1 computer maintenance software configuration: evaluating software packages, software licensing, and...

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Computer Maintenance

Software Configuration: Evaluating Software Packages, Software Licensing, and

Computer Protection through the Installation and Maintenance of Security Software

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.

Course Objectives

Evaluate software packages to determine the compatibility of the software to the hardware on the computer

Determine that the software is properly licensed prior to installation

Define, install, and maintain security software

Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 2

Software Configuration: Functionality, and Compatibility Computer software: A program made up of

bits and bytes of information that is loaded and used on the computer Also known as an application Many different types of of

software programs Each piece of software serves a

a particular purpose in making the computer function


Software Configuration: Functionality, and Compatibility Computer hardware: A collection of

components put together to form a functioning computer

Components include the CPU (Central

Processing Unit), motherboard, graphics

card, power supply, memory, hard drive,

optical drive, fan, monitor, keyboard,

mouse, and other optional components

like speakers


Software Configuration: Functionality, and Compatibility

Software compatibility: The ability for a software application to function with a computer’s hardware


Software Compatibility Things to look for and consider when

selecting a software application package Compatible operating systems The software’s minimum system requirements The software’s recommended system

requirements The hardware specifications of the computer The level of functionality that can be expected

based on the hardware it is installed on End users licensing agreement


Software Compatibility


Minimum system requirements Tends to increase over time as hardware becomes

more powerful Tells you if the software will run on the computer Helps gauge the level of performance that can be

expected once installed


Recommended hardware specifications Has a higher requirement than the minimum system

requirements Ensures the optimal performance intended by the

manufacturer Targets the mid point of computer hardware

capabilities at the time the software was released



Assessing the level of functionality for application software Know the computer’s hardware When gathering data, compile a list of information

including the following: Operating system, CPU and speed, amount of

installed memory, hard drive capacity, video card, sound card, network cards, optical drives, and other hardware



Assessing the level of functionality for application software includes the following: Ensures the computer’s specifications meet or exceed the

listed system requirements on the software for baseline performance The software package will run, but it will likely be slow to

respond or run very slowly Compares the recommended specifications to the

computer hardware if it exceeds the software’s system requirements The higher the hardware capability is, the more responsive

you can expect the application to be


Software Licensing Software license: A legal contract that

regulates the usage and distribution of software. The user is presented with the specified terms at installation.


Software licenses indicate the number of computers that can legally have the software installed.

Licenses will also indicate the number

of authorized users

(Ex. A photographer looking for a photo editing package would not be eligible for the student pricing unless he or she was a student.)


Software Licensing

Software Licensing

End User License Agreement (EULA) States the rights of the end user and how the software may be used EULA is the agreement that must be accepted

prior to the installation of the software. It is designed to limit the unlawful use or

distribution of the software.


Security Software

Security software: General terminology used to define different computer applications that are designed to protect a computer or computer system in a specific way


Security Software Different types of security software

Anti-virus software Prevents infection, detects and removes malware that may

allow unwanted changes to the computer Firewall software

Controls data traffic flow while securing a network Internet security software

Anti-malware software that monitors the Internet browser, email and other applications that open connectivity to the Internet

Anti-spyware software Removes programs that monitor and report the user’s

actions on a computer Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 15

Security Software Important things to note about security

software It is never 100% effective You must exercise caution when visiting websites,

opening emails, and handling files that are downloaded. Security software can scan these files, but they only

detect what has already been identified. Some types of malware are not able to be

removed and can require a reinstallation of the operating system.


Security Software Installing security software

Two ways to install security software: Download and install the software from the Internet Purchase a retail package of the software and install it by the

CD-ROM

Maintaining security software Security software should auto update

During installation, the auto update and scan should default to “enabled.” Use this setting.

When security software is being updated afterwards, there will be a pop-up window to let you know about the update.


Security Software Downloading security software (Some

security applications are free) Click to download or purchase the software. On completion of download, open the download

folder where the download was saved. Double click the installer icon or executable (Exe.) Follow onscreen prompts and accept the (EULA). The software should run a complete scan of the

computer’s hard drive once it is installed.


Security Software Installing security software (CD-ROM)

Insert disk. Double click the install icon on the desktop and

again if necessary when the installer window appears.

Follow the on-screen prompts and accept the (EULA).

The software should run an updater for current security definitions and perform a complete scan of the computer’s hard drive.

Eject the disk.Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved. 19

Independent or Group WorkGroup Get into your groups. Obtain one of the boxes that contains the various software applications and

notecards describing 5 different computer hardware specifications. Match the notecard with the software application that would be best suited

to run that software. Once complete, all the groups will review their matches with the teacher. Take detailed notes on each group’s research as it is being presented.

Individual Log into the demo computer in the classroom. You will have the choice of

downloading a free anti-virus program or installing it by CD-ROM. Install the antivirus program and run a complete scan of the computer’s hard drive. When you are finished, raise your hand for the teacher to come and inspect your work.


Exam Preparation

An exam will be given over the material presented in this lesson.

Make sure to review your class notes and these slides.

Questions will be multiple choice and true or false.


1 computer maintenance software configuration: evaluating software packages, software licensing, and...

Documents

software licensing

compatibilitycomputer

software compatibilitythings

compatibilitycomputer

level of functionality

computer protection

level of performance

application softwareknow