Mary Help College

Information Technology Support Service

Level -One
Install Software Application
INFORMATION SHEET
Prepared by: Gemeda Abugare Baduke
 Install Software Application

Learning Outcome
 Determine software and upgrade requirements
 Obtain software or software upgrade
 Install or upgrade software
LO1: Determine software and upgrade requirements

OBJECTIVES
 Introduction to computer software
 Identify and document Client software
requirements
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Contents
1. What is software?
2. Types of Software
 System s/w, Application s/w, Open source &

Proprietary s/w
3. Examples of system Software
 Operating System, Device driver, Utilities

4.Examples of Application Software

 Word processors, Spreadsheets, Graphics

Presentation, Database systems, Multimedia sw,

Simulation sw, Educational sw etc.
 1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

What is Computer Software?

 Computer software is a program that tells a
computer what to do or how to carry out a task.
 Computer software is the actual programs that
run inside the computer that make everything
function. Whether it's the start-up program,
Windows, a word processor or Internet
Explorer, software is what you use to make your
computer provide certain functions. A tablet computer running
a game, a type of
 Computer Instructions or data, anything that software.
can be stored electronically.
 For example: There is a problem in the Software
implies – Problem with program or data.
 Questions

?
1.Think about some machine / items /
devices having only Hardware.
2. Think about some machine / items /
devices having both Hardware and
Software.
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Types of Computer Software?

 System Software and
Application Software
 Open Source Software and
Proprietary Software
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

What is System Software?

 System Software includes the Operating System and all the utilities
that enable the computer to function.
 System software is a term referring to any computer software
which manages and controls the hardware so that application
software can perform a task.
 Example:
Operating Systems, Utilities Software, Device drivers.
What is Application Software?
 Application Software includes programs that do real work for user.
 Example: Payroll systems, Inventory Control, Manage student
database, Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Database Management
System etc.,
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

What is Open Source Software?

 Open source software (also called Free Software) is computer
software whose source code is available under a license that permits
users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute
it in modified or unmodified form.
 It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner.
Well-known OSS products are Linux/Unix, Netscape, Apache, etc.,
What is Proprietary Software?
 Proprietary software (also called non-free software) is software
with restrictions on using, copying and modifying as enforced by
the proprietor. Restrictions on use, modification and copying is
achieved by either legal or technical means and sometimes both.
 A good example of proprietary software is Microsoft.
 Other examples: CAD, Norton Antivirus, Microsoft Office etc.
 Questions
?
Questions
1. What are advantages of free software?
 Available at minimal cost
 Provides by full freedom
 Full freedom to upgrades
 Less security
Full freedom to change
To modify
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Types of System Software

I. Operating System:
 Operating System is a software, which makes a computer to actually work.
 It is the software the enables all the programs we use.
 The OS organizes and controls the hardware.
 OS acts as an interface between the application programs and the machine
hardware.
 Examples: Windows(XP,Vista,7), Linux/Unix(Ubuntu, Red Hat), and Mac OS,
etc.
II. Utilities:
 Utility software is designed to help you monitor and configure settings for your
computer system equipment, the operating system, or application software.
 utilities focus on computer-centric tasks such as blocking viruses or diagnosing
hard disk errors.
 Examples: security software (Norton Antivirus, McAfee Virus Scan Plus, and a
vast! Antivirus) and diagnostic tools
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Types of System Software

III. Device driver
 A device driver is software that helps a peripheral device
establish communication with a computer.
 This type of system software is used by printers, monitors,
graphics cards, sound cards, network cards, modems,
storage devices, mice, and scanners.
 Once installed, a device driver automatically starts when it is
needed.
 Device drivers usually run in the background, without
opening a window on the screen.
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Application Software:
I. Word Processing
 Word processing is a tool that helps user in creating, editing, and
printing documents. Word processors will normally have the following
capabilities built into them: 
 Spell checking
 Standard layouts for normal documents
 Have some characters appear in bold print, italics, or
underlined
 Center lines, make text line up on the left side of the paper, or
the right side of the paper
 Save the document so it can be used again
 print the document.

 Examples: Microsoft Word .

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Application Software:
II. Spreadsheets: The spreadsheet packages are
designed to use numbers and formulas to do calculations
with ease. Examples of spreadsheets include:
 Budgets
 Payrolls
 Grade Calculations
 Address Lists
 The most commonly used spreadsheet programs are
Microsoft Excel
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Application Software:
III. Graphic Presentations: The presentation programs can
make giving presentations and using overheads easier.  Other
uses include: 
 Slide Shows
 Repeating Computer Presentations on a computer
monitor
 Using Sound and animation in slide shows 

 The most recognized graphic presentation programs are

Microsoft PowerPoint.
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Application Software:
IV. Database Management System (DBMS):
 A DBMS is a software tool that allows multiple users to store, access,
and process data into useful information.
 Database programs are designed for these types of applications:
 Membership lists
 Student lists
 Grade reports
 Instructor schedules
 All of these have to be maintained so you can find what you need
quickly and accurately. 

 Example: Microsoft Access or data base.

1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Application Software:
V. Multimedia Software:
 They allow users to create and play audio and video files. They are
capable of playing media files.
 Audio converters, audio players, Video players, burners, video
encoders and decoders are some forms of multimedia software.
VI. Educational Software:
 It has the capabilities of running tests and tracking progress.
 It also has the capabilities of collaborative software.
 It is often used in teaching and self-learning.
 Dictionaries like Britannica and Encarta, mathematical software
like Matlab and others like Google Earth and NASA World Wind
are some of the well-known names in this category.
1.1 INTRODUCTION TO COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Application Software:
VII. Simulation Software:
 Used to simulate physical or abstract systems, simulation software
finds applications in both, research and entertainment.
 Flight simulators and scientific simulators are examples of
simulation software.
VIII. Software that aid Engineering and Development of Products:
 These software are used in the design and development of
hardware and software products.
 Integrated development environments (IDE) and computer
language editing tools falls under this type of application software.
 Application programming interfaces which aid the communication
of two or more software, are examples of this application software
type.
 1.2 Identify and document Client software
requirements
Why Client needs computer software?
Depending on what a client need to accomplish, a number of
different advantages exist for using software of a variety of types:
a) Make Tasks Easier
o Software, and computers in general, offer you the ability to make
a lot of tasks much easier.
o For instance, it is completely possible to write a novel by hand or
on a typewriter. However, if you use a word processing program,
you can re-arrange your text as you wish, save it, delete it and
check your spelling and grammar. Additionally, you won't need to
re-learn any typing technique.
o Software can make lots of routine tasks easier, such as keeping
records with spreadsheet programs, or letting you use a digital
calculator that you won't lose or misplace when you need it.
 1.2 Identify and document Client software
requirements
Why Client needs computer software?
b) Spreads Information
o Software can often help you do things that you may not know
how to do. For instance, accounting software and tax
software can help people with no knowledge of tax law or
accounting principles keep track of a business's books and find
all necessary deductions come tax time.
o Software programs can also help people who have no
knowledge of hypertext markup language, which is the
computer language used to make websites, design and build
websites.
o Software makes all of these tasks, which would normally
require a much more knowledgeable expert to complete,
possible.
 1.2 Identify and document Client software
requirements
Why Client needs computer software?
c) Minimize Cost
o Software is a cost-effective means of solving problems.
o For instance, say that you need to find a way to store all of
your records. You could put years, if not decades, of physical
records onto a digital database using database software
and/or a spreadsheet program.
o Between eliminating the need for your physical files, saving
you physical room, and giving you a way to more easily track
your records, the software has saved you time and money.
o Additionally, some types of software like this are completely
free to download, increasing the savings even more.
 Summary
Types of Computer Software

System Software-manages and controls the hardware

Examples
Operating System(Windows(XP,Vista,7), Linux/Unix(Ubuntu, Red Hat),
and Mac OS, etc.)
Utilities software(Norton , McAfee , A vast Antivirus)
Device driver(printers, graphics , sound , network driver )

Application Software-programs that do real work for user.

Examples
Word processing -Multimedia Software
Speared sheeting -Educational Software
Presentation, - CAD
Database systems - Payroll systems
 Study hard

My Telephone Number:-- 0988670113

Open source software (OSS)-the source code is available under a license
that permits users to use, change, and improve the software, and to redistribute
it in modified or unmodified form.
Examples
Linux, Netscape, Apache, etc.,

Proprietary software(also callednon-free software)- Restrictions on use,

modification and copying is achieved by either legal or technical means and
sometimes both.
Proponents of proprietary software are Microsoft.
Examples:CAD, Norton Antivirus etc.
 Summary
Advantages using computer software

Mary Help College/Salesian

Sister Don Bosco church
A number of different advantages exist for using software of a
variety of types:
- Make Tasks Easier
- Spreads Information • Gemeda Abugare
- Minimize Cost • Student at First Level
One (first year)
• In 2011 E.C
 Self check Questions

Questions:
1. Define Computer Software.
2. What is the advantage of using computer software?
3. What is the difference between
1. System Software and Application Software
2. Open source Software and Proprietary Software
4. Find the Operating System, you are using and its version.
5. Write the example of application soft ware at list 3.

6. Advantages and disadvantages free software

7. Find 5 proprietary software names.
8. Write the main function of the following software.
I. Word Processing
II. Spreadsheets
III. Device driver
IV. A vast Antivirus
 Self check Questions
Questions:
8. Write following software types based on their categories in the table given below:

 Payroll systems
System SW Application SW Open Source SW Proprietary SW
 Database Management - - - -
System - - - -
 Linux OS, - - - -
 Avast Antivirus - - - -
- - - -
 Netscape, - - - -
 Word Processor, - - - -
 Apache
 Spreadsheet
 AutoCAD,
 Norton Antivirus
 Sound Driver
 Windows XP,
 Windows Vista,
 Windows7,
 Unix OS
 Ubuntu OS
 Red Hat OS
 Mac OS
 McAfee Antivirus
 Peachtree 2010