1. What is Computer Software?

2. Hardware vs Software
Got to have both to get the job done!

3. How does Software work?
 Algorithms have to be written
 Algorithm turned into computer language
 Another specialized program turned this
language into something the computer
understands
 Software development – multi-step process
 First programmer – Grace Hooper – created
FLOW MATIC (later known as – COBOL)

4. Types of Software
 Applications
Software
 Systems Software
 Operating systems
 Utilities
 Language translators

5. Applications Software

6. Operating Systems
 Interface
between user and the
computer
 Many brands
 Windows – designed for processor Intel
 Macintosh computers use processor
made by Motorola - OS

7. Utility Software
 Helps perform housekeeping chores
 Tasks include:
 Antivirus programs
 Copy file from hard drive to another location
 Convert graphics file so it can be used by
another program
 Backup copy of hard drive

8. Language Translators
 Converts code written in English to a
language the computer can understand
 Translator helps computer process data
I don’t
understand! I
need a
translator.

9. Operating Systems
 Mac OS
 DOS
 Windows
 Unix – portable operating system (can run on
just about any hardware platform)
 Networking Operating System – group of two
or more computers to be connected
 Window NT
 Novell’s Netware
 IBM’s Warp Server

10. User Interfaces
 Determines how user friendly the
computer is
 Part we interact with when using the
computer
 Command-line interface such as DOS
 Graphical interfaces such as Windows

11. Command Line
 Early computers used only this
 Have to memorize codes
 Not very user friendly
 Not colorful – usually written in black and
white
 No pictures

12. Graphical User interfaces
 Came about with menus
 Graphical user interface (GUI)
 Came about with Apple’s development
of Macintosh Finder
 Pictures (icons) represent software
 Colorful
 Contributed to the explosion of computer
use.

13. Project
 Research the three operating systems:
 Mac OS v.?
 Windows XP or Vista
 Unix
 Determine advantages and
disadvantages of each, create a two
page report on your findings. Which one
do you think would be the best for
someone to use in a home business.