Skip to main content

Computer Software and Operating Systems

Software can be defined as a set of computer programs that can control, manage, direct and support all operations of a computer system. 

Computer programs need sets of instructions known as software so that computers can run and execute given tasks. 

Software can also make up the different parts of a computer, instructions that are needed for it to run and do what it is supposed to do. 

 A computer system consists of software components that have no physical presence as they are stored in digital form within computer memory. 

There are different categories of software, including system software, utilities and applications software. 

A lot of instructions, are stored digitally within the computer's memory, which makes the computer function accordingly.

Any application program is dependent on the system software found in the computer to deliver specific functionality to a user. 

There are several minor application programs, also known as utilities programs, that are part of an operating system to monitor the computer hardware resources, such as the hard drive, memory, graphics and audio cards.

System software also checks the memory allocation and maintains the security of the computer system that includes components like drivers, operating systems, servers and window systems. 

All computers need an operating system to function among which are Windows, UNIX, Linux and Mac OS.  

Software applications are nothing but computer programs that help in carrying out certain tasks like a database that hold records of information about people, educational software and word processing helps you write and modify texts and pictures and web browsers help you open and browse web pages. 

You also have computer programs that assist in developing other computer programs such as text editors, compilers and debuggers.   

System software which is your computer operating system is used to manage and control the hardware components and enables the interaction between the hardware and the other types of software. 

Utility software includes anti-virus software, firewalls, disk defragmenters and so on which helps to maintain and protect the computer system from harm but does not directly interface with the hardware.

Applications software are designed to allow the user to complete a specific set of tasks and include programs such as web browsers, office software, games etc.

An individual software package can either be generic or custom built.

Generic software is mass produced so that it can be used by different users in various situations whereas custom built software is created for a specific reason or purpose and it will be used in a known environment.

You will find that generic software is used when there is a package available that meets the needs of the user as it is used by many more people the cost of creating it is spread over a greater number of people or organizations making it cost effective.

 It has the advantage of being available for use to the buyer immediately after the software package is designed, created and tested.

 In the case of custom built software the difference is that it can be tailor made to exact specifications but is more expensive and takes time to create.
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Coding Explained

Code can be defined as a set of instructions in a language that computers can understand; and it is what makes it possible for us to create different computer software, apps and websites that we use including the browser, the operating system, the apps present on your phone, social media sites etc. are all made with code.   Computer coding is a process that leads from an original forming of a computing problem to a computer program that works. Codes play an important role in our lives as code is what makes computers work and computers are integrated with many objects and electronic devices that we use daily like phones, watches, microwaves and cars. People who code are known by different names such as coders, programmers, developers, computer scientists, software engineers, etc. Computers are nothing but machines that run on binary code written in 1s and 0s which is very difficult for humans to work with. Computers like people can understand different la...
Post a Comment
Read more

Culture conflict in globalization

Globalization is a phenomenon that has made its presence felt in our daily lives and has changed the way we live and has led to the interaction between diverse cultures through convergence of world views, products and ideas, whereby cultural conflict can make or break a business that is trying to establish itself in a foreign country. One of the strategies that make a difference when it comes to establishing a successful presence in a foreign land is effective communication. This includes not just language and does not include only English as although English is the global language of doing business, many countries prefer to function in their local language which can be a cause for concern but this problem is minimized as most countries have a sizeable population who are bilingual and are comfortable with using English despite the fact that it is not their mother tongue. Non-verbal communication also plays an important role and one needs to be aware of the cultural nuances and cu...
Post a Comment
Read more

Smartwatches - How They Work

A  smartwatch  can be described as a mobile device with a touchscreen display that is designed to be worn on the wrist for daily use. It comes with an a compatible smartphone app that provides for management and telemetry such as long-term bio monitoring. Smartwatches have become popular among gadget lovers as more companies that are manufacturing smartwatches including the traditional watch companies due to its large market.  What is it that makes smartwatches different from other gadgets so you can decide you should buy one or not.  Are smart watches worth buying when  the primary function of a watch  is showing you the time.  In case of a smartwatch, the most important function is to show you the notifications and you will have a quick access to them.  It allows you to read a message that you receive or checking out a social media notification without picking up your mobile phone. If you are busy and spend a lot of time outdoors, it...
Post a Comment
Read more