COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Definition: Software refers to a group/set of instructions that enables the hardware to function:-
Types of Software
∑ systems software
∑ applications software
Application Software
Software that directs the computer to perform a specific task.
Types
a) Spreadsheets - manipulate rows and columns of number e.g. Lotus 123, Ms Excel.
b) Word processing - creates documents e.g. Word star, Ms Word.
c) Database - stores, organizes and retrieves data e.g. MS Access
d) Electronic mail - transmit electronic messages e.g. Ms Outlook
e) Desktop publishing - layout and create documents containing text and graphics e.g.
PageMaker.
f) Graphics - pictorial representation of data e.g. Harvard graphics, Ms Power point.
System Software
These are the programs that monitor and control the operations of a computer. They run the
computer system by performing a variety of fundamental operating such as:-
∑ Booting the computer and making sure all the aspects are operational.
∑ Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application
programs.
∑ Storing and retrieving files.
∑ Performing a variety of system utility functions.
Operating system
This is a suit/collection of related computer programs that help manage the computer resources.
It is an interface between the computer hardware and application programs.
Functions of Operating Systems
1. Process Management: - The operating system must keep track of all processes. It must
schedule programs when needed, and monitor them incase of any error.
2. Resource management: - The operating system allocates system resources such as CPU,
main memory and the input and output devices such as disk and tape drives and printers.
3. Data management: - Also called Input and output management. The operating system
handles all movements of data between the main components of the computer. Any time an
input or output of data occurs, a data management routine in the OS controls the transfer. For
1|Compiled by. T.Njoroge
Definition: Software refers to a group/set of instructions that enables the hardware to function:-
Types of Software
∑ systems software
∑ applications software
Application Software
Software that directs the computer to perform a specific task.
Types
a) Spreadsheets - manipulate rows and columns of number e.g. Lotus 123, Ms Excel.
b) Word processing - creates documents e.g. Word star, Ms Word.
c) Database - stores, organizes and retrieves data e.g. MS Access
d) Electronic mail - transmit electronic messages e.g. Ms Outlook
e) Desktop publishing - layout and create documents containing text and graphics e.g.
PageMaker.
f) Graphics - pictorial representation of data e.g. Harvard graphics, Ms Power point.
System Software
These are the programs that monitor and control the operations of a computer. They run the
computer system by performing a variety of fundamental operating such as:-
∑ Booting the computer and making sure all the aspects are operational.
∑ Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application
programs.
∑ Storing and retrieving files.
∑ Performing a variety of system utility functions.
Operating system
This is a suit/collection of related computer programs that help manage the computer resources.
It is an interface between the computer hardware and application programs.
Functions of Operating Systems
1. Process Management: - The operating system must keep track of all processes. It must
schedule programs when needed, and monitor them incase of any error.
2. Resource management: - The operating system allocates system resources such as CPU,
main memory and the input and output devices such as disk and tape drives and printers.
3. Data management: - Also called Input and output management. The operating system
handles all movements of data between the main components of the computer. Any time an
input or output of data occurs, a data management routine in the OS controls the transfer. For
1|Compiled by. T.Njoroge
