CHAPTER 3: PERFORM COMPUTER SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Unit of Learning Code: IT/CU/ICT/CR/2/5
Related Unit of Competency in Occupational Standard: Perform Installation of Computer
Software
3.1 Introduction to the Unit of Learning
This unit specifies the competencies required in installing computer software.
It involves identification of the software to be installed, install Computer software, manage
configuration of the software, test software, and undertake user training.
3.2 Summary of Learning Outcomes
1. Identify software to be installed.
2. Install the software.
3. Software configuration management
4. Test software functionality
5. Perform user training.
3.2.1 Learning Outcome 1: Identify software to be installed.
3.2.1.1 Introduction to the Learning Outcome
The trainee should be able to define terms used in computer software installation, classify
software according to their functionality, discuss criteria for software selection, establish
acquisition methods of the software, discuss operating systems, their function, Types of
operating system interfaces and selection of software to be installed based on usage and system
requirements.
3.2.1.2 Performance standard
3.2.1.2.1 Software is classified according to the functionality, resource requirement and use.
3.2.1.2.2 Selection of software to be installed is identified based on usage and system
requirements.
3.2.1.2.3 Acquisition methods of the selected software are established.
199
, 3.2.1.3 Information Sheet
Definition of Terms
Software - Is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function hence tells
a computer what to do or how to perform a task as well as accomplishing the specific user’s task
A program - Is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.
Installation - Refers to setting up of a computer program hence making the program ready for
execution.
Program execution - Execution is the process by which a computer interprets our program or
performs the instructions of our program.
Software Acquisition – Includes processes that fund, manage, integrate, deploy and support
software before, during and after their software engineering life cycle.
Operating Systems - This is a set of complex programs that work together to control execution of
user programs called applications and acts as a go between (interfaces) between the applications
of the computer hardware.
Human Computer Interface - Refers to the method of interaction between the computer and the
user and determines how easily the user can operate the computer.
Security - Refers to providing a protection system to computer system resources such as CPU,
memory, disk, software programs and most importantly data/information stored in the
computer system.
Classification of Computer Software
Computer software are classified using three approaches:
a. Classification according to purpose/functionality
b. Classification according to method of acquisition
c. Classification according to end-user license
A. Classification According to Purpose/Functionality
200
, Computer software is classified according to the task they perform/functionality/purpose. i.e.,
software that tells the computer hardware what to do and also the software that enables the user
accomplish their specific tasks. This software includes:
i. System software
System software performs a variety of fundamental operations that avails computer resources to
the user. These functions include:
i. Booting the computer and making sure that all the hardware elements are working properly.
ii. Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application
programs.
iii. Storing and retrieving files.
iv. Performing a variety of system utility functions.
System software is further divided into:
a. Operating system.
b. Firmware.
c. Utility software.
d. Networking software.
a. The Operating System
This is a set of complex programs that work together to control execution of user programs
called applications and acts as a go between (interfaces) between the applications of the
computer hardware.
It manages input/output and storage operations in a computer. Examples of common operating
systems are Microsoft Windows 7/8/8.1/10, UNIX, Linux, Macintosh (Mac OS) and OS/2.
Therefore the operating system is the main program on the computer system.
b. Firmware
Firmware, also referred to as stored logic is a combination of both the software and hardware
recorded permanently on electronic chips. Usually, a firmware is a read-only memory chip that is
mounted or plugged into the motherboard. Firmware may hold an operating system, utility
programs, language processors etc.
c. Utility software
201
, Utility software is a special program that performs commonly used services that make certain
aspects of computing to go on more smoothly. Such services include sorting, copying, file
handling, disk management etc. The two basic types of utility software are:
i. System-level utility software: These help the user to work with the operating system and its
functions. For example, a utility software tells the user when he/she enters a wrong command
and gives suggestions how the error can be corrected.
ii. Application utility software: These make the use of an application program smoother and
efficient. These utility programs are commonly purchased separately or may be part of an
operating system.
d. Networking software
This type of software is mostly used to establish communication between two or more computers
by linking them using a communication channel like cables to create a computer network.
Networking software enables the exchange of data in a network as well as providing data
security. Network software may come as independent software or integrated in an operating
system. An example of networking software is Cisco’s iOS, Microsoft Windows Server
2003/2008/2012/2016, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X and Novell NetWare.
ii. Application Software
Application software, also called application packages, are programs that are designed to help
the user accomplish specific tasks.
Examples and uses of common application packages are listed in Table 3 below:
Software Uses Examples
1. Word Processors Typing documents like letters. Ms Word, Lotus, WordPro,
WordStar.
2. Desktop publishing Designing publications like Adobe PageMaker,
newspapers, books. Ms publisher
3. Computer aided design Technical drawing. AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, MAYA
3D etc
4. Databases Keeping records and files. Ms Access, dBase.
5. Graphics software Creating and manipulating pictures. Corel Draw, Adobe
202
Unit of Learning Code: IT/CU/ICT/CR/2/5
Related Unit of Competency in Occupational Standard: Perform Installation of Computer
Software
3.1 Introduction to the Unit of Learning
This unit specifies the competencies required in installing computer software.
It involves identification of the software to be installed, install Computer software, manage
configuration of the software, test software, and undertake user training.
3.2 Summary of Learning Outcomes
1. Identify software to be installed.
2. Install the software.
3. Software configuration management
4. Test software functionality
5. Perform user training.
3.2.1 Learning Outcome 1: Identify software to be installed.
3.2.1.1 Introduction to the Learning Outcome
The trainee should be able to define terms used in computer software installation, classify
software according to their functionality, discuss criteria for software selection, establish
acquisition methods of the software, discuss operating systems, their function, Types of
operating system interfaces and selection of software to be installed based on usage and system
requirements.
3.2.1.2 Performance standard
3.2.1.2.1 Software is classified according to the functionality, resource requirement and use.
3.2.1.2.2 Selection of software to be installed is identified based on usage and system
requirements.
3.2.1.2.3 Acquisition methods of the selected software are established.
199
, 3.2.1.3 Information Sheet
Definition of Terms
Software - Is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function hence tells
a computer what to do or how to perform a task as well as accomplishing the specific user’s task
A program - Is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.
Installation - Refers to setting up of a computer program hence making the program ready for
execution.
Program execution - Execution is the process by which a computer interprets our program or
performs the instructions of our program.
Software Acquisition – Includes processes that fund, manage, integrate, deploy and support
software before, during and after their software engineering life cycle.
Operating Systems - This is a set of complex programs that work together to control execution of
user programs called applications and acts as a go between (interfaces) between the applications
of the computer hardware.
Human Computer Interface - Refers to the method of interaction between the computer and the
user and determines how easily the user can operate the computer.
Security - Refers to providing a protection system to computer system resources such as CPU,
memory, disk, software programs and most importantly data/information stored in the
computer system.
Classification of Computer Software
Computer software are classified using three approaches:
a. Classification according to purpose/functionality
b. Classification according to method of acquisition
c. Classification according to end-user license
A. Classification According to Purpose/Functionality
200
, Computer software is classified according to the task they perform/functionality/purpose. i.e.,
software that tells the computer hardware what to do and also the software that enables the user
accomplish their specific tasks. This software includes:
i. System software
System software performs a variety of fundamental operations that avails computer resources to
the user. These functions include:
i. Booting the computer and making sure that all the hardware elements are working properly.
ii. Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application
programs.
iii. Storing and retrieving files.
iv. Performing a variety of system utility functions.
System software is further divided into:
a. Operating system.
b. Firmware.
c. Utility software.
d. Networking software.
a. The Operating System
This is a set of complex programs that work together to control execution of user programs
called applications and acts as a go between (interfaces) between the applications of the
computer hardware.
It manages input/output and storage operations in a computer. Examples of common operating
systems are Microsoft Windows 7/8/8.1/10, UNIX, Linux, Macintosh (Mac OS) and OS/2.
Therefore the operating system is the main program on the computer system.
b. Firmware
Firmware, also referred to as stored logic is a combination of both the software and hardware
recorded permanently on electronic chips. Usually, a firmware is a read-only memory chip that is
mounted or plugged into the motherboard. Firmware may hold an operating system, utility
programs, language processors etc.
c. Utility software
201
, Utility software is a special program that performs commonly used services that make certain
aspects of computing to go on more smoothly. Such services include sorting, copying, file
handling, disk management etc. The two basic types of utility software are:
i. System-level utility software: These help the user to work with the operating system and its
functions. For example, a utility software tells the user when he/she enters a wrong command
and gives suggestions how the error can be corrected.
ii. Application utility software: These make the use of an application program smoother and
efficient. These utility programs are commonly purchased separately or may be part of an
operating system.
d. Networking software
This type of software is mostly used to establish communication between two or more computers
by linking them using a communication channel like cables to create a computer network.
Networking software enables the exchange of data in a network as well as providing data
security. Network software may come as independent software or integrated in an operating
system. An example of networking software is Cisco’s iOS, Microsoft Windows Server
2003/2008/2012/2016, UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X and Novell NetWare.
ii. Application Software
Application software, also called application packages, are programs that are designed to help
the user accomplish specific tasks.
Examples and uses of common application packages are listed in Table 3 below:
Software Uses Examples
1. Word Processors Typing documents like letters. Ms Word, Lotus, WordPro,
WordStar.
2. Desktop publishing Designing publications like Adobe PageMaker,
newspapers, books. Ms publisher
3. Computer aided design Technical drawing. AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, MAYA
3D etc
4. Databases Keeping records and files. Ms Access, dBase.
5. Graphics software Creating and manipulating pictures. Corel Draw, Adobe
202
