11.

4 Nature & Types of

Software
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• Describe the distinction between systems
software and applications software.
• Describe the purposes of operating systems.
• Describe the nature of package software,
generic and specific, and of bespoke software.
• Describe the general characteristics of generic
packages and the integration of objects and
facilities for processing data protocols and
standards.
• Describe the functionality offered by software
which provides access to the Internet.
 Software
• There are two types of software:
• Systems software: the operating system.
• Applications software: the programs we use.

• Systems software is the control software that

operates the hardware and allows the
applications to run.
 Operating Systems
• Operating Systems run in the
background without the users
being aware of it.
• It controls the inputs, outputs,
interrupts, and storage of files
as requested by the
applications software.
 Efficient Management of the
Computer Resources.
• Managing memory, i.e. allocating memory to
more than one program running simultaneously.
Some files may get moved to the hard drive
temporarily. The place on the hard drive is
stored in a directory for fast access when
needed again.
• Interrupts, for Enter, Printer out of paper, or a
hardware or software malfunction.
• Diagnostic checks on the system on Boot up,
sending error messages where necessary.
• Selecting and controlling peripheral devices
through small Driver programs.
Architecture
 Utility Programs
• Systems software include other utility programs.
• Virus checking and cleaning.
• Security using identification and passwords.
• File and hard disk management for efficiency
and storage.
• Customising the computer to the users
requirements, i.e. short cut menus from mouse
click.
• Setting peripheral devices to the users
requirements, i.e. setting the monitor resolution.
 Popular Operating Systems
• Windows XP – home and business
• Windows 2000 – business network use
• Mac Operating System – GUI, graphics
• OS/2 Warp – commercial work
• UNIX – general purpose, mainframe
• Linux – alternative to Windows
• Dos – command driven
Windows
Apple Macintosh Desktop
Linux
DOS
 Types of Operating Systems
• Command driven: DOS.
– the user has to type in the command
– it has to be in the correct syntax, errors were common
– more adaptable than Windows when used by an
experienced user.
• Windows, Icons, Mouse and Pull down menus.
– originally developed by Apple for the Macintosh
– later developed by Microsoft for Windows 3.1.
– uses a mouse to click onto an icon to navigate to
programs and files.
Programming language compilers / interpreters that
transfer a program into a computer readable form.
 Applications Software
• Used for a specific purpose or application.
– Word processing;
– Numerical analysis and storage;
– Recording of data;
– Designing and graphics;
– Image processing;
– Presentations;
– Desk top publishing;
– Web design.
 Three Groups
• Generic:
– general purpose for business;
– most common applications are Word Processing,
Spreadsheet & Database.
• Bespoke:
– tailor made, specifically written for a specific
application.
• Specific Task:
– particular tasks for business;
– most common are payroll, CAD, and stock control.
 Generic
• Most generic software for business comes in an
integrated package such as: Microsoft Office,
Lotus Smart-Suite, Coral Draw.
• The cost of the integrated package is much less
than the sum of the separate applications.
• Microsoft Office is the most popular package
used in business, it contains the applications:
Word, Excel, Access, Power-Point, Front-Page.
 Bespoke
• Software that is specially written for an
application.
• An expensive but a perfect solution to a
requirement when there is no suitable package
available.
• Often a one off piece of software written for a
large organisation as a perfect match to their
needs.
Air Traffic Control
Software
is an example of
Bespoke
Software.
Specific Task Software
• Advantages of Integrated Packages:
– Cheaper to buy than separate packages.
– All the software programs integrate together
well, i.e. mail merge, or importing a graph into a
word processor.
– Consistency in the programs, menus, help, etc,
making them easier to learn to use.
• Disadvantages of Integrated Packages:
– Cheaper packages may have weaker features
than the separate packages, and may not need
all of them. Some features may also be left out.
– Use large amounts of disk space, may need
extra resources i.e. memory to have more than
one application open.
Appropriate Software Packages
• In business the software needs are most important and
the hardware is purchased to accommodate the
applications.
• If the hardware is already in place, the software has to
be able to run on it.
• Is the cost within budget?
• Should it be evaluated for appropriate use?
• What problems did other users have?
• Does it contain any known bugs?
• Is it easy to install and get up and running?
• What technical support comes with it, is any training
available, is there good documentation?
• What are the details of the licence agreement?
Is this the correct software for our organisation?