Computer study lesson No.2

Software

Software refers to computers programs: sequences of instructions for the the computer`s processor that control everything that the computer does.

There are two types of software:

vSystem software

vApplication software

—System software

System software consists of the programs and related data needed to manage the computer hardware. It provides a uniform environment in which application programs can run. It also provides tools for HOUSEKEEPING and monitoring tasks.

Application software

Application software consists of the programs that allow us to use the computer to do something useful. Many, though by no means all, computers are general purpose. We use application software to apply them to a particular or task. Such applications range from playing games to word processing to monitoring the condition of patients in hospital.

Application software

Graphical user interface

• Word processing and desktop publishing programs(DTP)
• Spreadsheets programs
• Database programs
• Communications programs
• Web authoring software
• Graphics editing programs
• Data logging
• Bespoke software
• Graphical user interface

The earliest software displayed only text on a screen. The majority of modern software for PCs and laptops has a graphical user interface(GUI). As we study the features and uses of different types of application program, you should note the extent to which they rely on the following features of their GUIs:

Importing and exporting data files

While working on a data file in an application program, it is often possible to bring the whole of another file into your work. This called IMPORTING A FILE.

Normally, you save files in a application program using its default or “native” file format, which preserves all the relevant data. However, it is sometimes necessary to save a version of your work in a different format that other software can read. This is called EXPORTING A FILE.

Word processing and desktop publishing programs

As you will see below, the features of these two types of software are very similar, but there is basic difference which may be helpful to remember.

A desktop publishing application program creates a publication file representing a sequence of pages containing graphical objects.

A word processing application program creates a document file representing a sequence or “string” of text characters and formatting codes.

Desktop publishing programs(DTP)

Publishing means producing and distributing information beyond one`s own organisation.

Nowadays, publishing applies not only to printed leaflets, newspaper and magazines, but also to electronic ‘pages’ for viewing on computer screen, an e-reader, a mobile phone or similar device.

Features of DTP programs include:

—Creation of a defined number of pages, each of which retains its own structure, but which may share common margin or grid guidelines, page orientation and paper size

—Creation of ‘master pages’, each of which acts as an underlay containing standard elements that can be applied to one or more of the publication`s page

—Complete control of the layout of boxes, drawings, photos and other elements on each pages

—Desktop publishing programs(DTP)

Features of DTP programs include:

—A wide range of formatting options for graphics, including ‘washout for a watermark image, and text, such as drop capitals or rotation of text boxes.

—Exporting as a text, web page or graphics file, or as a mail or email ‘merge’ with records from a database.

—Tools for creating and editing tables