Computer Software Flashcards
A series of guidelines that instruct the computer what to do and how to do it. It consists of programs, procedures and documentations that run in a computer system
Computer software
2 Types of Software
System Software and Application Software
A collection of programs intended to operate, control and extend the processing capacities of the computer itself. These software products include programs written in low-level languages which communicate with the hardware components at an exceptionally fundamental level. It serves as the interface between the hardware and the end users
System software
Provide basic functionalities to operate and control the hardware connected to or built into the computer
BIOS and firmware
A software that manages the flow of data between computer operating system and other devices. It is used to utilize the computer system itself
BIOS
A non-volatile memory that stores information permanently. It is for the devices
Firmware
Oversees the overall activity of the computer - including monitoring the computer’s input and output processes. It controls the utilization of hardware, software and information resources of a computer system. It has even greater responsibility and power for larger computer system
Operating system
Enables two or more users to run programs at the same time
Multi-user
Supports running a program on more than one CPU
Multiprocessor
Allows more than one program to run concurrently
Multitasking
The ability to execute multiple processes concurrently
Multithreading
Responds to input instantly
Real time
Allows one user to use the program at one time
Single-user
A popular operating system for mobiles primarily for touchscreen devices, cell phones, and tablets. It was first developed by Android Inc., and acquired by Google in 2005. It allows users to operate mobile devices intuitively, with phone interactions that mirror common motions, such as pinching, swiping, and tapping
Android
The first operating system used and developed for IMB by Microsoft Corp., that runs from a hard disk drive. It became available in two different versions - PC-DOS from IBM and MS-DOS from Microsoft
Disk operating system
The mobile operating system developed by Apple that runs the iPhone, iPad, and iPod touch devices. It utilizes a multi-touch interface in which simple gestures are used to operate the device
iOS
An open source operating system, which means that the code used to create this is available online and can be edited. It is an operating system based on UNIX that can be installed in a computer and laptops
Linux operating system
The official name of the Apple Macintosh operating system. It has a graphical user interface (GUI) that utilizes windows, icons, etc. designed only for Apple computers and laptops
Mac operating system
The leading and most popular operating system. It offers a graphical user interface (GUI), virtual memory management, multitasking and support for mang peripheral components
Windows operating system
Usually small programs that help in managing the computer hardware and application software. It performa the following like backing up important files, converting files, etc.
Utility programs
Examples of Utility Programs
- System utilities
- System performance
- System security
Programs that perform basic maintenance tasks on a computer. They execute common tasks such as arranging records, checking the integrity of diskettes and creating directories and subdirectories. They also restore accidentally eradicated files, find files within the directory structure, manage memory usage, and redirect output
System utilities
Programs that monitor the processing of jobs on a computer system. They monitor computer system performance and produce reports containing detailed statistics relating to the use of system resources such as processor time, memory space, input/output devices and system and application programs
System performance
Programs that monitor the use of a computer system to protect it and its resources from unauthorized use, fraud or destruction
System security
Commonly referred to as apps, it is a software designed to perform a specific function for the benefits of the user. It may be related to productivity, creativity, and communication
Application software
Any software that has copyrights. It has a restriction and a limit against the usage and distributions that are imposed by the vendor or developer. This type of software may be developed in-house by the organization’s information systems personnel or it may be commissioned from a software vendor. It is also known as close-source software
Proprietary application software
Software or hardware products that are ready-made and can be purchased, leased or rented from the vendor and available for general use. This software is designed for many different types of users and it is customizable such as word processing and spreadsheet
Off-the-shelf application software
Examples of Application Software:
- Income Tax Software
- Inventory Management Software
- Microsoft Office Suite Software
- Payroll Software
- Railways Reservation Software
- Student Record Software
Features of Application Software:
- Easy to design
- Easy to understand
- Generally written in high-level language
- More interactive
- Slow in speed
Types of Application Software:
- Communication software
- Data management software
- Desktop publishing software
- Graphics software
- Groupware tools
- Multimedia software
- Speech recognition software
- Spreadsheet software
- Word processing software
Allows users to communicate with other people through internet easily. People use this software for different purpose such as video chatting, video conferencing, online teaching, meeting for business, talking with friends and family members, etc
Communication software
Allows the user to create and manage a database. It is typically very simple to use and often very fast but it offers limited flexibility in how the data can be searched. It also provides an accurate ability to store and retrieve data in primary and secondary storage
Data management software
An example of popular database management software
Microsoft Access
Allows user to create and prepare documents by using both word processing devices and graphics. It is used by graphic designers, commercial printing technicians, teachers, business owners and even non-designers
Desktop publishing software
Used to create, edit, print charts and manage computer graphics. It combines text and graphics to produce graphics for advertisements and publishing industry. It enables user to absorb information and to spot relationships and trends in data easily
Graphics software
Types of Graphics Software:
- Presentation graphics software
- Analysis graphic software
- Computer aided designs (CAD) software
Used to create presentations that communicate ideas, messages and other information to a group through a slide show
Presentation graphics software
Allows user to add statistical data into graphic formats like bar charts, line charts, pie charts and scatter diagrams. This software is very useful in preparing graphic displays for business presentation, from sales results to marketing research data
Analysis graphics software
Used to facilitate the generation, modification and optimization of a part or a compilation of parts. It can be used to produce two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) diagrams
Computer aided designs (CAD) software
Designed to boost the productivity and facilitate communication of work groups. It allows people to interact and share information with one another, even when they are working together at a distance. It is sometimes called workgroup productivity software
Groupware tools
Combines at least two media for input or output of data. These media include audio (sound), voice, animation, video, text, graphics and images. It is used to convey information to people effectively
Multimedia software
Refers to software that perform speech recognition to operate a device and perform commands without having to use a keyboard or mouse. It works by breaking down the audio of a speech recording into individual sounds, interpret each sound and transcribe it into text. It is also known as automatic speech recognition
Speech recognition software
Permits user to perform variety of quantitative tasks such as budgeting, keeping track of inventory, preparing financial reports and manipulating numbers. It contains cells, rows and columns
Spreadsheet software
Allows the user to create and manipulate documents that contain text and graphics
Word processing software
One of the three fundamental aspects of computer technology. It performs an important role in the computing process. It always refers to anyone who designs, develops or uses computer systems
Peopleware
A computer science researcher who first conned the term ‘peopleware’ in 1977
Peter Neuman
Examples of Computer Peopleware:
- Computer Engineers
- End Users
- System Administrators
- Software Designers
Someone who specializes in maintaining and repairing computers. They study how computer processes data and what is going on inside the system when data is processed
Computer Engineers
These people are the computer operators who use computers to perform any type of work. They use computer to prepare documents, design graphics, and more
End Users
Manages and monitors the performance of the computer servers in a company’s data center. They work with servers and networks on a daily basis to ensure that the systems run efficiently and continue to operate without downtime or performance degradation
System Administrators
They are the people who are specialized in writing or developing software or programs. They give instruction to the computer and direct computer on what to do
Software Designers
Types of Computer Users:
- Small Office or Home Office User (SOHO)
- Mobile User
- Power User
- Large Business User
Where users managing their resources effective. It includes local law practices, accounting firms, travel agencies, and florists. These users typically use a desktop computer and access the Internet often wirelessly to look up information such as addresses, directions, postal codes, flights, and package shipping rates or to make telephone calls
Small Office or Home Office User (SOHO)
Works on a computer while away from a main office or school. They can connect to other computers on a network or the Internet, often wirelessly accessing services such as e-mail and the web
Mobile User
He requires the capabilities of a powerful desktop computer called a workstation. These users need computers with extremely fast processors because of the nature of their work
Power User
They are employee or customer who uses a computer in the large business
Large Business User
A work arrangement in which employees work away from a company’s standard workplace and often communicate with the office through the computer
Telecommuting
10 Benefits of Telecommuting
- Increased Productivity
- Improved Morale and the Quality of Work
- Increased Level of Flexibility
- Additional Work Hours
- Reduced Office Requirements
- Continuity of Initiated Programs
- Wider Pool of Talent
- Improved Rate of Employee Retention
- Maximize Time
- Improved Trust among Employees
