Software and Users

Software and Users
Software Brings the Machine to Life

The ingredient that enables a computer to perform a specific task is software, which consists of
instructions. A program is a set of instructions that drive a computer to perform specific tasks.
These instructions tell the machine’s physical components what to do; without the instructions, a
computer could not do anything at all. When a computer uses a particular program, it is said to
be running or executing that program.
Although the array of available programs is vast and varied, most software falls into two major
categories:
1. System software
2. Application software
1. System Software
System software is any program that controls the computer’s hardware, or that can be used to
maintain the computer in some way so that it runs more efficiently.
There are three basic types of system software
≫ An operating system tells the computer how to use its own components. Examples of
operating systems include Windows, the Macintosh Operating System, and Linux. An operating
system is essential for any computer because it acts as an interpreter between the hardware,
application programs, and the use. When a program wants the hardware to do something, it
communicates through the operating system. Similarly, when you want the hardware to do
something (such as copying or printing a file), your request is handled by the operating system.
≫ A network operating system allows computers to communicate and share data across a
network while controlling network operations and overseeing the network’s security.
≫ A utility is a program that makes the computer system easier to use or performs highly
specialized functions. Utilities are used to manage disks, troubleshoot hardware problems, and
perform other tasks that the operating system itself may be unable to do.
2. Application Software
Application software tells the computer how to accomplish specific tasks, such as word
processing or drawing, for the user. Thousands of applications are available for many purposes
and people of all ages. Some of the major categories of these applications include word-
processing software for creating text-based documents such as newsletters or brochures.
≫ Spreadsheets for creating numeric-based documents such as budgets or balance sheets.
Database management software is used to build and manipulate large data sets, such as the
names, addresses, and phone numbers in a telephone directory.
≫ Presentation programs for creating and presenting electronic slide shows
≫ Graphics programs for designing illustrations or manipulating photographs, movies, or

animation.
≫ Multimedia authoring applications for building digital movies incorporating sound, video,
animation, and interactive features.
≫ Entertainment and education software, many of which are interactive multimedia events.
≫ Web design tools and Web browsers and other Internet applications such as newsreaders and
e-mail programs.
≫ Games, some of which are for a single player and many of which can be played by several
people over a network or the Internet.
Computer Users
Personal computers, which are the focus of this book, are designed to work with a human user. In
fact, the user is a critical part of a complete computer system, especially when a personal
computer is involved. This may seem surprising since we tend to think of computers as
intelligent devices capable of performing amazing tasks. People also sometimes believe that
computers can think and make decisions, just like humans do. But this is not the case. Even the
most powerful supercomputers require human interaction for no other reason than to get them
started and tell them which problems to solve.
The User's Role

When working with a personal computer, the user can take on several roles, depending on what
he or she wants to accomplish:
Setting up the System: Have you ever bought a new PC? When you got it home, you probably
had to unpack it, set it up, and make sure it worked as expected. If you want to change something
about the system (a process called configuration), you will likely do it yourself, whether you
want to add a new hardware device, change how programs look on your screen, or customize
how a program functions.
Installing Software: Although your new computer probably came with an operating system and
some applications installed, you need to install any other programs you want to use. This may
involve loading software from a disk or downloading it from a Web site. Either way, it is usually
the user’s responsibility to install programs unless the computer is used at a school or business.
A system administrator or technician may be available to do the job in that case.
Running Programs: Whenever your computer is on, several programs run in the background,
such as the software that runs your mouse and printer. Such programs do not need any user input;
you may not even be aware of them. But for the most part, if you want to use your computer to
perform a task, you need to launch and run the software that is designed for the task. This means
installing the program, learning its tools, and working with it to ensure it gives you the desired
results.
Managing Files: As you have already learned, a computer saves data in files. If you write a
letter to a friend, you can save it as a file, making it available to open and use later. Pictures,
songs, and other kinds of data are stored as files. However, it is the user's job to manage these
files, which means setting up a logical system to store them on the computer. It also means
knowing when to delete or move files or copy them to a disk for safekeeping.
Maintaining the System: System maintenance does not necessarily mean opening the PC and
fixing broken parts, as you would repair a car's engine. But it could! In that case, you might call
a qualified technician to do the job or roll up your sleeves and tackle it yourself. PC maintenance
generally means running utilities that keep the disks free of clutter and ensure that the computer
is making the best use of its resources.
Userless" Computers
Of course, many kinds of computers require no human interaction once they have been
programmed, installed, and started up. For example, if you own a car that was built within the
last decade, it almost certainly has an onboard computer that controls and monitors engine
functions. Many new home appliances, such as washers and dryers, have built-in computers that
monitor water usage, drying times, balance, and other operations.
Sophisticated userless computers operate security systems, navigation systems, communications
systems, and many others. Userless computers are typically controlled by their operating
systems. The operating system may be installed on special memory chips rather than a disk in
these devices. The operating system is programmed to perform specific tasks, such as monitoring
a function or checking for a failure, and little else. These systems are not set up for human
interaction except as needed for system configuration or maintenance.

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Software and Users

Software Brings the Machine to Life

≫ Presentation programs for creating and presenting electronic slide shows

≫ Graphics programs for designing illustrations or manipulating photographs, movies, or

The User's Role

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