The computer will do nothing until it is instructed by software. Although computer hardware is, by design, general purpose, software enables the user to instruct a computer system to perform specific functions that provide value. There are two major types of software: systems software and application software. The relationship among hardware, system software, and application software is illustrated below.
Systems Software
This provides important self-regulatory functions for computer systems, such as loading itself when the computer is first turned on, managing hardware resources such as secondary storage for all applications, and providing commonly used set of instructions for all applications to use.
Systems programs primarily manipulate computer hardware resources.
It controls and supports the computer system and its information processing activities. It also facilitates the programming, testing, and debugging of computer programs. There are two groups based on functional categories:
1. System Control Programs
This controls the use of hardware, software, and data resources of a computer system. The main system control program is the OPERATING SYSTEM (OS). The OS supervises the overall operation of the computer, including the computer’s status and scheduling operations, which includes input and output processes. The OS provides services that include process management, virtual memory, file management, security, fault tolerance, and the user interface.
Examples of OS:
MS-DOS Windows 91/95/98/2000/CE/ ME/XP
IBM’s OS/2 MAC OS
UNIX Linux
2. System Support Programs
This supports the operations, management, and users of a computer system by providing a variety of support services.
Examples of System Support Programs
System utilizes – programs written to accomplish common tasks such as sorting records, checking of diskettes, creating directories, and restores accidentally erased files.
System performance monitors – programs that monitor the processing of jobs on a computer system
System security monitors – programs that monitor the use of a computer system to protect it and its resources from unauthorized use, fraud, or destruction. It also provides security needed to allow only authorized users access to the system.
Application Software
This provides more specific functionality to users. That functionality maybe broad, such word processing or desktop publishing. An application program applies a computer to a certain need.
Application programs primarily manipulate data or text to produce or provide information.
Types of Application Software
1. Spreadsheets – transforms a computer screen into a ledger sheet, or grid, of coded rows and columns. Users can enter numeric or textual data into each grid location (cells). Formula can be entered into a cell. Example: MS Excel
When do you think spreadsheet might be used?
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2. Data Management – supports storage, retrieval, and manipulation of related data. Example: MS Access
When do you think data management might be used?
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3. Word Processing – this allows the user to manipulate text rather than just numbers. Example: MS WORD
When do you think word processing might be used?
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4. Desktop Publishing – represents a level of sophistication beyond regular word processing. This has been especially used in helping small businesses create high-quality advertising and marketing materials at reasonable costs. Examples: Corel Draw and Adobe Photoshop
Why does it represent a level of sophistication beyond regular word processing?
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5. Graphics – allows the user to create, store, and display or print charts, graphs, maps, and drawings. Examples: Autocad and Microsoft Paint
What are the processes or skills involved when an individual uses a graphics software?
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6. Multimedia – combines at least two media for input or output of data. Examples: MS PowerPoint, Macromedia Flash, and Swish
What kind of media is included in this software?
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7. Communications – allows computers to exchange data over cable lines or satellite whether individuals are located close together or far apart. Example: Internet
What is the objective of communications software?
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8. Speech Recognition Software – this controls the personal computers to accept instructions from voices. Example: Via Voice from IBM
Can you think of advantages and disadvantages of this software?
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9. Groupware – facilitates communication, coordination, and collaboration among people. It is important because it allows work groups – people who need to interact with one another within an organization – to communicate and share information, even when they are working together at a distance. Examples: IBM’s Lotus Notes/Domino, Net Meeting, and MS Exchange
What might be some benefits organizations get from this software?
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