COMP 6005 An Introduction To Computing

1. COMP 6005 An Introduction To Computing Session Three: Computer Software Introduction

2. Session Objectives • Describe different types of computer software • Business • Graphics and multimedia • Home/personal/educational • Database management software • Describe the function of a utility program • Describe the software requirements for an e-commerce/e-business initiative COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

3. Session Objectives • Compare and contrast different types of operating systems • Understand the importance of the web to computing • Distinguish between different types of web applications and tools • Distinguish between a computer program and an algorithm COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

4. Session Objectives • Compare and contrast proprietary and open source software • Different types of licenses • Volume • GNU • Number of users versus Number of computers COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

5. Definition of Software • Computer instructions or data that can be stored electronically • Used to operate computers and related devices • Tells the computer what to do and how to do it COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

6. Types of Software • Application – programs that do real work for users • System – any program that supports application software; includes operating system • Middleware - programming that mediates between application and system software or between two different kinds of application software • Utility – small useful program with limited capability COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

7. Layers Of A Computer System COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

8. Application Software • Program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program • Include: browsers, Web processors, database programs, spreadsheets, development tools, drawing, paint, image editing programs, and communication programs • Uses the services of the computer's operating system and other supporting applications through a defined application program interface (API) COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

9. System Software • Programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices • Serves as interface between the user, application software, and the computer hardware • Two types: • Operating system • Utility programs COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

10. Operating System • Set of programs that coordinates all activities among computer hardware devices • Contains instructions that allow users to run application software • Examples: Windows XP, Mac OS X COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

11. Utility Program • Allows users to perform maintenance-type tasks, usually related to managing the computer, devices or programs • Example: a program that examines a floppy disk or hard disk to determine if it contains any physical flaws such as scratches COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

12. Discussion • Issue 1-3, pg 17 • Issue 3-1, pg 136 COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

13. Links • Reference • Discovering Computers 2005 by Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat • http://www.whatis.com • http://www.webopedia.com COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction