WHAT IS COMPUTER SOFTWARE?By: Mr. Rivera

WHAT IS SOFTWARE?

Software are programs that tell a computer what to do and how to do it.

WHAT IS SOFTWARE?

Think of a computer as a sports team: Hardware are the players Software is the coach

No matter how talented your players are, they cannot perform without a coach’s instructions.

TYPES OF SOFTWARE

System Software includes programs that help the computer work properly.

Application Software programs designed to help you do tasks such as writing a paper or making a graph.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Operating Systems Operating Systems (OS) lets hardware devices

communicate with on another and keeps them running efficiently.

Two most popular OS are Windows and Mac OS. Compatibility

Operating systems can only run on particular processors. Mac OS was only able to run on Motorola Processors. Now they can run on Intel, just like Windows can.

This makes Mac OS more compatible with files and software that can run on Windows, although there are still programs only compatible with Mac OS or Windows only.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Utility Software programs that help a computer work properly Examples: disk utility, disk clean up, virus

scan, disk defragment

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application Software can be grouped into 4 main categories: Productivity Graphics Communication Home, education,

and entertainment

PRODUCTIVITY SOFTWARE

Helps people be more productive at work. People use these programs to write reports, prepare financial plans, and organize data.

GRAPHICS SOFTWARE

Makes it possible to draw, paint, and touch up photos

COMMUNICATION SOFTWARE

Allows computers to connect to the Internet and to send e-mail

HOME, EDUCATION, AND ENTERTAINMENT SOFTWARE

Helps people manage their money, learn new skills, or have fun.

TWO WAYS TO GET APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Custom Software Some companies or people need specific software

tailored to their needs. Custom software is created specifically for them.

Example: H.E.B. and Best Buy both need to sell items and can use the same type of software at their registers. But H.E.B. might need features such as price per pound and Best Buy might need a way to add insurance to their products.

Off-the-Shelf Software These types of software are found in stores. Everyone

will get the same type of software when they purchase off-the-shelf.