SOFTWARE
Software are the intangible component of the computer. They cannot be seen but only their
results. Software are programs. Program are sets if instruction in electronic language, written to
instruct the computer hardware on what to do and how to do it.
Types of software
System software
Application software
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
These are programs concerned with the effective performance of the computer hardware. They aid org ware handle/
operate the computer
Examples
Ms. Windows NT
Ms. Windows me
Ms. Windows 2000
Ms. Windows’s xp
Ms. Windows’s vista
Ms Windows 7
Ms Windows 8
Ms Windows 10 etc.
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
These are program that enable the user to perform and achieve results from any perturbing
problem I. e they are applied by user to achieve a certain duty/ task.
Classes of application software
User application
Application packages
User application
They program designed for the computer user according to his/her specifications; there for
referred to as tailor-made. They are written by ordinary programmers for their client.
Application packages
These are ready made programs. They are complex for the keenly manufactured to accomplish
several tasks. They are directly bought form the shop installed into the computer.
Sub-classes of application packages
• Word processor
These are designed to edit textual data. There is a lot of typing and formatting in this sub class.
Example include MS word, word perfect, word star, word pro etc.
• Spreadsheets
These are designed to create and manipulate numerical data. Here formulas and functions are
utilized to enable calculation. Example MS excel, lotus 1-2-3, VisiCalc, VP planner etc.
• Database
These are used to create, organize, store and manage huge amount of data. Example include MS
access, dbase I-IV, paradox, fox pro etc.
• Presentation
These help to prepare notes and graphic in an artistic manner by a presenter intended to a certain
audience. Example include MS power point freelance graphics etc.
• Graphics and design
They also referred to as desktop publishing (DTP’s) because they were traditionally used for
publishing purposes. They highly employ both text and graphics. Example are Corel draw, adobe
page maker, Microsoft publisher, adobe photo shop, adobe illustrator etc.
• Accounting packages
They are meant to tackle and simplify the accounting aspect such as the ledgers, balance sheet,
assets, stock, report, chart etc. example are quick books, quicken, sage line 50, pastel etc.
MALWARE
Short for malicious software, is any software used to disrupt computer operation, gather
sensitive information, or gain access to private computer systems. Malware is defined by its
malicious intent, acting against the requirements of the computer user, and does not include
software that causes unintentional harm due to some deficiency. The term badware is
sometimes used, and applied to both true (malicious) malware and unintentionally harmful
software
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING A COMPUTER
• The processor speed
• The hard disk capacity
• The memory RAM size
• The purpose of the computer user needs
• Warranty
• Portability
• Upgradeability and compatibility
• Documentation (operation manual)
• New or used
• The cost
FACTORS TO CONSIDER WHEN BUYING SOFTWARE
• Authenticity
• Reliability and security
• User friendliness
• The purpose of software
• Warranty
• Portability
• Compatibility and system configuration
• Documentation (operation manual)
• The cost
MICROSOFT WINDOWS
Window is a multi-user and multi-tasking operating system characterized by the graphical user interface
(GUI). It is multi-user for more than one user can operate at a go; it is multi-tasking one can open and
run several tasks at one particular time.
COMMON FEATURES IN MS WINDOWS
Windows has an outstanding feature known as WIMP; (window, icon, mouse, pull down/pop up
menu)
Window
The working area where the user places data is called window. Each running program opens
with a window which is normally a clear space enclosed by borders.
The borders (toolbar) provide the user with working tool or technically said commands
Icon
These are pictorial representations of item within the computer. Items involves file/document.
Folders, memory location, drives, windows interface shall be shown by its icon and a label
(name).
Mouse
It is a input devices used to enter data and commands into the computer. It is a unique feature
within MS windows operating system that assists the keyboard in inputting.
Pull down/ pop-up menus
In computer menus are lists commands. Pull down menus are obtained after clicking a menu at
the menu bar. Different command shall be displayed after different menus are clicked. Pop-up
menus are obtain after right click on the space or on a item. Different commands shall be
displayed depending on different places or item right clicked.
DESKTOP
This is usually the first screen/display that will appear the moment the computer is turned on. It
usually displays icons/items such as my computer, my document. Recycle bin or any other
item as the user may choose. It is a memory location that has been customized to help the user
place and access item with much ease.
DESKTOP WINDOWS
It is the typical working environment in micro soft windows operating system whereby any
program it runs should bear.
Various parts of desktop window
• Window
This is the working/ typing area. Data (text and graphics) is placed here.
It is the uppermost strip of the desktop window. it contain the title of the running program, the
name of the open document/ file and the resizing button.
• Menu bar
This strip contain docket/ menus for commands. It is clicked to show a list of commands
whereby one command is chosen and applied at a time e. g file menu, edit menu, view menu etc.
menu bar also contains closing button (X) for the document/ file.
• Status bar
This displays the current activities of the running program; for instance if MS word is running
the status bar shall display the current page, section, line, column etc.
• Scroll bar
These are two
➢ Vertical scroll bar (VSB)
Facilitates up and down movement of the working area
➢ Horizontal scroll bar (HSB)
Facilitates the left and right movement of the working area
Tool bars
Tool bar are strips that provide the user icons meant to shortcut often applied/ used commands.
There could be several toolbar placed on the screen depending on pro running or the task being
performed but are two universal toolbars which are found almost all the basic application
programs.
• Task bar
It is the strip at the bottom of the desk top window. It bears the start button, all running
programs, system calendar, system clock etc.
