Chapter 3 Computer Software

1. Chapter 3Computer Software Section A: Software Basics Computer Concepts 7th EditionParsons/Oja

2. What is software? • Software consists of computer programs and data files that work together to provide a computer with the instructions and data necessary for carrying out a specific type of task Chapter 3: Computer Software 2

3. What kinds of files are included in a typical software product? • Software includes • A computer programis a set of detailed, instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task • Executable files have an .exe file extension, and can be double-clicked to start the program (run by users) • Support modules are extra programs that are not run by users, but help the main program to run (file extension such as .dll and .ocx) • Data files contain data that is necessary for the program to run, but not supplied by the user • For example, text of Help file or license agreement, word lists for a dictionary, graphics • File extensions .txt, .bmp, and .hlp Chapter 3: Computer Software 3

4. Why does software require so many files? • Exercise: • Click on the Start button and click My Computer • Double-click the Local Disk (C:) drive • Double-click the Program Files folder, where all installed program files are located • If the files are hidden, click Show the contents of this folder • Double-click the Windows Media Player folder • Which file is the main program executable file? • Which files are support modules? • Which files are data files? Chapter 3: Computer Software 3

5. Programmers and Programming Languages: Who creates computer software? • Computer programmers write the instructions for the computer programs • Software publishers distribute the software, they specialize in packaging, marketing, and selling commercial software • Users who write macros and customize software Chapter 3: Computer Software 4

6. So how does software work? Chapter 3: Computer Software 5

7. Application Software and System Software: How is software categorized? • Software is categorized as either application software or system software • Application software is designed to help people carry out tasks using a computer • Drawing designs, creating documents, etc • System software is designed to help the computer carry out the basic operating functions • Operating systems, utilities, and drivers Chapter 3: Computer Software 6

8. Application Software and System Software: How is software categorized? Chapter 3: Computer Software 7

9. Self Quiz Questions • A detailed set of instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task is called a computer _______. • A file with a .exe file extension is called a(n) _______ file. • Small programs that help the main program, and usually have a .dll or .ocx file extension are called _______. • The Windows operating system is an example of _______ software. • Microsoft Word, a word processing program, is an example of _______ software. Chapter 3: Computer Software 8

10. Self Quiz Answers • A detailed set of instructions that tells a computer how to solve a problem or carry out a task is called a computer program . • A file with a .exe file extension is called a(n) executable file. • Small programs that help the main program, and usually have a .dll or .ocx file extension are called support modules . • The Windows operating system is an example of system software. • Microsoft Word, a word processing program, is an example of application software. Chapter 3: Computer Software 9