SOFTWARE

• Software refers to a series of instructions that

tell the hardware how to work or how to
perform tasks.
• OR
• Software is a collection of computer programs
and related data that provide instructions to the
computer hardware.

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Categories of computer Software
• System software
• Application software

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 SYSTEM SOFTWARE
• These are a set of programs that manage and
control the operations of a computer.

Types of system software

Operating system
Utility programs
Programming languages

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 Operating system (OS)
• This is a set of programs containing
instructions that coordinate all the activities
among computer hardware devices

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 Common examples of operating
systems
• Disk Operating system (DOS)
• Windows operating system e.g. Windows 7, 8,
10, XP, vista
• UNIX; multi-user OS and multitasking
• LINUX; - it is an open source software,
resistant to viruses, free.
• Mac OS
• Palm-OS for PDAs
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 Functions of OS
 It makes hardware to start
 It administers security
 It manages memory
 It configures devices. OS that support plug and play can
configure devices automatically. To communicate with the
hardware devices, the operating system relies on device
drivers. A device driver is a program that enables a
particular device to communicate with the OS
 Provides an interface between the user and the hardware
 It monitors system performance
 It provides platform onto which other programs are installed
 It is a file manager i.e. it manages storage

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Tasks involved in storage management
 Formatting disks
 Copying, cutting and pasting
 Displaying a list of files on a storage media
 Renaming files
 Deleting files
 Creating files and folders

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 Types of operating systems
• Real time OS
This is an OS that aims at executing real time
applications.

• Distributed OS
This is an OS that manages groups of independent
computers and makes them appear to be a single
computer.

• Single User OS
This is an OS that allows a single user to use the system
at a time

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• Multi-user OS
This is an OS that enables multiple users to use the
computer at the same time.

• Network OS
This is an OS designed to optimize networked
computers’ ability to respond to service requests e.g.
UNIX, LINUX, Mac OS, Novell Netware, Ms
Windows server etc.

• Multitasking OS
This is an OS that allows a user to work on two or more
programs at the same time

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 USER INTERFACE
• This is the feature of an OS that defines how
users interact with the computer.
OR
• It is an aggregate of means by which the user
interacts with the computer system
Common types of user interfaces
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Command line interface (CLI)
Menu driven interface

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 Graphical user interface

• This is an interface that allows a user to use

menus and visual images such as icons,
buttons and other graphical objects to issue
commands.

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Features of graphical user interface
Menus
Icon images
List boxes
Radio buttons
Check boxes
Windows
Pointer

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 Advantages of graphical user interface

• It is user friendly because it is easy to learn

and use
• There is no need to type and memorise any
command language
• They have windows that enable a user to view
and control multiple files at once
• The interface is similar for most applications

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 Disadvantages of a GUI
• It requires more memory than CLI
• It requires a faster processor than a CLI
• It occupies more disk space that holds files for
different functions
• User choices are restricted to those on the
menus

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 Command Line Interface
• This is an interface where the user type key
words on the keyboard to give commands and
to enter data.

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Advantages of CLI
• Does not need much
memory
• Does not require a fast
processor
• It is fast and precise
because users only use the
keyboard and often needs a
few lines to perform a task
• The user has complete
control of the system
KAPROS ICT DEPT
Disadvantages of CLI
• The interface is dull and
boring to work with
• A command language has to
be learnt and memorised
• A small error in the
command language (key
words) leads to failure of
task execution.
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 Menu-driven Interface
• A menu-driven interface
provides menus for a user
to choose as a means of
entering commands.
Menu-driven interfaces
are easier to learn than
CLI because users do not
have to cram keywords
for commands.

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Factors to be considered when choosing an
operating system
• The user interface used
• The applications intended for the computer
• The cost of the operating system
• Availability on the market
• Compatibility with the computer
• Security provided by the operating system
• The hardware specifications of the computer

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• The operating system should be user friendly.
This depends on the skills of the intended users
of the computers.
• The number of users it can support
• The availability of basic utilities and
accessory programs within the operating
system.

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ICT DEPT
KAPROS ICT DEPT 20
 UTILITY PROGRAMS
• This is software designed to analyze,
configure, optimise and maintain a computer
system
OR
• This is software designed to perform tasks
related to managing a computer, its devices or
its programs

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 Examples of utility programs
• Backup utility software
This is software that helps the user to make a duplicate copy
of given information stored on a particular disk
• Disc cleaners
These are programs that can find files that are unnecessary
to the computer operations and remove them.
• File compression software
This is software that can compress and decompress files. By
compressing files, free space on a given disk is increased
Examples of file compression software
 WinZip
 7zip
 winRAR

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• Antivirus software
This is software used to scan the computer for
possibilities of viruses and removes them
• Disk defragmenter
This re-organises the files and used space on the hard
disk. This fastens computer processing
• Dick partition
This is utility software that can divide an individual
disk into multiple logical storage locations
• Memory testers
These are programs that check memory for failures
• Uninstaller utility
This removes application software and its associated
entries within the file system

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• Screen savers
This is software that causes the blanking of the
screen or filling it with moving images or
patterns when the computer is not in use
Uses of screen savers
Used for entertainment
For security by preventing onlookers from
seeing data or information on the screen
For advertisement where digital pictures can be
put on the screen as screen savers
It’s a power saving feature
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 Sorting Utility
This is used for organizing files in any chosen order.
 Merge Utility
This helps in Merging or combining different files in one.
 Hex Editors
These directly modify the text or data of a file a program.
 A Diagnostic Utility
These compiles technical information about your computer's
hardware and certain system software programs and then
prepares a report outlining any identified problems.
 System Monitors
These utilities are used in monitoring resources and
performance in a computer system.

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ICT DEPT
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 PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES
• A programming language is a set of
commands, instructions and other syntax used
to create programs.
– Programming languages can be used to create
programmes that control the behaviour of a
machine

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 Classification of programming
languages
1. Low Level Languages (LLL)
a) Machine language
This is a language written in a binary form i.e. 1s and 0s
Advantages
 Machine code programs are executed faster
 They don’t require a compiler or interpreter
Disadvantages
 They are difficult to learn
 Program statements are lengthy hence time consuming
during coding
 Programs are machine dependent
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b) Assembly language
This is a language which consists of English like
words are used to represent the binary digits of
machine language
Assembly languages are used to develop the OS
software
Advantages
 It is easier to understand than machine language
 Useful for writing (developing) the OS
 Program has less error chances than machine language
during coding
Disadvantages
 It is machine dependent
 It needs translation to be executed by the computer

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2. High Level Languages (HLL)
These consist of statements or sequences of words, numbers and
punctuations much like written natural language
• Examples Category
a)Formula Translation (FORTRAN) Scientific
b)Algorithmic Oriented Language (ALGOL) Scientific
c)Common Business Oriented Languages (COBOL) Commercial
d)Beginners All Purpose Symbolic Instruction Code (BASIC)
Multipurpose
e)Pascal Multipurpose
f)C Multipurpose
g)C++ Multipurpose
h)JAVA Multipurpose

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Advantages of HLL
• They are machine
independent i.e. they can be
transferred to other
computers
• They are problem oriented
• They are easier to learn,
write, correct than assembly
and machine languages
• Can be used to develop
application
KAPROS ICT DEPT
Disadvantages of HLL
• They take more time to run
because they consume a
large amount of memory
• The source code needs a
compiler or an translator to
convert it into machine code
• They tend to be less
efficient in use of the CPU
and other facilities
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 Examples of language translators
a) Compilers
This is a program that translates an entire high
level program code into machine language at once
Characteristics of compilers
Compilers convert the whole source code at once
The program cannot be run until it’s fully compiled
Compiled programs run faster than interpreted
programs
Once the program is compiled, the user does not need
a compiler to run again.
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b) Interpreters
This is a program that translates code written in
HLL into machine code line by line while the
program is running
Characteristics
Converts one instruction at a time
The final program runs slower than a compiled
program

c) Assembler
This a program that translates a code written in
assembly language into machine language
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 Other terms related to programming
a) Linkers
languages
This is a program that combines compiled programs and
determines where the program will be located in the memory.
b) A bug
This is an error in a computer program code
c) A debugger
This is a feature of language translators (compilers,
interpreters) that helps to remove errors from programming
codes
d) A source code
This is program instructions in its original form, as written
(coded) by the programmer
e) Object code
This is code produced by a compiler from a source code

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KAPROS ICT DEPARTMENT 36
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
• These are programs designed to perform
specific end user tasks.

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 Classifications of application
• Off shelf software software
This refers to packaged software that is designed to
meet the needs of a wide variety of end users.
Characteristics of off-shelf software
 Cheaper because it is massively produced and packaged for
commercial purposes.
 Easy to acquire because it is already made.
 More reliable because it is tried, verified and well tested by
many users.
 Containing online help to guide users in case of any
problems in use.
 Cannot be modified or changed to meet unique user
requirements.
 Easy to learn and use.

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• Custom written/in-house/tailor made software
Custom or tailor-made software is software developed at a
user's request to perform specific functions.
Or
This is software designed to suit the needs of a specific
organization or individual.

• Characteristics of custom or tailor made software

 Expensive because it requires hiring a programmer.
 Difficult to acquire due to the time needed for programming
it.
 May contain programming errors since it is not tested
adequately.
 Usually lacking online help services.
 Meets all user requirements and can be edited if need arises.
 Unique, and requires extensive training before use

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 Other forms of application
• Freeware
software
This refers to copyrighted software available at no cost
to the user.
• Shareware
This is copyrighted software available for free for a
trial period of time. Payment is required for using the
software beyond the trial period.
• Open-source software/ Public-domain software
This is software with no copyright restrictions provided
free for use, modification, and redistribution.
Copyrighted software refers to computer programs
with restrictions regarding use, modification, and
redistribution.
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• Special purpose (specialized) software
This refers to computer programs developed and
dedicated to accomplish particular jobs only.
Programs that run on special purpose computers like
ATMs are special purpose software.
– Other Examples of specialized software include:
Business – Transaction and Sales Management software.
Science and Engineering software etc.

• General purpose software

This refers to application programs that perform many
common tasks.
Some of General purpose application programs include
Word processing programs, Spreadsheet programs, web
browsers, Graphics programs, etc.
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Uses of Popular Application software varieties
and their Examples
 Word Processors – Used for producing textual documents
like letters, notes, reports, memos, etc. Examples Include:
 WordPerfect
 Microsoft office word
 Lotus Word Pro,
 Word Star,
 OpenOffice.org Writer
 Spread sheet software - Used for performing calculations,
and the creating of graphs. Examples include:
 Microsoft Excel,
 Lotus 1-2-3,
 KSpread
 OpenOffice.org Calc KAPROS ICT DEPARTMENT 42
 Database management software (DBMS)- Used to
create and manage an organized collection of related
and structured information (a database). Examples
include:
 Lotus Approach,
 Microsoft Access,
 OpenOffice.org Base,
 Corel Paradox
 Presentation software - These applications are used
for making presentations and slide shows that can aid a
speech presentation. Examples include:
 Screencast ,
 Microsoft PowerPoint,
 OpenOffice.org Impress,
 Freelance graphics

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 Computer aided design (CAD) software - Used by
engineers and architects to produce technical drawings
such as designs of building structures and floor plans
• Examples include
 ArchiCAD,
 AutoCAD
 Desktop publishing software - These are applications
used for creating publications like cards, flyers,
calendars, brochures, Newsletters, Certificates, etc.
Examples include:
 Microsoft Publisher
 Adobe Photoshop
 Adobe Page Maker

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Web browsing software for displaying Webpages
from the internet or html documents on
computers. Examples Include:
 Mozilla Firefox,
 Internet Explorer,
 Safari,
 Opera
 Netscape Navigator
Web authoring software – Used by webmasters
for building websites. Examples include:
 Microsoft FrontPage,
 Adobe Dreamweaver,
 Microsoft Expression Web,
 Antenna Web Design Studio
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 Media Players for Audio and Video playback on
computers. Examples include:
 Windows Media Player,
 Nero Showtime,
 Jet Audio,
 Power DVD,
 VLC Media Player
 Graphics software – Used by graphic designers to
create and design artistic graphics and to manipulate
visual images on a computer such as logos, cartoons
etc. Examples include
 Paint,
 Adobe Photo shop,
 Corel Draw,
 Adobe Illustrator

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• Email Software / Email client
Email software (Commonly known as email
client) is a computer program used to access
and manage a user's email account.
• Popular locally installed email clients include
Microsoft Outlook, Pegasus Mail, Mozilla's
Thunderbird, KMail, Evolution and Apple
Mail.
• Popular web-based email clients include:
GMail, Yahoo! Mail, mail.com, Lycos mail,
and Hotmail.
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KAPROS ICT DEPARTMENT 48
 SOFTWARE SUITES
• A software suit is a collection of individual
application soft-ware programs sold as a single
package.
• When you install the suite, you install the entire
collection of applications at once instead of
installing each application individually.
• Common software suites include
Lotus Smart Suite
Microsoft Office
KOffice
OpenOffice.org
Adobe master collection
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Advantages of using software suites
Costs significantly cheaper than buying each
of the application package separately
Easy to learn and use because applications
within a suite usually use a similar interface
and share common features such as clip art and
toolbars.
Easy installation because all the various
applications can be installed at once.

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 Characteristics of a Good computer program
 Correctness — the software should do what it is supposed to do,
according to the design specifications.
 Robustness — the software should be stable, and it should respond
well to unexpected conditions e.g. wrong input.
 User-friendliness — the software should be easy to use by users
from the intended audience.
 Adaptability — the software should be easy to customize/modify to
adjust to the needs of the user.
 Compatibility — the software should be able to interface with other
software systems.
 Portability — the software should be easy transfer from one system
to another.
 Security — the software should be able to protect the information it
is responsible
 Maintenance – the software should be to maintain and can be easily
updated

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 Factors to consider before installing a
program
• Storage space available and that required by the
software for installation
• Amount of RAM available in the computer
• The processor speed whether it meets the software
requirements
• Source of the software to eliminate the threat of
malware, spyware and viruses that can come along with
software sometimes
• Software version whether it is new, old or an upgrade if
its already existent on the computer
• Type of operating system
• The security provided by the software to the
information dealt with

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 Ways of acquiring Software
• By downloading it from the internet
• By purchasing from computer retail shops
• By sharing with a user who already has the
software you need

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