INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Class: Comp. Sc & ICT A/L By:

By NDANG George

Computer hardware is only as effective as the instructions we give it, and those instructions are contained
in software. Software not only directs the computer to manage its internal resources, but also enables the
user to tailor a computer system to provide specific business value. This chapter aims to:
- Define software and state the main difference between hardware and software
- give the main differences between application software and system software
- Classify the different type of application software by categories with examples in
each category

Table of Contents

I. INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE ............................................................................................. 2

I.1 Definition of software ................................................................................................................... 2
I.2 Relation between hardware and software...................................................................................... 2
I.3 Ways of acquiring computer software .......................................................................................... 2
II. CLASSIFICATION OF SOFTWARE ........................................................................................... 3
II.1 Classification of software based on task ...................................................................................... 3
II.2 Classification of software based on source .................................................................................. 8
II.3 Classification of software based on license ................................................................................. 8
II.4 Other type of software ............................................................................................................... 10

EXERCISES ON SOFTWARE ........................................................................................................... 11

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I. INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE
I.1 Definition of software
Software, by definition, is the collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that performs
different tasks on a computer system. It actually tells the computer what to do and how to do it. Software may
enter the computer through one of following three ways.
(i) I may be build into the computer circuit in the form of firmware.
(ii) It may be loaded into the computer from a secondary storage device such as CD-ROM or hard
disk drives
(iii) It is also be typed into the computer with the aid of the keyboard and programming tools

I.2 Relation between hardware and software

Software refers to the computer programs that are loaded into a computer system, and hardware refers to
all the visible devices, which are assembled together to build a computer system. The blending of software and
hardware gives life to a computer system. Even though hardware is the physical part of a computer, it is nothing
unless it has software to control it. Hardware and software then share a special relationship. If hardware is the
'heart' of a computer system, software is its 'soul'. Both are complimentary to each other. Hardware is of no use
without software and software cannot be used without hardware.

I.3 Ways of acquiring computer software

Software can enter the computer through different channels. Some of the common ways of acquiring computer
software include:
(i) Buying the computer: when you buy a new computer from the shop, you are usually supplied with
some software for free, from the computer manufacturer
(ii) Buying the software from a shop:
(iii) Downloading the software from a website for free (freeware) or after paying some money to the vendor
(iv) Ordering from the vendor either by email, fax or postal letter. Here you also need to pay for the
product before it is sent to you.
(v) Copying from other people’s machines: This is what most Cameroonians do and it is what referred to
as software piracy. Software piracy is illegal and therefore punishable by law

II. CLASSIFICATION OF SOFTWARE

Computer software can be organized into categories based on common function, task, or field of
use. We can then categorize software in different ways:
- Based on task
- Based on License
- Based On source

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II.1 Classification of software based on task

Based on the kind of task they perform, software can be divided into two major
groups: System software and application software. The diagram below gives a
simplified hierarchical organization of the main parts of software in a general-purpose
computer. At the highest level of this hierarchy lies the application software, whose
services are carried out by the underlying system software.
Computers operate by executing software programs. This involves passing the instructions from the
application software, through the system software to the hardware that ultimately receives the instruction as
machine code. Each instruction causes the computer to carry out an operation such as data transmission, data
processing, data storage or data control.

II.1.1 System software

System software is a type of computer software that controls the operation of the computer and provides
facilities that extend the general capabilities of the machine. This provides the basic functions for computer usage
and helps to run the computer hardware and system. It includes a combination of the following:

1) Operating system
An operating system is a group of computer programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware
devices. This is the most important type of system software in a computer. A user can’t run an application program
on the computer except it is self booting without the Operating System. Operating systems are contained in almost
all devices including mobile phones. (To be extended in the next chapter)
Examples: Android, BSD, iOS, Linux (ubuntu, Knoppix, Dreamlinux, …) OS X, QNX, Microsoft
Windows(Windows 95, 2000, Vista, 7, 8, …), Windows Phone, and IBM z/OS. All these, except Windows,
Windows Phone and z/OS, share roots in UNIX.

2) Utility program

This is system software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer. A single piece will be
called a utility or tool. Some Well-known utility software includes:
-
Antivirus programs: They are used to detect and eliminate computer viruses and related
malicious software. Some examples are: avast, AVG, Avira, BitDefender, Norton
-
Backup programs: They help to make copies of all information valuable to a computer or information
system and store it safe. The information can be restored in the event of disk failure or other accidents that
will lead to data loss.
-
Data Recovery: As the name implies, data recovery programs are used to recover data. Since disk
drives or other hardware may fail, these utilities are essential to recover data in such a scenario.
-
Data Compression programs: make the data more compact, reducing the space occupied by the data.
-
Disk management program: These are program involving formatting and arranging disk files in an
orderly manner.
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Memory management software: It handles locations in RAM where data put their current data. It can
move certain memory-resident items out of the way so as to increase the memory space.
-
The Server: In the context of client-Server architecture, a server is a computer program running to serve
the requests of other programs “the clients”. The clients may run on the same systems or through networks.

3) Programming software
It is the type of software that is used for creating other software. Another name for programming software
is Integrated Development Environment (IDE). An IDE normally consist of a source code editor, a translator
(compiler or interpreter) and a debugger.
- Editor: It is a programming tool that is used for creating and modifying application programs. It helps the
computer user to enter, search, delete, replace, copy and insert text or sections of a text in a desired position.
- Compiler: It is used to convert a complete program written in a high-level language (such as Pascal and C)
into a program in machine language.
- Interpreter: A program which translates the program statements into machine language one line at a time as
the program is running.
- Assembler: A programming tool that convert a program in
assembly language into program in machine language.
- Debugger: It is a program that is used for locating and
correcting programming errors.
- Linker: A linker or link Editor is a program that takes one or more
objects generated by the compiler and combines them to a single
executable program...
- Loader: it’s a kind of system software, which is responsible for loading
and relocation of the executable program in the main memory. The
functions of a loader include assigning load time space for storage, that
is, storage allocation and assisting a program to execute appropriately.

4) Device driver

Device drivers are computer programs that allow higher level computer programs to communicate and
interact with a hardware device. All hardware devices have the devices drivers that communicate with them
through the computer bus to which the hardware is connected. Drivers are hardware dependent and operating
system specific. Some specific categories of device drivers are
Logical Device Drivers (LDD) which are written by the Operating System vendors
Physical Device Drivers (PDD): are written and implemented by the hardware vendor. To solve device driver
crises, Microsoft has created the Windows Drivers Foundation (WDF) which collects and keeps all device
drivers as a database.

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II.1.2 Application software

Although system software has the vital job of controlling and managing the computer, it is the
application software that lets you carry out the tasks for which the system was purchased. It enables the end
users to accomplish certain specific tasks. Business software, databases and educational software are some
forms of application software. Different word processors, which are dedicated to specialized tasks to be
performed by the user, are other examples of application software.

a) General purpose software

A general purpose application, sometimes known as ‘off-the-shelf’ is the sort of software that you use at
home and school. Ex: word processors, spreadsheets, databases, desktop publishing packages, graphics
packages etc. This type of software tries to be a ‘jack-of-all-trades’. It provides many features that the majority
of users will want e.g. formatting text, creating charts, organizing tables. But it does try to be’ all things to all
people’ and so there will be a vast number of features that you may never use e.g. statistical functions, mail
merge. This makes the storage size of these applications fairly large.
There are several good reasons for using general purpose software:
• It is relatively cheap
• It is easily available from most computer shops
• It will have been thoroughly tested so there won’t be any serious problems or bugs
• There will be lots of user support i.e. books, user guides, online help and forums on Internet

Examples of General Purpose Application Software:

-
Desktop Publishing Software - Often used to create graphics for point of sale displays, promotional
items, trade show exhibits, retail package designs and outdoor signs. In very simple words, it could be said
that it is a page maker application.
-
Word-Processing Software - Used for the production (including composition, editing, formatting, and
possibly printing) of any sort of printable material. This software enables users to create, format, edit and
print electronic documents (Letters, reports, articles,). The most popular examples of this type of software
are MS-Word, WordPad and Word Perfect, Libreoffice writer.
-
Spreadsheet Software - Used for any kind of spreadsheet work including analysis, planning or
modeling. This is a general purpose software with many functions. Spreadsheet software are used for
creating documents to manage and organize numerical data. It is used to perform calculations on rows and
columns of data Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and Apple Numbers are some examples of spreadsheet
-
Database. Database is a structured collection of data. A computer database relies on database software
to organize data and enable database users to perform database operations. Database software allows users to
store and retrieve data from databases. Examples are Oracle, MSAccess, EasyPhp, etc.
-
Graphic package Allow you to create pictures and edit photographs. Example software: CorelDraw.
Paint Shop Pro.

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Presentation Software: are used to display information in the form of a slide show. This type of
software includes three functions, namely, editing that allows insertion and formatting of text, methods to
include graphics in the text and a functionality of executing slide shows. Microsoft PowerPoint and
Micromedia director are the best example of presentation softwareWeb design application

b) Specific purpose software

Function-specific software are highly specialized software that are designed to handle specific tasks.
They're more limited in what they can do, but they usually perform much better than a general purpose program
in a specific task.
For example, TurboTax (a tax preparation package) is a special purpose application. Sure, it adds and
subtracts numbers like a spreadsheet, but you can't use it to plan your monthly budget. It does only one thing -
prepare tax returns. Other examples of special purpose application software are web browsers, calculators,
media players, calendar programs etc. Again, make sure that you don't use brand names!

Communications software: Used to send messages and emails. Ex: MS Outlook Express. MS
Messenger.
Desktop publishing programs: Used to combine and control graphics and text in a single document.
Example software: Adobe PageMaker. MS Publisher.
Web browser: Computer program that enables internet users to access, navigate, and search World
Wide Web sites. It is also called browser. Ex: Mozilla Firefox, Internet explorer, Opera, Google chrome
Enterprise Software: It deals with the needs of organization processes and data flow. Customer
relationship management or the financial processes in an organization are carried out with the help of
enterprise software. Ex: Sage Saari
Multimedia Software: They allow users to create and play audio and video files. They are capable of
playing media files. Audio converters, audio players, burners, video encoders and decoders are some
forms of multimedia software. Examples: Real Player and Windows Media Player.

c) Bespoke software
Some organizations will find that general purpose software just doesn’t do exactly what they want or it
doesn’t work with their current systems. In this case, they might decide to have the software system they need
designed and developed specifically for them. This is called ‘tailor-made’ or ‘bespoke’ software. Bespoke
application software is tailor made for a specific user and purpose. For example a factory may require software
to run a robot to make cars; however, it is the only factory making that car in the world, so the software
required would have to be specially built for the task.

The main advantages are:

• the company will get the exact software/system that they need
• the software will work exactly how they want it to work

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• The software will only have the features that they specifically need in their business.

The main disadvantages of this approach are:

• it takes a long time to develop such a system, between a few months to years
• It costs a great deal of money to develop such a system.
• the company may need to employ a team of people such as business analysts, programmers, testers
• there will be little in the way of user support and online help

Other examples might include software for the military, missile/UAV operations, software for hospitals
and medical equipment, software being written inside banks and other financial institutions.

II.2 Classification of software based on source

Based on code source, we distinguish two types of software: Open Source Software and Closed Source
Software.
II.2.1 Closed source software
Also called proprietary software, it is software with restricting on using, copying and modifying the
source code as enforced by the proprietor. In other words, computer users do not have any access to the source
code of the proprietary software. Well known examples of proprietary software include: Windows, RealPlayer,
Adobe Photoshop, and Mac OS,
II.2.2 Open source software
It is the type of software that has no proprietary restriction attached to it, particularly the restriction about
the access to the source code. In other words, open source software is designed in such a way that
computer users can freely access and modify the source code to suit their individual need. It is also called
non-proprietary software. E.g. Linux, Open Office

II.3 Classification of software based on license

The term license refers to a legal document or agreement giving someone permission to do and use
something. A software license comprises the permissions, rights and restriction imposed on a piece of software.
Under a software license, the Licensee is permitted to use the license software in compliance with a specific
term on the license. Based on license, computer software may be divided into the following:

II.3.1 Public Domain Software.GPL

The GNU General Public License (GNU GPL or simply GPL) is a free software license, originally
written by Richard Stallman for the GNU project (a project to create a complete free software operating
system). It has since become one of the most popular licenses for free software. The latest version of the
license, version 2, was released in 1991. The GNU Lesser General Public License (LGPL), another
commonly-used license, is a modified version of the GPL intended for software libraries.
The GPL grants the recipients of a computer program the following rights, or "freedoms":

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The freedom to run the program, for any purpose.
-
The freedom to study how the program works, and modify it. (Access to the source
code is a precondition for this)
-
The freedom to redistribute copies.
-
The freedom to improve the program, and release the improvements to the public.
(Access to the source code is a precondition for this)

. II.3.2 Freeware
This is a Copyrighted software given away for free by the author. Although it is available for free, the
author retains the copyright, which means that you cannot do anything with it that is not expressly allowed by
the author. Usually, the author allows people to use the software, but not sell it.
You are also free to distribute it to anyone you want, provided the distribution is an unmodified
version of what you downloaded from the provider’s web site. In fact they encourage you to distribute their
Freeware. Freeware is provided on an "as is" basis and no technical support is usually available.

II.3.3 Shareware
This may be copyrighted software, regularly in trial version, but generally the developer allows users
to make copies without an initial charge. However, if the user intends to use it beyond a brief tryout, the
developer requests that the program be paid for. A marketing method for software, whereby a trial version is
distributed in advance and without payment. A user tries out the program, and thus shareware has also been
known as 'try before you buy', demoware, trialware and by many other names.

II.3.4 Crippleware
The shareware version of a program whose most advanced and most desirable features have been
disabled with the intention of increasing users appetite for the better version. If the fee is paid, a code is
acquired, which unscripted the program.

II.3.5 Nagware:
Nagware (also known as annoyware) is a type of shareware, that reminds —or nags— the user to
register it by paying a fee. It usually does this by popping up a message when the user starts the program or,
worse, intermittently while the user is using the application. These messages can appear as windows obscuring
part of the screen or message boxes that can quickly be closed. Some nagware keeps the message up for a
certain time period, forcing the user to wait to continue to use the program

II.3.6 Adware:
Advertising-supported software is any software package which automatically plays, displays, or
downloads advertising material to a computer after the software is installed on it or while the application is
being used.
II.3.7 Liteware

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This is the free version of a program, that does not contain those features that are attractive to frequent or heavy
user.
II.3.8 Vapoware
Vaporware (or vapourware) is software or hardware which is announced by a developer well in
advance of release, but which then fails to emerge, either with or without a protracted development cycle.

II.4 Other type of software

Custom Software: Software that is developed for a specific user or organization is custom software. Since
it is built for a specific user, its specifications and features are in accordance with the user's needs. Off-the-
Shelf Software: As opposed to custom software, off-the-shelf software is standard software bought off the
shelf. It has predefined specifications that may or may not cater to any specific user's requirements. When you
buy it, you agree to its license agreement.
Tailor Made Software: Tailor made software is software that is made to the specifications of a client. In
other words it is custom made, bespoke, or 'tailored' to address a specific need Retail Software: While
shareware is provided as a trial version to users, retail software is sold to end users.
Firmware: Firmware is a combination of software (generally, system software) permanently stored in the
memory (hardware). As the name suggests, it is a program or data that has been written onto the read-only
memory (ROM). For example, the BIOS (which is installed inside a computer on a chip) checks different parts
of the system before loading the operating system into the memory.
Liveware: People who write programs, operate and maintain the computers are collectively known as
liveware, humanware or peopleware; for example, programmers, system analysts and hardware engineers.

II.5 Software package and software suite

A software package is an assemblage of files and information about those files. Word processing,
spreadsheets and databases are examples of different types of software packages. Licensed software such as
Microsoft Office, and open source Linux software which is available for free are also examples off different
types of software packages.
A software suite, also known as application suite generally consists of two or more software programs
delivered within a single executable and installable file. Example of software suites are:

- Microsoft office suite (Microsoft word, Microsoft excel, Microsoft access, Microsoft PowerPoint,)
- Open office suite
- Google doc suite
- WordPerfect Office X3

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EXERCISES ON SOFTWARE
Exercise 1: State whether each of the following operations is carried out by the operating system or by
application software
delete a file, format a disk, play a game, load from a disk, write a letter, enter a list of names, create a new
folder, print a file, draw a picture, button, double click the mouse, select from a menu, carry out a single field
sort, get a directory listing, do a calculation, select QUIT.

Exercise 2: State whether the following task is carried out by a word processor, a spreadsheet, a database or
graphic software
1) Typing articles for a club newsletter 8) Creating a 'No Smoking' sign
2) Keeping track of income and expenditure in a shop 9) Preparing the year accounts for a small business
3) Storing information about members of a youth club 10) Storing details of 500 CDs in a music collection
4) Analyzing sales figures and trends in sales 11) Drawing a map for a treasure hunt
5) Designing a business card for a small firm 12) Preparing an essay for English class
6) Typing a letter to members of a youth club 13) Recording details of products in a supermarket
7) Making changes to a photograph 14) Drawing a picture of a house
15) Scanning a picture in a book

Exercise 3: [Premock Oct 2013 PCHS Bda]

A secondary school has been using several versions of office automation software packages which consist of
a word-processing software and spreadsheet software. This years the school plans to upgrade the office
automation software packages so as to increase the use of information technology in teaching, to improve
daily communication among its staff, and students and to computerize students' attendance record system.
1. Name three additional types of software that should be included in this upgrade exercise.
State one corresponding application for each type of software.
2. The teacher makes use of upgraded word-processing software to prepare a computer test
paper in school. However he cannot open the document at home with its old version of
word-processing software. Explain why the teacher cannot open the document and
suggest one method the teacher can use to avoid the problem without any additional cost.
To upgrade = to improve what was old or outdated. Upgrade software implies adding new functionalities.

Exercise 4: [Premock Oct 2013 PCHS Bamenda]

1. ‘Hardware is of no use without software and software cannot be used without hardware.’ Explain.
2. What are the difference between an Open source Software and a Freeware? Write one example of
each.
3. What is an operating system? Names of any two popular operating systems.

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4. Name and explain any two main functions of an operating system

5. Exercise 5: [Special Mock 1 Dec 2013 PCHS Bamenda]
1. For each type of software, copy the correct description along with two examples:

Application Software Example Applications

1. Word processors - Internet Explorer - MS Outlook Express
2. Spreadsheets - Real Player - Windows Media Player
3. Databases - Adobe PageMaker - Lotus 123
4. Desktop publishing programs - Firefox - MS PowerPoint
5. Presentation applications - Word Perfect - MS Messenger
6. Web design applications - MySQL - MS Word
7. Graphics programs - CorelDraw - MS FrontPage
8. Multimedia display programs - MS Publisher - DreamWeaver
9. Web browsing applications - MS Excel - MS Access
10. Communications software - Macromedia Director - Paint Shop Pro

Descriptions
• Used to combine and control graphics and text in a single document
• Used to perform calculations on rows and columns of data
• Allow you to create pictures and edit photographs
• Used to send messages and emails
• Enable you to write, edit and print letters, articles and reports.
• Used to design and edit pages of information for the internet
• Allow you to view videos and animations with sound
• Use to organize and search through collections of data
• Used to view websites on the internet
• Allow you to present information to an audience

2. Describe how bespoke software is different from the normal software packages purchased in shops.
3. Give a short description (or definition) of the following words or expressions (no more than 2 lines per
word): Loader, Crippleware, Open source software

Exercise 6:
1- Explain the following types of software:
Application software - System software - Bespoke software - Tailor-made software - Off-the-shell software -
Operating system - Utility software – Firmware – Liveware - Custom software

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2- What is an Operating System? Give two functions of OS and four examples of OS.

3- Give and describe briefly the types of system software.

4- Give the use of each of the following utility software with an example in each case:
Disk cleaner – Antivirus - Backup program - Disk defragmenter

5- What is the use of a device driver?

6- Give the difference between the following concepts:

- Application software and system software - Open source software and proprietary software
- FAT and NTFS - Freeware, shareware, crippleware and nagware
- CLI and GUI - Software package and software suite
- General purpose software & specific purpose
software

7- Give two examples of:

- Presentation software - Spreadsheet software - Closed source software
- Desktop publishing software - Graphic software - Freeware
- Word processing software - Web browser - Software suite
- Open source software

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