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COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer Software
- sometimes referred to as software
- general term used to describe the role that computer programs, procedures and documentation
play in a computer system
- is a program that executes within the hardware. It is termed soft since it is readily modified,
created or deleted on the computer.
- intangible objects inside the computer

Two general categories of software:

Application Software the general term for programs that perform specific user-oriented tasks,
such as word-processing and spreadsheet applications.
System Software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the
computer and its devices.

Types of System Software

Operating systems- a set of programs containing instructions that work together to
coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.

Utility programs-performs maintenance-type tasks such as managing a specific device or a
program.

Operating System (OS)
- A set of programs containing instructions that work together to coordinate all the activities among
computer hardware resources.
- Generally,installed and resides on computers hard disk but can run from an optical disk or flash
memory media. On handheld computers and mobile devices such as smart phones, it resides on a
ROM chip.
- Generally developed to run on specific type of computer, however, some computers can run
multiple operating systems.
- The OS that a computer uses is sometimes called theplatform.

Categories of OS

1. Stand-alone = works on a desktop, notebook or mobile computing device
Examples: Windows versions(XP,7, Vista, 8)
Mac OS X (Mavericks, Yosemite)
Linux
2. Server = designed to support a network.
Examples : Windows Server versions
3. Embedded = designed for mobile devices and consumer electronics
Examples : iOS
Blackberry
Android (Froyo, Gingerbread, Ice Cream Sandwich, Jelly Bean, Kitkat)
Windows

Common Functions of Operating Systems:

1. Starts and shuts down a computer
2. Provide a User Interface
3. Provide file management and other utilities
4. Coordinate tasks and configure devices
5. Establish an internet connection
6. Control a network

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7. Administer security
8. Manage programs
9. Manage memory
10. Monitor performance

Open Source
- is an approach to the design, development, and distribution of software, offering practical
accessibility to a software's source code. Some consider open source as one of various possible
design approaches, while others consider it a critical strategic element of their operations

Freeware
- (from "free" and "software")
- computersoftware that is available for use at no cost or for an optional fee.
- generally proprietary software available at zero price, and is not free software
- the author usually restricts one or more rights to copy, distribute, and make derivative works of
the software