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Volume 1Volume 1

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Definition of SoftwareDefinition of Software Software is a computer program.

Types of SoftwareTypes of Software

1. System Software control the way a computer system runs

A. Classified according to the functionality

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2. Application Software perform specific tasks

B. Classified according to how it is released to the market and its copyright restrictions

Various kinds of software can be downloaded from the Internet

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Different Types of Software and their FeaturesDifferent Types of Software and their Features

 1. Packaged 1. Packaged Software Software 2.Shareware2.Shareware 3.Freeware3.Freeware

4. Public 4. Public Domain Domain SoftwareSoftware

CharacteristicCharacteristic

packaged on a

CD-ROM/ DVD-ROM

for sale

‧used for a limited

period of time for free

‧but intend for sale after

the trial period

distributed free of charge

and the source code is

available

distributed free of charge

and is not copyrighted

TypeType

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 1. Packaged 1. Packaged

SoftwareSoftware 2. Shareware2. Shareware 3. Freeware3. Freeware4. Public 4. Public Domain Domain SoftwareSoftware

Available in Available in Retail Retail

MarketsMarkets

TypeType

Downloadable Downloadable from the from the InternetInternet

Copyright Copyright RestrictionsRestrictions

ExampleExample

√

Winzip Gnotella Microsoft Windows

GNU Emacs

√ √ √ √

√ √

(online purchase only)

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http://download.com/

http://www.completelyfreesoftware.com

http://www.freeware4all.com/

http://www.tucows.com

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Definition of HardwareDefinition of Hardware Hardware is the physical aspect of computers and

related devices.

Case Monitor

Keyboard Mouse

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There are different types of hardware:

Different Types of HardwareDifferent Types of Hardware

Type Function Example

(a) Input Accepts user input Keyboard

(b) Processing Processes the input CPU

(c) Output

(d) Storage1. Main Memory2. Secondary

Storage

Outputs the processed results Printer

Stores programs1. RAM

2. Floppy disks

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There are two types of physical connections:

Physical Connections of HardwarePhysical Connections of Hardware

Serial Connection

Definition Use a wire or a set of wires to accepts user input

Use a multiple set of wires to transfer data blocks simultaneously

Features 1. Transmission speed is slow

2. Long-distance connection is allowed

1. Transmission speed is fast

2. Short-distance is allowed

Examples RS-232, IEEE 1394, USB Centronics, IEEE 1284

Parallel Connection

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Serial Connection

Parallel Connection

1

1

101

0

Pieces of data are sent one after another

Pieces of data are sent at the same time

10110

10110

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Software tells hardware how to process data and governs how hardware is executed.

A computer needs to use both the software and the hardware to operate.

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Software

Untouchable Touchable

Exists as ideas and concepts in

electronic form

Has a physical form and size

Easily be varied Permanent and invariable

Hardware

e.g. the game program in a disc

e.g. the disc of a game program

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Program is a set of computer instructions.

Basic Ideas of ProgramsBasic Ideas of Programs

Data is a form of raw facts and figures and it is processed into information.

Basic Ideas of DataBasic Ideas of Data

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Programs are to be executed by a computer.

The Relationship between The Relationship between Program & DataProgram & Data

Data is to be processed by programs to produce useful information.

Input device

Disk

CPU

Output device

Programs executed by computers

Process data

data

Result(information)

Update data

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Try to compare the differences between Try to compare the differences between

hardware and software. You can discuss hardware and software. You can discuss

them with your classmates based on the them with your classmates based on the

following criteria.following criteria.

1. function1. function

2. appearance2. appearance

3. price3. price

4. others4. others

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