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session

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Learning outcomes:
Describe the main
types of software
Categorize the
different types of
system software
 Software
Software is a set of instructions that tells the
computer and its devices what to do. The hardware
cannot function without the software. Examples of
software are windows media player, Microsoft office,
and WinZip and computer games.
TYPES OF SOFTWARE.
 System software
 Application software
 System Software
 System software is the software that controls and coordinates the
operations of the computer and its devices. It serves as an interface between
the user and the application software and the computer hardware.
Examples of system software are;
 Operating system (OS)
 Programming languages
 Device drivers
 Utility software
 The system software is used to accomplish tasks like;
i. Internal function of a computer.
ii. The devices connected to the computer.

 System software provides the basic functions that are performed

by the computer. It is necessary for the functioning of a computer.
 Operating system

 Operating System is the base program on a computer is

considered system software. It tells the computer how to work
or operate.
 Basic Functions of OS:
- Booting the computer
- It provides an environment in which users and application software can do
work.
- It manages different resources of the computer like the CPU time, memory
space, file storage, I/O devices etc.
- It controls the execution of different programs to prevent occurrence of error.
- It provides a convenient interface to the user e.g. GUI and CLI
 Some available operating systems are Windows family (windows XP,
windows 7, windows 8, windows 10 etc), Mac , Linux
 Functions of Operating System

 Processor management that is assignment of processor to different tasks being performed by

the computer.
 Memory management is allocation of main memory and other storage areas to the system
programs as well as user programs and data.
 Input \ Output Management that is coordinate and assignment of the different input and
output devices while one or more programs are being executed.
 Files Management the storage of files on various storage devices and the transfer of these files
from one storage device to another.
 Establishment and Enforcement of a job priority system. It determines and maintains the
order in which jobs are to be executed in the computer system.
 Automatic transition from job to job as directed by special control statements.
 Interpretation of commands and instructions.
 Co-ordinate and assignment of compilers, assemblers, utility programs and other software to
the various users of the PC.
 Establishment of data security and integrity. It keeps different programs and data in such a
manner they do not interfere with each other.
 Facilitates easy communication between the computer system and the computer operator
(human).
 DISTINGUISH AMONG INTERFACES

 A user interface controls how you enter data and instructions and
how information displays on the screen.
Examples of user interfaces are command-line and graphical.
 With a command-line interface, you type keywords or press
special keys to enter data or instructions.
 A graphical user interface (GUI) allows you to use menus and
visual images such as icons, buttons, and other graphical objects
to issue commands. A menu is a set of commands from which you
can choose. An icon is a small image that represents a program,
an instruction, a file, or some other object.
 A User Interface is the software that enables you to provide
instructions and to control the device.
 Programming Language


A programming language is a
standardized communication
technique for expressing
instructions to a computer.
 Programming is the process by which Computer Software is created.
Like human languages, each language has its own syntax and grammar.
 A Programming Language serves as a translator that enables
communication between you and your Computer.
 Categories of Programming Languages

Low Level Languages.

High Level Languages.

There are two types of low level languages:

Machine Language.
Assembly Language
 Machine Language

A computer obeys just one Language, its machine

code, which is represented inside the computer by
a String of binary digits (bits) 0 and 1.
 Advantages of Machine Language

. It makes fast and efficient use of the

i

computer.
ii. It requires no translator to translate the
code i.e. directly understood by the computer
Disadvantages of Machine Language:

i. All operation codes have to be remembered

ii. All memory addresses have to be
remembered.
iii. It is hard to amend or find errors in a
program written in the machine language
iv. These languages are machine dependent
i.e. a particular Machine language can be
used on only one type of computer
 Assembly Language

 It was developed to overcome some of the many inconveniences of

machine language.
This is another low level but a very
important language in which operation
codes and operands are given in the form of
alphanumeric symbols instead of 0’s and l’s.
These alphanumeric symbols will be known as
mnemonic codes and can have maximum up to 5
letter combination e.g. ADD for addition, SUB for
subtraction, START, LABEL etc.
An assembler is a program that takes a
low level language mnemonic source
code and converts it into machine code.
Advantages of Assembly Language
i.It is easier to understand and use as
compared to machine language.
ii. It is easy to locate and correct errors.
iii. It is modified easily
 Disadvantages of Assembly Language

Like machine language it is also

machine dependent.
Since it is machine dependent
therefore programmer should have
the knowledge of the hardware
also.
 High-level Programming Languages

High level computer languages give formats close

to English language and the purpose of
developing high level languages is to enable
people to write programs easily and in their own
native language environment (English).
A high-level programming language is a
programming language that is more user
friendly, to some extent platform-independent,
and abstract from low-level computer processor
operations such as memory accesses.
 Advantages of High Level Language

It is easier to develop source code in high level

language because it uses simple and close to
everyday language. Low level language is difficult (as
it uses mnemonics or is written in the form 0's and
1's)
There is no need for the developer to know memory
addresses, register locations, call stacks etc in order
to programme.
High level languages are easier to read and write
Tendency of syntax errors is less with high level
language
It is much easier to debug a high level language
compared to a low level language
High level languages are more portable across
platforms
Length of the source code is usually shorter
compared with low level languages
Disadvantages of High Level Language

A high-level language has to be translated into the

machine language by a translator and thus a price in
computer time is paid.
The object code generated by a translator might be
inefficient Compared to an equivalent assembly
language program
 UTILITY SOFTWARE

A Utility program is designed to do one or perhaps two tasks

very well and nothing else.
For example, you may want to compress a file to let you
save it on to a flash drive. For this task you would choose to
use a file compression utility program.
Quite often, a Utility program is built right in to the
operating system. For example Windows has a built in 'Zip'
compression utility you can use to compress a file or folder.
(In Windows Explorer Right Click over the file so a menu
pops up, then select "Send To" and you should see
"Compressed (zipped) folder" as an option)
 UTILITY SOFTWARE cont’

NOTE: in your exam, you must refer to the term 'compression'

rather than 'zipped'
Here are some very common tasks that are carried out by
various Utility programs
• File sorting
• File renaming
• File conversion (e.g. convert a sound file to MP3)
• File repair
•Disk monitoring and defragmentation (defragging)
• Printing jobs
• Backing up data.
• Anti-Virus
 The purpose of the following utilities:

 File viewer, File compression, Diagnostic, Uninstaller, Disk

scanner, Disk defragmenter, Backup, and Screen saver
 Most operating systems include several utility programs that perform
specific tasks related to managing a computer, its devices, or its
programs.
 A file viewer is a utility that allows you to display and copy the
contents of a file.
 A file compression utility shrinks the size of a file.
 A diagnostic utility compiles technical information about a
computer’s hardware and certain system software programs and then
prepares a report outlining any identified problems.
 An uninstaller is a utility that removes an application, as well as any
associated entries in the system files.
 The purpose of the following utilities: cont’

 A disk scanner is a utility that (1) detects and corrects

both physical and logical problems on a hard disk, and (2)
searches for and removes unnecessary files.
 A disk defragmenter is a utility that reorganizes files and
unused space on a computer’s hard disk so data can be
accessed more quickly and programs can run faster.
 A backup utility copies, or backs up, selected files or an
entire hard drive onto another disk or tape.
 A screen saver is a utility that causes the monitor’s screen
to display a moving image on a blank screen if no keyboard
activity occurs for a specified period.
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE

These are programs which allows the user to do

specific tasks
The following are examples of Application software:
• Payroll Software
• Student Record Software
• Inventory Management Software
• Income Tax Software
• Railways Reservation Software
• Microsoft Office Suite Software
 Features of application software are as follows:

Close to user
Easy to design
More interactive
Slow in speed
Generally written in high-level language
Easy to understand
Easy to manipulate and use
Bigger in size and requires large storage space
 Software sources

General purpose application software

General purpose application software is a type of
application that can be used for a variety of tasks. It is not
limited to one particular function. For example a word
processor could be classed as general purpose software as
it would allow a user to write a novel, create a restaurant
menu or even make a poster.
Special purpose application software
Special purpose application software is a type of software
created to execute one specific task. For example a camera
application on your phone will only allow you to take and
share pictures.
 Exercise

Define software
Give example for system software?
Define application Software.
Describe the types of Application software.
Give examples of operating system
Define utility software and give example.
Differentiate system and application software.
Explain the functions of operating system
Describe the Two Main Types software sources
Distinguish between interfaces?
 COMPUTER ERGONOMICS,
SECURITY AND INTERFACES

LEARNING OUTCOMES
Assume the correct posture
Identify safety risks
Demonstrate need to take care of computer &
storage media to prevent data loses
 HEALTH AND SAFETY

 Although it is unlikely that computer equipment will be dangerous in

itself, it can be used in ways which can be a hazard to health of staff.
 The Law
 The Health and Safety at Work Act lays down legal standards for
computer equipment and requires employers to take steps to minimise
risks for all workers.
 Workers have received substantial damages for injuries caused
through use of computers where the employer could have foreseen the
risk but did nothing about it. The main regulations covering the
use of computer equipment include:
• Health & Safety (Display Screen Equipment) Regulations 1992
• Management of Health & Safety at Work Regulations 1992
• Provision and Use of Work Equipment Regulations 1992
• Workplace (Health, Safety and Welfare) Regulations 1992
Improving health and safety practice should be taken
seriously, although it need not take much time or
expense.
 Measures employers should take include:
• Understanding the law - make sure someone in your organisation has a
health and safety brief covering all areas, not just computers.
• Being aware of the health risks - the government officially recognises some of
the risks although there are some grey areas you'll need to make up your own
mind about.
• Assessing the risks - using procedures set out in the law - be systematic and
get help if you need it. Get a health and safety audit done by a competent
organisation if necessary.
• Taking steps to minimise the risks - this may only involve taking simple
measures.
• Training all users to recognise the risks - if people aren't aware of the dangers
they can't take adequate precautions to protect their health.
• Taking users views seriously - if users feel there is something wrong there
often is.
 The Risks

 With the increase in computer use, a number of health and safety concerns
related to vision and body aches and pains have arisen. Many problems with
computer use are temporary and can be resolved by adopting simple corrective
action. Most problems related to computer use are completely preventable.
However it is important to seek prompt medical attention if you do experience
symptoms including:
• continual or recurring discomfort
• aches and pains
• Numbness
• Burning sensation
• Stiffness
 Seek help even if symptoms occur when you are not working at your computer.
 Laptop computers can present particular problems due to small screens,
keyboards and inbuilt pointing devices (e.g. a small portable mouse or
touchpad). Prolonged use of laptops should be avoided.
 The main risks associated with using computers
include:

Musculoskeletal problems
Eye strain and a greater awareness of existing
eye problems
Rashes and other skin complaints have also been
reported, although it is thought these are caused
by the dry atmosphere and static electricity
associated with display units rather than by the
display units themselves. There are potential
risks from radiation though this is a contentious
area.
 Musculoskeletal problems

 These can range from general aches and pains to more serious
problems and include:
• Upper limb disorders such as repetitive strain injury (RSI)
tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome - by far the most important
as it can quickly lead to permanent incapacity
• Back and neck pain and discomfort
• Tension stress headaches and related ailments
These types of problem can be caused by:
• Maintaining an unnatural or unhealthy posture while using the
computer
• Inadequate lower back support
• Sitting in the same position for an extended period of time
• An ergonomically poor workstation set up
 Eye strain

Computer users can experience a number of symptoms related

to vision including:
• Visual fatigue
• Blurred or double vision
• Burning and watering eyes
• Headaches and frequent changes in prescription glasses
Computer work hasn't been proven to cause permanent eye
damage, but the temporary discomfort that may occur can
reduce productivity, cause lost work time and reduce job
satisfaction. Eye problems are usually the result of visual fatigue
or glare from bright windows or strong light sources, light
reflecting off the display screen or poor display screen contrast.
 Prevention is better than cure

Avoiding musculoskeletal problems

• Taking regular breaks from working at your computer - a few minutes
at least once an hour
• Alternating work tasks
• Regular stretching to relax your body
• Using equipment such as footrests, wrist rests and document holders if
you need to
• Keeping your mouse and keyboard at the same level
• Avoiding gripping your mouse too tightly - hold the mouse lightly and
click gently
• Familiarise yourself with keyboard shortcuts for applications you
regularly use (to avoid overusing the mouse)
 It is also important to have your workstation set up correctly. Your
workstation includes monitor, keyboard, mouse, seating, desk, and
where appropriate, footrest (to enable you to put your feet flat if they
 Monitors should:

Swivel, tilt and elevate - if not use an adjustable

stand, books or blocks adjust the height
Be positioned so the top line of the monitor is no
higher than your eyes or no lower than 20° below
the horizon of your eyes or field of vision
Be at the same level and beside the document
holder if you use one
Be between 18 to 24 inches away from your face
 Keyboards should:

 Be detachable and adjustable (with legs to adjust

angle)
 Allow your forearms to be parallel to the floor
without raising your elbows
 Allow your wrists to be in line with your forearms so
your wrists does not need to be flexed up or down
 Be placed directly in front of the monitor and at the
same height as the mouse, track ball or touch pad
 Chairs should

 Support the back - and have a vertically adjustable independent

back rest that returns to its original position and has tilt
adjustment to support the lower back
 Allow chair height to be adjusted from a sitting position
 Be adjusted so the back crease of the knee is slightly higher than
the pan of the chair (use a suitable footrest where necessary)
 Be supported by a five prong caster base
 Have removable and adjustable armrests
 Have a contoured seat with breathable fabric and rounded
edges to distribute the weight and should be adjustable to allow
the seat pan to tilt forward or back
Example of a good chair
 Tips for the best sitting position-:

 Adjust the height of the chair according to the height of the work area
 Ensure your shoulders are relaxed and without strain. (shoulders
back ribs in)
 Feet must be flat on the floor
 Ensure the lumbar support of the chair supports the natural curve of
your spine
 Adjust the computer screen to the top is level with your eyes
 Keep your chin in and shoulders relaxed
 Keyboard should be placed for a natural support from the chair arm
rests or table if no arm rests
 wrists should be straight when typing
 Take regular intervals (5 minutes every hour) and perform stretch
and relax exercises
 Tables and desks should:

Provide sufficient leg room and preferably be height

adjustable
Have enough room to support the computer
equipment and space for documents
Be at least 900 mm deep
Have rounded corners and edges
 Avoiding Eyestrain

Precautions that can be taken to avoid eyestrain include:

 Exercising the eyes by periodically focusing on objects at varying
distances
 Blinking regularly
 Keeping the air around you moist - for example using plants, open
pans of water or a humidifier (spider plants are said to be
particularly good for this and removing chemical vapours from the
air)
 Adjusting the screen height / seating so that when sitting
comfortably your eyes are in line with the top of the monitor screen
 Adjusting the brightness control on your monitor for comfort
 Adjusting the contrast on your monitor to make the characters
distinct from the background
 Avoiding Eyestrain cont’

 Adjusting the refresh rate of your monitor to stop it flickering

 Positioning monitors to avoid glare (e.g. not directly in front of
windows)
 Keeping your monitor the screen clean
 Keeping the screen and document holder (if you use one) at the
same distance from your eyes
 Servicing, repairing or replacing monitors that flicker or have
inadequate clarity
 Regular eye testing - do this at least once every 2 years and more
frequently if necessary - especially if you are experiencing eye
problems related to using display equipment. Indicate the
distance from your eyes to the monitor to your optician and talk
to them regarding special lenses or the use of bifocals.
 Exercise

1. Define Ergonomics?
2. How do we protect our eyes?
3. How do we avoid the muscular injury?

The end