COMPUTER SOFTWARE (JSS2 FIRST TERM)

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Definition of Software

Software are set of instructions and procedures passed to the computer to perform certain activities or task.

It can also be defined as a set of instructions that direct the activities of the computer system in order to undertake a specific task. Unlike the hardware, software cannot be seen or touched.

Types of Software

Software is divided into two broad groups, these are:

1.      System Software

2.      Application software

 1.      System Software

These are software that control the way the different computer components communicate with one another. It can also be defined as programs that help run the computer hardware and software. The system software consists of programs, written by manufacturers, which contributes to the proper control and good performance of the computer system. System software generally comprises three groups. These are:

 a.       Operating system

b.      Utility software

c.       Programming languages/Translators

Operating system: Operating (OS) is software program that manages the hardware and software resources of the computer. Examples Disk Operating System (DOS), Microsoft windows, UNIX, LINUX, MAC etc

Utility software: utility software (service programs) are used for general housekeeping of the computer such as repairing the computer, backing up files, copying, sorting and printing. Examples of utility programs include: window explorer, Anti-virus, Network manager, Registry cleaner, data compression utilities, etc

Programming Languages/Translators: A programming language is an artificial language designed to communicate instructions to a machine, particularly a computer.

Examples of computer programming languages are BASIC, COBOL, LOGO, FORTRAN, PASCAL, C+ etc.

2.      Application Software

These are software that are used with the system software to perform specific data processing. These software also allow humans to accomplish one or more specific (non-computer) task. There are different types of application software, they includes:

a. Word processing software: These are software used for creating, editing and printing document. They include: Microsoft Word, Notepad, Corel WordPerfect, WordPad, etc.

b. Spreadsheet software: These are software for performing accounting and statistical Calculations. Examples are: Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, etc.

c. Graphics software: These are software that are used for drawing and designing purposes, examples CorelDraw, Paint, Photoshop, Instant Artist, etc.

d. Database Application: Database software allows the user to enter, retrieve and update data in an organized and efficient manner. Commonly used database programs include Microsoft Access and Lotus 1-2-3

e. Presentation Packages: A presentation program is a computer software package used to display information, normally in the form of a slide show. Examples are MS power point, Corel Presentations, OpenOffice.org, Impress, SlideSlider, SlideRocket, SlideWiki, Audience (software), Ease, Emaze, WPS presentation, etc.

Exercises
1. Explain the term software.
2. Mention the two types of software.
3. Write down two examples of each type of software.
4. Explain the uses of each type of software.