Computer Software

Basic Components Of The

Computer: Software

Coach McCauley

What is software??????

Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer how to perform
specific tasks. It is what makes the computer work and allows you to
interact with it. While hardware is the physical parts of the computer,
like the keyboard and monitor, software is the programs and
applications that run on the computer.

Software

We will focus on 2 types of software: Operating System (OS) and Applications
(Apps).

What is an operating system?

An operating system is the most important software that runs on a
computer. It manages the computer's memory and processes, as well as
all of its software and hardware. It also allows you to communicate with
the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.
Without an operating system, a computer is useless.

Computer Basics: Understanding Operating Systems

The operating system's job

Operating systems usually come
pre-loaded on any computer you buy.
Most people use the operating system
that comes with their computer, but it's
possible to upgrade or even change
operating systems. The three most
common operating systems for personal
computers are Microsoft Windows,
macOS, and Linux.

Microsoft Windows

Microsoft created the Windows operating system

in the mid-1980s. There have been many different

versions of Windows, but the most recent ones

are Windows 10 (released in 2015), Windows 8

(2012), Windows 7 (2009), and Windows Vista

(2007). Windows comes pre-loaded on most new

PCs, which helps to make it the most popular

operating system in the world.

macOS

macOS (previously called OS X) is a

line of operating systems created by

Apple. It comes preloaded on all

Macintosh computers, or Macs. Some

of the specific versions include

Mojave (released in 2018), High Sierra

(2017), and Sierra (2016).

Lunix

Linux is a type of operating system
(OS), which is the main software that
manages all the hardware and software
on your computer. It helps you interact
with your computer and run programs.
Unlike some operating systems that
you have to buy, Linux is free and
open-source, meaning anyone can use
it and even change it.

Operating systems for mobile devices

The operating systems we've been talking
about so far were designed to run on
desktop and laptop computers. Mobile
devices such as phones, tablet
computers, and MP3 players are different
from desktop and laptop computers, so
they run operating systems that are
designed specifically for mobile devices.
Examples of mobile operating systems
include Apple iOS and Google Android. In
the screenshot below, you can see iOS
running on an iPad.

Applications (Apps)

You may have heard people talking
about using a program, an application,
or an app. But what exactly does that
mean? Simply put, an app is a type of
software that allows you to perform
specific tasks. Applications for
desktop or laptop computers are
sometimes called desktop
applications, while those for mobile
devices are called mobile apps.

When you open an application, it runs inside the

operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you

will have more than one application open at the same

time, which is known as multi-tasking.

App is a common term for an application, especially for

simple applications that can be downloaded

inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also

available for mobile devices and even some TVs.

Computer Basics: Understanding Applications

Question

Name some of you favorite
mobile apps.

Desktop applications

There are countless desktop applications, and they fall into several

categories. Some are more full featured (like Microsoft Word), while

others may only do one or two things (like a clock or calendar app).

Below are just a few types of applications you might use.

Desktop Applications

1.

Word processors: A word
processor allows you to write a
letter, design a flyer, and create
many other types of documents.
The most well-known word
processor is Microsoft Word.

Desktop Applications

2. Web browsers: A web browser is the
tool you use to access the Internet. Most
computers come with a web browser
pre-installed, but you can also
download a different one if you prefer.
Examples of browsers include Internet
Explorer, MozillaFirefox, Google
Chrome, and Safari.

Desktop Applications

3. Media players: If you want to
listen to MP3s or watch movies
you've downloaded, you'll need
to use a media player. Windows
Media Player and iTunes are
popular media players.

Desktop Applications

4. Games: There are many types of
games you can play on your
computer. They range from card
games like Solitaire to action games
like Halo. Many action games require
a lot of computing power, so they
may not work unless you have a
newer computer.

Mobile Applications

Desktop and laptop computers

aren't the only devices that can run

applications. You can also download

apps for mobile devices like

smartphones and tablets. Here are

a few examples of mobile apps.

Mobile Applications

1.Gmail: You can use the Gmail app
to easily view and send emails
from your mobile device. It's
available for Android and iOS
devices.

2.Instagram: You can use Instagram
to quickly share photos with your
friends and family. It's available for
Android and iOS.

3.Duolingo: With a combination of
quizzes, games, and other
activities, this app can help you
learn new languages. It's available
for Android and iOS.