WMBA 6080 Technology Guide 2 1

CISM 3330

Technology Guide 2 –

Computer Software

WMBA 6080 Technology Guide 2 2

Interesting Quotes Hardware: The part of the computer that

can be kicked. Jeff Pesis

Software: The reason you want to kick the hardware. Brad Prince

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What is Software? Computer program

The sequences of instructions for the computer, which comprise software.

Stored program concept. Stored software programs are accessed and

their instructions are executed in the computer’s CPU, one after another.

Allows a computer to perform multiple tasks

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Types of Software System software

The class of computer instruction that serve primarily as an intermediary between computer hardware and application programs; provides important self-regulatory functions for computer systems.

Application software The class of computer instructions that direct a computer

system to perform specific processing activities and provide functionality for users.

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Types of Software

System Software

Hardware

Application

Application

App

licat

ion

Application

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Systems Software Operating system

The main system control program supervises the overall operations of the computer allocates CPU time and main memory to programs provides an interface (GUI) between the user and the

hardware. Windows 2000, XP, Vista MAC OS X Linux/UNIX

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Functions of the Operating System Multitasking/ multiprogramming Multithreading Multiprocessing Virtual Memory Graphical User Interface Social Interface System Performance/Security Monitors

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Application Software Proprietary Off-the-shelf application software Contract

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Review Software

Stored Program Concept System Software

Manages, controls, and secures hardware and data

Application Software Provides specific functionality to the end user

Programming Languages