csci 1101 intro to computers 2. basic software and its evolution

CSCI 1101 Intro to Computers

2. Basic Software and Its Evolution

ACS 160 Computer Concepts Chapter 2

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A computer program is a set of detailed, step-by-step instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task.

The steps in a computer program are written in a language that the computer can interpret and process.

What is a Computer Program?


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An exampleof a computerprogram

Source Code example


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Today, however, most organizations purchase commercially written programs to avoid the time and expense of writing their own.

Working as a computer programmer for a government agency, business, or software publisher is a challenging career.

How do businesses acquire software?


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Software versus data

Software is the instructions and associated data, stored in electronic format, that direct the computer to accomplish a task.

An exampleof computersoftware


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Just like books and movies, most computer software is protected by a copyright.

A copyright is a form of legal protection that grants the copyright owner exclusive rights to copy the software, to distribute and sell it, and to modify it.

Software pirates illegally copy, distribute, and modify software which is referred to as pirated software.

I have a CD burner, can I just copy a friend's software CD?


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Computer software is often protected by the terms of a software license.

A software license is a legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer program.

What is a software license?


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Floppy disks, CD ROM, and/or DVD in the package are usually sealed in an envelope or plastic shrink wrapping.

Opening the wrapping signifies your agreement to the terms of the software license, thus the term shrink-wrap license.

When is a software license granted?


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A single-user license limits the use of the software to only one user at a time. Most commercial software is distributed with a single-user license.

A multiple-user license allows more than one person to use a particular software package.

A concurrent-use license allows a certain number of copies of the software to be used at the same time.

A site license allows the software to be used on all computers at a specific location.

How many licenses do I need?


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Shareware is copyrighted software marketed under a “try before you buy” policy.

The policy of “try before you buy” allows you to use the software for a specified amount of time. If you want to continue using it, you must pay a registration fee.

You are allowed to make copies of the software and distribute them to others.

What is shareware/freeware?


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A software author has the right to abandon all rights to a particular software title.

Public domain software, is owned by the public rather than the author and may be freely copied, distributed, and resold.

Public domain freeware


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System software helps the computer carry out its basic operating tasks. DOS, Windows, and Mac OS

Application software helps the human user carry out a task. word processing, entertainment, and business

Types of software products


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An operating system (OS) is the master controller for all of the activities that take place within a computer. Microsoft Windows, Mac OS, Linux, UNIX, and

DOS

The operating system also interacts with the next functional layer called application software.

Why do I need an operating system?


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OS interactswith applicationsoftware andcomputer hardware

The guardian of the hardware


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An operating system provides external services that help users start programs, manage stored data, and maintain security.

An operating system provides internal services to ensure that the computer system functions efficiently.

A system resource is any part of a computer system. disk drive space, memory capacity, or processor time

Operating System services


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Operating systems can be classified into two categories.

A server operating system is designed for computers that provide centralized storage facilities and communications capabilities for networks and Web sites.

A desktop operating system is designed for a single-user microcomputer.

Types of operating systems


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Microsoft Windows is the most popular operating system because it supports a vast array of application software and peripheral devices. provides icons, buttons, and other on-screen

controls gets name from the rectangular work areas

visible on the screen working on more than one project at a time is

called multitasking.

Microsoft's operating system


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Windows 2000 Professional is designed for the desktop. offers increased security, greater reliability ability to support some specialized software cannot run some software or support all of the

peripheral devices designed for Windows 98

Microsoft's current release


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Apple Computer systems

In 1984, Apple Computer introduced the revolutionary Lisa computer.

The Macintosh computer, with its graphical user interface, Mac OS, was a major factor contributing to its success. The iMac

computer


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DOS stands for disk operating system. has been incorporated into Windows operates behind the scenes so Windows users

do not have to memorize and type complex commands

What is (was) DOS?


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A DOS screen example


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Two of the most popular server operating systems are Microsoft Windows NT Server and Windows 2000 Server.

Novell NetWare is a server operating system designed specifically for microcomputer networks

UNIX has become popular for network and Web servers of all sizes.

Linux is a server operating system for microcomputers and minicomputers and is available as freeware.

Are servers different?


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What are utility programs? Why are they important?

Utilities are a subcategory of system software designed to augment the operating system. let the user control the allocation and use of

hardware resources can be purchased from software publishers and

vendor Encryption, retrieving data from damaged disks, and

virus protection are some examples of utilities


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A device driver helps the computer control peripheral devices.

Peripheral devices come with installation instructions.

What does a device driver do?


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A computer programming language allows a programmer to write a program using English-like instructions.

BASIC, Visual Basic, C, C++, COBOL, and JAVA are a few computer programming languages.

Most computers do not come with a computer programming language.

What are programming languages?


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What are groupware, suites, and productivity software?

Productivity software is designed to help you work more effectively. Examples of productivity software are: Word processing Spreadsheet Data managemen

Office suite refers to a number of applications that are packaged together and sold as a unit.

Groupware provides a way for more than one person to collaborate on a project.


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Connectivity software connects your computer to a local computer network and includes Communications software Remote control software E-mail software Web browsers

How do I connect to the Internet and other network-based systems?


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Educational software

There is educational and training software for people of all ages to help with ABCs, to the SATs.

An exampleof educationsoftware


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Entertainment software

Worldwide computer and video game software sales annually exceed $10 billion.

An exampleof entertainmentsoftware


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Financial software

Personal finance software is geared towards individual finances. It helps with: bank accounts investments credit card balances Bill

Some packages also support online banking which help with: downloading transactions transferring funds paying bills


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Horizontal market software is a generic software package that can be used by many different kinds of businesses.

Vertical market software is designed to automate specialized tasks in a specific market or business.

Horizontal versus vertical market software


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Multimedia is an integrated collection of computer-based media including: text graphics sound animation photo images video

What is multi-media?


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Multimedia requires sound and graphics capability. fast processor chip and CD-ROM drive or DVD drive

also desirable

A Sound card gives the computer capability to record and play sound files and video tracks. connect speakers, headphone, microphone

What does multi-media require?


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A Graphics card takes signals from the processor and uses them to “paint” images on the screen. installed inside computer provides connection for monitor’s data cable

A fast processor can handle huge amounts of digital data quickly.

Why is a graphics card important?


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An exampleof amultimediasystem

A typical multimedia computer system

How is this different from your personal computer?


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To be compatible, software must be: written for the type of computer you use written for your computer’s operating system

System requirements specify operating system and minimum hardware capacity listed outside software package

What does software compatibility mean?


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Make sure software is written for PC or Macintosh. Make sure software will work with your operating

system. higher number = more recent version

Operating systems are typically downward compatible, meaning you can use software designed for earlier versions of the software, but not later. This is not always true!

How to chose software

csci 1101 intro to computers 2. basic software and its evolution

Documents

software license

data software

software author

software publisher

copyrighted software

basic software

commercial software

pirated software