Software

Software means computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically is software Computer software, or just software, is any set of machine-readable instructions (most often in the form of a computer program) that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations. The term is used to contrast with computer hardware, the physical objects (processor and related devices) that carry out the instructions. Hardware and software require each other; neither has any value without the other.

Application software
Application software is all the computer software that causes a computer to perform useful tasks beyond the running of the computer itself. A specific instance of such software is called a software application, application or app.

Operating system
An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages computer hardware resources and provides common services for computer programs. The operating system is a vital component of the system software in a computer system. Application programs usually require an operating system to function.

Types operating system

Batch Processing Operating System

In a batch processing operating system interaction between the user and processor is limited or there is no interaction at all during the execution of work. Data and programs that need to be processed are bundled and collected as a batch and executed together. Batch processing operating systems are ideal in situations where: - There are large amounts of data to be processed. - Similar data needs to be processed. - Similar processing is involved when executing the data.

The system is capable of identifying times when the processor is idle at which time batches maybe processed. Processing is all performed automatically without any user intervention.

Real-time Operating System

A real-time operating system processes inputs simultaneously, fast enough to affect the next input or process. Real-time systems are usually used to control complex systems that require a lot of processing like machinery and industrial systems.

Single User Operating System

A single user OS as the name suggests is designed for one user to effectively use a computer at a time.

Multi-Tasking Operating System

In this type of OS several applications maybe simultaneously loaded and used in the memory. While the processor handles only one application at a particular time it is capable of switching between the applications effectively to apparently simultaneously execute each application. This type of operating system is seen everywhere today and is the most common type of OS, the Windows operating system would be an example.

Multi-User Operating System

This type of OS allows multiple users to simultaneously use the system, while here as well, the processor splits its resources and handles one user at a time, the speed and efficiency at which it does this makes it apparent that users are simultaneously using the system, some network systems utilize this kind of operating system

The Windows XP Desktop Like previous versions of Windows, Windows XP uses a desktop for the standard interface. Think of the desktop as a workspace where you can access everything you need to operate your computer, such as system components, applications, the Internet, etc.
The desktop contains:

Start button: one of the most important tools you will use while working with Windows XP. The Start button allows you to open menus and start applications. Taskbar: primarily used to switch between open windows and applications. Learn more about using the Taskbar in a later lesson. Icons (or graphical pictures): represent applications, files, and other parts of the operating system. By default Windows XP provides you with one desktop icon, the Recycle Bin. Learn more about the Recycle Bin in a later lesson.

Your desktop's appearance may vary from the example shown below, especially if you bought a computer with XP preinstalled. What is an Icon? A computer icon is a graphical symbol that represents a property, function, or entity. In computer applications, icons are used to quickly execute commands or open programs and documents. You access the functionality behind an icon by clicking or double-clicking it. Operating systems often allow you to customize visuals of various objects by applying your own custom icons.

Shortcut Icon
A special type of file in some operating systems that points to another file or device. You can place shortcuts on the desktop to conveniently access files that may be stored deep in the directory structure. Double-clicking the shortcut icon is the same as double-clicking the actual file.

Windows Task Manager

Windows Task Manager is a task manager or System monitor application included with the Microsoft Windows NT family of operating systems that provides limited information about computer performance and running applications, processes and CPU usage, commit charge and memory information, network activity and statistics, logged-in users

Control Panel
The Control Panel is a part of the Microsoft Windows graphical user interface which allows users to view and manipulate basic system settings and controls via applets, such as adding hardware, adding and removing software, controlling user accounts, and changing accessibility options. Additional applets can be provided by third party software.

graphical user interface

In computing,[1] graphical user interface (GUI, pronounced 'gooey') [2] is a type of user interface that allows users to interact with electronic devices using images rather than text commands.

Character User Interface

Character User Interface or CUI is like Graphical User Interface which is used for the Input and Output of the Data in the computer, except in the GUI apart from text there are also graphical contents present, in CUI there is only use of text typed one after another just as commands used in MS DOS.