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4.1 INTRODUCTION
A Software generally refers to any type of executable code that can be launched in a computer system. It is
designed to implement and complete specific functions that are required by the user in his activities. Software can be
developed and distributed freely (freeware) by programmers in various communities and forums, or they can be sold
commercially either online or in computer stores by software companies like Microsoft, Adobe, and Sony among others.
Some computer experts believe that software can be categorized as general application (can be installed and used by any
organization) or customized (developed to cater to the specific needs of a particular group or enterprise). General
application software like the Microsoft Office Productivity Suite for example can also be customized and tailor fitted to the
needs of a specific organization. This is done by using macro commands and a bit of programming.
4.2 OPERATING SYSTEM: HIDDEN SOFTWARE
When a brand-new computer comes off the factory
assembly line, it can do nothing. The hardware needs
software to make it work. Part of the story is the
applications software, such as word processing or
spreadsheet software, that allows users to perform useful
User
work. This type of software will be discussed further. But
Applications
applications software cannot communicate directly with the
hardware, so the operating system software serves as
Operating System
intermediary between the applications software and the
Hardware
hardware. An operating system is a set of programs that
lies between applications software and the hardware; it is
the fundamental software that controls access to other
hardware and software resources. The picture beside
illustrates this concept. Incidentally, the term systems
software is often used interchangeably with operating
A conceptual diagram of an operating system. Closest to the user are
system, but systems software means all programs related
applications programs. The operating system is the set of programs between the
applications programs and the hardware
to coordinating computer operations. Systems software
includes the operating system but also includes
programming language translators and a variety of utility programs.
Note that we said that an operating system is a set of programs. The most important program in the operating
system, the program that manages the operating system, is the kernel, most of which remains in memory and is therefore
referred to as resident. The kernel controls the entire operating system and loads into memory other operating system
programs (called nonresident) from disk storage only as needed.
No matter what operating system is being used, when the computer is turned on, the kernel will be loaded from
the hard drive into the computers memory, thus making it available for use. This process of loading the operating system
into memory is called bootstrapping, or booting, the system. The word booting is used because, figuratively speaking,
the operating system pulls itself up by its own bootstraps. When the computer is turned on, a small program stored on a
ROM chip performs some internal hardware components tests, and then loads the kernel from the hard disk.
An operating system has three main functions: (1) managing the computers resources, such as central
processing unit, memory, disk drives, and printers; (2) establishing a user interface; and (3) executing and providing
services for applications software. Keep in mind, however, that much of the work of an operating system is hidden from
the user; many necessary tasks are performed behind the scenes. In particular, the first listed function managing the
computers resources is taken care of without the user being aware of the details. Furthermore, all input and output
operations, although invoked by an applications program, are actually carried out by the operating system.
Although many of its functions are hidden from view, you will have to communicate directly with the operating
system to begin using an applications software package and to perform various housekeeping tasks. This communication
occurs through the operating systems user interface, which determines how the user interacts with the operating
system. The two basic forms of user interfaces are the Command-line Interface (CLI) and the Graphical User Interface
(GUI). The command-line interface is text-based and requires you to type in complete operating system commands. MSDOS, UNIX, Linux, and many large-computer operating systems use a command-line interface. GUIs use visual images
and menus to allow users to enter commands. Windows and Mac OS use GUIs. Some installations of Linux and UNIX are
set up to offer a GUI.
4.3 TYPES OF OPERATING SYSTEM
If you browse the software offerings at a retail store, you will generally find the software grouped according to the
platform on which the software can run. The term platform refers to a combination of computer hardware and operating
system software. The most common microcomputer platform today consist of some version of Microsoft Windows running
on an Intel-based PC, often referred to as Wintel PC for short. Generally, applications software word processing,
spreadsheets, games, whatever can run on just one platform. Just as you cannot place a Nissan engine in a Ford truck
and expect it to run, you cannot take a version of WordPerfect that was designed to run on a computer using the Intel
Platform and run it on an Apple Macintosh using the Mac OS operating system. Software makers must decide for which
platform to write an applications software package, although some make versions of their software for more than one
platform.
Most users do not set out to buy an operating system; they want computers and the applications software to make
them useful. However, since the operating system determines what software is available for a given computer, users must
at least be aware of their own computers operating system.
Although operating systems differ, many of their basic functions are similar. Let us briefly examine some of the
common types of operating system today.
OPERATING
SYSTEM
WINDOWS 10
WINDOWS 8
WINDOWS 7
DESCRIPTION
Windows 10 is the latest release of Microsoft's
Windows operating system and the successor to the
underwhelming Windows 8 (and Windows 8.1).
Initially codenamed Windows Threshold, Windows
10 debuted on July 29, 2015, following a "technical
preview" beta release of the new operating
system that arrived in Fall 2014 and a "consumer
preview" beta in early 2015.
With Windows 8 suffering from mostly
negative reactions by both enterprises and
consumers, Microsoft chose to eschew going with
the logical next iteration of Windows, Windows 9,
opting instead for the name Windows 10.
The next major release of the Microsoft
Windows operating system, Windows 8 officially
debuted on October 26th, 2012 following a release
to manufacturing on August 1st.
According to Microsoft, Windows 8 is a
completely redesigned operating system developed
from the ground up with touch screenuse in mind as
well as near-instant-on capabilities that enable a
Windows 8 PC to load and start up in a matter of
seconds rather than in minutes.
Windows
8
replaces
the
more
traditional Microsoft Windows OS look and feel with
a new design system interface codenamed "Metro"
that first debuted in the Windows Phone 7 mobile
operating system. The Metro user interface primarily
consists of a "Start screen" made up of "Live Tiles,"
which are links to applications and features that are
dynamic and update in real time. Users will also be
able to switch between apps in Metro by simply
swiping across the screen.
Windows 7 made its official debut to the public
on October 22, 2009 as the latest in the 25-year-old
line of Microsoft Windows operating systems and as
the successor to Windows Vista (which itself had
followed Windows XP). Windows 7 was released in
conjunction with Windows Server 2008 R2,
Windows 7's server counterpart.
Enhancements and new features in Windows
7 include multi-touch support, Internet Explorer 8,
improved performance and start-up time, Aero
Snap, Aero Shake, support for virtual hard disks, a
new and improved Windows Media Center, and
improved security.
Another important change in Windows 7 is the
replacement of Windows Vista's Quick Launch
toolbar with a new "Superbar" that makes it possible
for applications to be pinned to the taskbar. The
"Superbar" also adds features like Jump Lists and
Aero Peek.
An initial service pack (SP) for Windows 7 is
currently in development, with the official release of
Windows 7 SP1 expected in early 2011.
PICTURE
WINDOWS XP
WINDOWS 98
MAC OS
LINUX
Pronounced lee-nucks or lih-nucks. A freelydistributable open source operating system that runs
on a number of hardware platforms. The Linux
kernel was developed mainly by Linus Torvalds and
it is based on Unix. Because it's free, and because it
runs on many platforms, including PCs and
Macintoshes, Linux has become an extremely
popular alternative to proprietary operating systems.
ANDROID
Congratulations! You've bought, built, and set up a working computer from start to finish! Don't be alarmed if you
feel an overwhelming sense of pride; that's normal. Enjoy your new custom-built machine!
4.6.2 Install the Applications
The installation process for applications software depends on your operating
system and the program you are installing. As a result of these many combinations, we
have created the steps below as a general guideline. The following does not cover errors
during the installation process, as they are too vast for one document. You can ask
Google for further information on errors during the setup.
General Tips
Make sure your computer meets the system requirements of the program, game,
or utility you are attempting to install.
The manual or the readme file contains exact instructions on how to install a
program and are in the same directory as the installation files.
When installing a program, utility, or game, it is always a good idea first to close or
disable any other programs that are running.
After installing a new program, if it prompts you to reboot the computer, do it.