Software Packages are ready to run programs. They contain all the necessary components and documentation. They can be purchased from the computer software shop or internet. Popular software packages are Microsoft (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point), Adobe (Adobe Pagemaker, Indesign, Illustrator, Photoshop) and Coreldraw (Coreldraw, Corel photopaint).
SOFTWARE
Software relates to set of programs. The software controls the hardware parts attached to the computer and make them functional. In other words, it runs the activities of a computer system. Software is a general term used to name the computer programs that installed in the system. Software is mainly classified into two types and they are System Software and Application Software.
System Software
System software is a software that is installed in the system for the functioning of computer hardware. System software will control the running of all the hardware of the computer as well as giving functionality for other programs to use, tools to speed up the system and programs to stay away from attacks. There are several different types of system software they are Operating systems, Utility Programs, Library programs and Translator software.
Operating systems are a group of programs that controls the hardware components easily available to the user and also hide the complexity of the system operation. Operating systems presents a software platform for which the application programs to run. Examples of operating systems are Linux, Windows, VMS etc.
Utility programs are small controlling programs with a restricted capability. They are typically operated by the computer operator to sustain a smooth operation of computer system. Examples of utility programs include copy, paste, delete, filesearching, disk cleanup etc. They are also can be separately installable from the operating system.
Library programs are a compiled collection of sub routines.
Translator software includes Compiler, Interpreter and Assembler.
(1) Compiler compiles machine language instructions for every program instruction of high level language. It is a program translator and scans the entire program first and then translates it into machine code. A compiler not only translates program statements but also produces a list of errors in the source program. It normally indicates the position and nature of these errors.
(2) Interpreter is another type of program translator for translating high level language into machine language. It is a program that analyses each line of code in the high level language program and then carries out the specified actions. Interpreter translates and executes a source program line by line.
(3) Assembler is a program that converts an assembly language program into machine language program. The entire programmust be assembled before it is executed.
Application software
Application software is a set of one or more programs designed to carry out operations for a specified application. Examples of application software include MS word, MS Excel, a console game, a spread-sheet system etc.
Examples of System Software
Windows
Windows is a Graphical User Interface (GUI) designed to allow you to use the computer for various tasks. It is developed, marketed, and sold by Microsoft. Windows is much easier than Disk Operating System (DOS). A window contains Title bar, Menu bar, Tool bar, Worksheet, Scroll bars and Status bar. The title bar indicates the contents of the window. Menu bar displays the menu items, available in the application. Tool bars are used to display various tools to manage the application you are using.
Work sheet provides area for your interface. Your data/picture will be shown in the work-sheet. It is just like your edit screen in DOS. Scroll bars are used to pass through your document in the worksheet. Horizontal scroll bar and vertical scroll bar are given accordingly. At the bottom of the window a status bar shows the present status of the contents of your worksheet. MS-Windows turned out to be a complete operating system with the arrival of Windows 95.
Versions
■ Windows 1.0, Windows 2.0, and Windows 2.1x
■ Windows 3.0, 3.1x
■ Windows 95, 98, ME
■ Windows NT Family includes NT 3.1, 3.50, 3.51, NT 4.0, Windows 2000, Windows 7 and Windows 8. The newest version is Windows 10.
■ Most recent mobile OS version is Windows Phone 10.
Disk Operating System (DOS)
Disk Operating System (DOS) was the first widely installed operating system for personal computers. It was originally available in two versions. They are PC DOS version developed by IBM and MS-DOS version developed by Microsoft. DOS is a non graphical line oriented command or menu driven operating systems with a relatively simple interface but not a friendly user interface.
The first version of windows actually ran on top of the DOS operating system. But the later versions of windows run on its own. They do not require DOS. Over recent years three companies have produced DOS - Microsoft, IBM, and Novell. Novell has now dropped out of the market and IBM's share is marginal. Microsoft DOS is now in the defacto standard.
Data base Management
The information that is required for day to day operations of do organization can be stored in a computer. These pieces of information can be inter-related to each other and can be accessed in any manner desired. The set of information thus placed in a computer is known as its data base. The software that manages such data is called DBMS (Data Base Management System). A Database Management System provides a computerized record keeping system that meets their needs. Database Management Software is among the most commonly used software for personal computers. Business applications built on Database Management System are used extensively on microcomputers, minicomputers and mainframes. Popular Database management Systems are Informix, Ingres, Integra, Oracle, Sybase, Unify etc.
COMPUTER LANGUAGES:
A computer language is a means of communication to exchange information between the user and the computer. Computer language is of two types - High level language and Low level language.
Low level language is a machine dependent language which offers few control instructions and data types. Low level language is of two types - Machine language and Assembly language.
A Machine language uses binary numbers (Os and 1s). A computer can execute a program using binary numbers only.
In Assembly Language letters and symbols called mnemonic codes are used to develop programs. Mnemonic codes are the short words used for a lengthy set of information. Programming in this language is simpler and less time consuming than programming in machine language.
High level language is developed to create application programs which are not dependent upon machines. It permits the user to use understandable codes, using the language structure. High Level Language is also known as problem oriented language because these programs are useful for solving a particular type of problem.
The High level languages includes: Fortran, Basic, Cobol, C, C++, Visual C++, Visual Basic, Java, Pascal etc. COBOL (Common Business Oriented Language) is the language for business application. C Language is created by Dennis M. Ritchie. Niklaus Wirth is the creator of PASCAL language.
Computer Languages & Developers
■ Basic - Thomas Kurtz
■ PASCAL - Nikalaus Wirth
■ C - Dennis Ritchie
■ C++ - Bjarne Stroustrup
■ JAVA - James Gosling
■ COBOL - Grace Murray Hopper
■ FORTRAN - John Backus
■ LOGO – Seymour Pappert