COMP 6005 An Introduction To ComputingSession Three: Computer SoftwareIntroduction

COMP 6005 An Introduction to Programming - Session Two: Computer Software - Introduction

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Layers Of A Computer System

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Discussion

• Issue 1-3, pg 17

• Issue 3-1, pg 136

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Links

• Reference– Discovering Computers 2005 by

Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat– http://www.whatis.com– http://www.webopedia.com