BASIC SOFTWARE MANAGEMENT.

SOFTWARE (PROGRAM)
Software refers to a set of instructions or programs that tell a computer how to perform specific
tasks.
There are two main types of software;
1. System software
2. Application software

System software.
System software is the type of software that controls the computer system and runs the
application software.
System software is software that directly operates the computer hardware and provides the basic
functionality to the users as well as to the other software to operate smoothly.

Types of system software.

System software is divided into three main categories.
1. Operating systems
2. Utility programs
3. Programming languages

Operating system
An operating system (OS) is a software /program that manages hardware and software resources
and provides common services to the computer system.
An operating system (OS) is a fundamental software component that acts as an intermediary
between computer hardware and application software.
It provides a set of services and functions that allow both users and application programs to
interact with the computer's hardware in a convenient and efficient manner.

Examples of common operating systems.

 Microsoft Windows  Android  BSD (Berkeley
Software
 macOS  iOS Distribution):
 Linux  Chrome OS  Solaris:
 Unix  IBM z/OS
Functions of an operating system.
1. Configuring Devices:
 Function: Involves recognizing and configuring hardware devices attached to the
computer, such as printers, scanners, and storage devices.
 Example: When a new printer is connected to a computer, the operating system
configures the necessary drivers and settings to enable communication with the
printer.
2. Spooling Print Jobs:
 Function: Spooling (Simultaneous Peripheral Operations On-Line) involves
managing print job queues to improve printing efficiency. Print jobs are
temporarily stored in a spool directory before being sent to the printer.
 Example: Multiple users can send print jobs to a printer, and the operating system
spools these jobs to a queue, allowing the printer to process them one after
another.
3. Memory Management:
 Function: Manages the computer's memory, allocating and deallocating space for
programs and data to ensure efficient utilization.
 Example: When a program is executed, the operating system allocates memory
space for its instructions and data. It also frees up memory when the program is
no longer in use.
4. Administering Security:
 Function: Ensures the integrity, confidentiality, and availability of data and
resources by implementing access controls, user authentication, and other security
measures.
 Example: User accounts, passwords, and permissions are managed by the
operating system to control access to files and system resources.
5. Providing Network Capability:
 Function: Facilitates communication between devices in a network, enabling data
transfer and resource sharing.
 Example: An operating system manages network connections, allowing users to
access files on remote servers, browse the internet, and communicate with other
devices on the network.
 6. Managing Storage Devices:
 Function: Controls and organizes storage devices such as hard drives and SSDs,
managing file systems, directories, and file storage.
 Example: The operating system keeps track of the files stored on a hard drive,
organizes them into directories, and manages the allocation of storage space.
7. User Interface:
 Function: Provides a means for users to interact with the computer. This can be
through a graphical user interface (GUI) or a command-line interface (CLI).
 Example: The desktop environment in Windows or the graphical interface in
macOS allows users to interact with the operating system and run applications.
8. File Management:
 Function: Organizes and controls access to files and directories on storage
devices.
 Example: Users can create, delete, copy, and move files and folders using file
management tools provided by the operating system. The file system ensures the
logical organization of data on storage devices.

Software version and software release

A “version" typically refers to the specific iteration of a product, while a "release" refers to the
distribution of that version to users.

Software update and software upgrade

A software update is typically a release containing enhancements to the current version. An
upgrade is a whole new version of software that represents a significant change or major
improvement.

Utility programs
Utility programs are software that enhance existing functions and provide services not provided
by other system software.
They are typically focused on system management, maintenance, optimization, and security,
offering additional features and tools to improve the overall user experience and ensure the
smooth operation of the computer.

Examples of common utility programs

1. Backup Utility:
 Explanation: A backup utility is designed to create copies of important data to
prevent data loss in case of system failure, hardware issues, or accidental deletion.
  Example: Windows Backup and Restore, macOS Time Machine, and third-party
tools like Acronis True Image.
2. Disk Repair:
 Explanation: Disk repair utilities are used to scan and fix issues with storage
devices, including hard drives and SSDs, to ensure data integrity and prevent data
loss.
 Example: CHKDSK (Check Disk) for Windows, Disk Utility for macOS, and
fsck for Linux.
3. File Installer:
 Explanation: File installers are programs that install/ add software applications
on a computer, copying necessary files and configuring the system for the new
application.
 Example: Windows Installer (MSI files), macOS Installer Packages (PKG files),
and Linux package managers like apt or yum.
4. File Uninstaller:
 Explanation: File uninstallers remove software applications from a computer,
ensuring that all associated files and configurations are properly deleted.
 Example: Windows Control Panel (Add or Remove Programs), macOS
Applications folder, and third-party tools like Revo Uninstaller.
5. Defragmentation utility:
 Explanation: Defragmentation utilities organize scattered data on storage devices
to improve access times and overall system performance.
 Example: Windows Disk Defragmenter, macOS Optimize Storage, and third-
party tools like Defraggler.
6. Diagnostic Utility:
 Explanation: Diagnostic utilities help identify and troubleshoot hardware or
software issues, providing information to users and system administrators.
 Example: Windows System Diagnostic, macOS Apple Diagnostics, and Linux
system monitoring tools like top or htop.
7. Antivirus:
 Explanation: Antivirus utilities protect a computer from malicious software
(viruses, malware, etc.) by detecting, preventing, and removing threats.
 Example: Norton Antivirus, McAfee, Windows Defender, and Avast.
 8. Screen Saver:
 Explanation: Screen savers display animated or static images on the screen when
the computer is idle, primarily for entertainment or energy-saving purposes.
 Example: Bubbles, Mystify, and 3D Text screen savers on Windows.
9. Cryptographic Utility:
 Explanation: Cryptographic utilities provide tools for encryption and decryption
of data, ensuring secure communication and protecting sensitive information.
 Example: BitLocker for Windows, FileVault for macOS, and GPG (GNU Privacy
Guard) for various platforms.
10. File Compression Utility:
 Explanation: File compression utilities reduce the size of files or folders to save
storage space and facilitate faster file transfers.
 Example: WinZip, WinRAR, 7-Zip, and macOS built-in Archive Utility.
11. File Viewer Utility:
 Explanation: File viewer utilities allow users to open and view different types of
files without the need for the original application that created them.
 Example: Adobe Acrobat Reader for PDFs, Microsoft Word Viewer, and image
viewers like IrfanView.

Programming language.
A programming language is a set of rules and symbols that allows humans to communicate
instructions to a computer, enabling the creation of software and applications.
Examples of programming languages
 Python  C  jinja
 BASIC  C++  ruby
 R  C#  JavaScript
 Go  HTML  Perl
 Java  CSS  PHP

Application software/application systems

Application software, commonly referred to as "applications" or "apps," is a type of computer
software designed to perform specific tasks for end-users.
Unlike system software, which manages and facilitates the operation of computer hardware and
provides foundational services, application software is created to meet the needs of users in
various domains. It enables users to accomplish specific functions, such as document editing,
web browsing, communication, entertainment, and more.

Types/ categories of application software

There are two main types of application software
1. Custom-made / tailor made / bespoke software.
2. Off the shelf / vendor off/ commercial software

Custom made software

This is software designed at user’s request to perform a specific task.
Custom software, also known as bespoke or tailor-made software, is specifically developed for a
particular organization, business, or individual. It is designed to meet unique requirements and
can be highly customized to address specific needs.
Examples: An inventory management system designed for a specific business; a customer
relationship management (CRM) system tailored to a company's processes.

Off the shelf/ vendor off software

This is software designed to meet needs of a variety of end users. off-the-shelf applications are
pre-built and available for purchase or download. They are developed to meet the needs of a
broad user base and are not tailored to any specific organization or individual.

Examples of the off the shelf software

1. Word Processing Software:
 Example: Microsoft Word, Google Docs, LibreOffice Writer.
 Functionality: These programs are designed for creating, editing, and formatting
text-based documents. They often include features like spell-check, formatting
options, and collaboration tools.
2. Spreadsheet Software:
 Example: Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc.
 Functionality: Spreadsheet software helps users organize data in rows and
columns. It's commonly used for tasks such as budgeting, financial analysis, and
data manipulation.
3. Presentation Software:
 Example: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, LibreOffice Impress.
  Functionality: Presentation software allows users to create slideshows for
business presentations, educational purposes, or other visual communication
needs.
4. Desktop Publishing Software:
 Example: Adobe InDesign, QuarkXPress.
 Functionality: Desktop publishing software is used for designing and formatting
documents with a focus on layout, typography, and graphical elements. It's often
used for creating brochures, magazines, and newsletters.
5. Database Management Systems (DBMS):
 Example: Microsoft Access, MySQL, Oracle Database.
 Functionality: DBMS helps users manage and organize data efficiently. It
includes tools for creating, modifying, and querying databases.
6. Web Authoring Software:
 Example: Adobe Dreamweaver, WordPress.
 Functionality: Web authoring software assists in creating and designing websites.
Users can visually design web pages and manage website content.
7. Web Browsers:
 Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Safari.
 Functionality: Web browsers allow users to access and navigate the internet.
They interpret and display web content, including text, images, videos, and
interactive elements.
8. Multimedia Applications:
 Examples: Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing), Adobe Photoshop (image
editing), Audacity (audio editing).
 Functionality: Multimedia applications handle various types of media, such as
images, videos, and audio. They enable editing, creation, and manipulation of
multimedia content.
How to install software
Sure, here are the general steps to install software:
 Download the Software: Download the software's installation file from a trusted source.
Be careful about the websites you download files from, as many viruses and malware
come from downloads from malicious sources.
  Locate the Installation File: After downloading, locate the installation file, usually an
`.exe` file for Windows. This file is often in your Downloads folder.
 Run the Installation File: Double-click the installation file to start the installation process.
If there are multiple setup or install files, locate the executable file or double-click each
setup or install file until you find the file that starts the installation.
 Follow the Installation Instructions: A dialog box will appear with instructions for the
installation. Follow these instructions.
 Reboot if Necessary: After installing a new program, if it prompts you to reboot the
computer, do so.
How to uninstall a software program
 Open Control Panel: Press the Windows key, type “Control Panel”, and press Enter.
 Go to Programs: Under the Programs section, click the “Uninstall a program” link.
 Select the Program: In the new window, select the program you want to uninstall and
click the “Change”, “Remove”, or “Uninstall” button.
 Follow the Instructions: Follow the directions on the screen.
 Chapter summary

software

system application
software software

operating utility programming custom - made off the shelf

system programs languages software software