, also know as WIMP (Windows Icons, menus and Pointing devices) is the simplest and easiest interface to use. Graphical user Interface enables the computer user to use graphics(images) and menu as well as keystrokes to choose commands, start programs as list of files and other options. Some of such images take the form of icons. Icons may be describes as small pictorial figures that represents programs, folders, files. Another important features of the graphical user interface is the use of windows. (you may be tempted to ask what is a windows is). A window is a rectangles that display information on the screen. The display screen can show different windows at the same time. Each window and word processing in another window. The window appear over a common visual background called desktop (NOTE: window will be treated more elaborately subsequently in the book).
System Software
System Software are the programs which facilitate the working of internal operation of a computer. They allow the user to write and develop his/her program. System makes it possible for the computer to be used effectively and efficiently and makes it to run faster. System software is usually provided by the manufacturer. However, they are written in general fashion.
to enable many users avail themselves of such opportunity, it should be noted that system software can be modified of suit the specific need(s) of the user. System program consists of three types of namely: Operating system, utility or service program and Language translator.
Operating System
Operating system may be defined as a collection of programs designed to enable the computer manage its own operations. Infact, they are organized collections of procedures and techniques for controlling the computer without human intervention.
Types of Operating System.
Single User, Single task Operating system, examples are: DOS, RSTS/E, MS-DOS, PC-DOC etc.
Multi User, multi Programming Operating system, example include Unix, Xenix, etc.
Component of Operating System
Control Programs: This component oversees system operations and carry out functions such as input/ output scheduling, etc, and communication with the user.
Supervisor Program: This is the major part of the operating system, Its act as the co-coordinator for activities of the other parts of the operating system.
Processing programs: They are programme that are used for processing operations. They make the job of the user more easier by simplifying task of program preparation and execution for the user.
Example of this type of program include: language library program and utility program. Equally MS-DOS(DISC Operating system) used on personal computer contain processing programs such as DOS editor, BASIC interpreter, command COM, etc.
Function of the Operating System
- it brings about efficiency in processing operations
- it makes it easier to use hardware components
- it allow may program to share the same computer resources.
- it provides automatic calling of other system programs such as compiler, assembler etc.
- it allocates computer resources to the users requesting them.
- it provides assistance to the computer administrators.
Utility software may be described as a program that is used always in the development of programs. In short, utility software is used for performing daily activities.
People Ware
Meaning: peopleware may be defined as different people working with computer such as computer managers, system analyst, programmers, educators, etc.
Database Management
Database may be defined as the information regarding various items contain in a book.
Records and Field
Records: A record may be defined as organized information concerning a single item in the database file.
Field: A field may be defined as one of the units of information within a particular record.
Command Structure for database plug
Assistance: This is the program that facilitates the possibility of using database as it is the first screen one will see. And it is divided into eight menus and clock. These are: Setup, retrieve, create, organize, update, position, modify, tools, and clock.
