The Operating System And The Application Software

Published Date: 02 Nov 2017

Chapter 3

Software

Objectives:

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

Define software.

Differentiate between application software and system software.

Understand what an operating system is and the main functions of it.

Know the uses of some common software applications.

Know what is meant by user interface.

Software

It is the programs and the instructions that enable the computer to do a certain task. It is divided into application software and system software.

System Software

This term is used to describe programs that enable the computer to work and coordinate the various parts of the computer system to make it run efficiently.

It controls the operation of the computer, meaning telling the hardware (e.g. printer) what to do and when and how to do it.

It is the base for applications software as they cannot work without system software

Operating systems are an example of it. The operating system is the program that actually makes the computer works.

Application software

This term is used for programs that enable the user to do specific task such as creating a document, producing invoices and using database.

It is used once the operating system has been loaded.

It can be educational programs, entertainment programs, etc.

Operating System

It is the software that actually makes the computer work. An example of it is Microsoft Windows, Macintosh Operating system (Mac OS), Linux and Unix.

These are some functions of the operating system:

Boot up the computer.

Control the hardware such as printer, scanner, monitor, keyboard and mouse.

Control features such as formatting disks (Formatting disks means preparing the disk for reading and writing data), saving files and retrieving them form the hard disk.

Provide the base for the applications software to be launched.

Allow the applications software to use the hardware.

Applications Software

As discussed before, applications software is the computer programs that enable the user to do specific task and here are some types of application software:

Word processing programs: They are used to create documents such as letter, reports, memos, etc. An example is Microsoft Word.

Spreadsheet programs: They are used to analyze and summarize numerical data like budgets and financial sheets. An example is Microsoft Excel.

Database programs: They are used to organize and manage large quantities of data. An example is Microsoft Access.

Presentation graphics programs: They are used to create presentations. An example is Microsoft PowerPoint.

Photo editing programs: They are used to edit images such as changing the size of images and adjust the colors of images. An example is Adobe Photoshop.

Desktop publishing programs: They are used to create printed materials such as magazines, posters, flyers and books. An example is Microsoft Publisher.

Internet Web Browsers: They are used to work on the internet. An example is Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera and Mozilla Firefox.

User Interface

Users interact with software in many ways. Some users write the commands that they need to do, other presses certain keys from the keyboard to do a certain task and some prefer use the mouse.

Command Syntax: Early user interface required users to type exactly instructions with specific rules to do a certain task. The users didn’t like this way because they have to be very careful in writing the commands and of course they have to remember it.

Shortcut Keystrokes: They enable the users to use the commands through pressing certain keys from the keyboard. This way may be hard to be remembered.

Graphical User Interface (GUI): It refers to the graphics screens that make it easier for users to interact with programs through using icons, mouse, drop down menus and windows.

Activity (3-1)

Objectives:

Distinguishing between applications software and system software.

Identifying the different types of user interface.

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1. Choose the correct answer

Linux is an example of ………………………

Application software.

System software.

Memory.

Storage device.

Which of the following is a friendly user interface?

Command syntax.

Shortcut keystrokes.

GUI.

Memory.

Which of the following is an example of application software?

Microsoft Windows.

Linux.

Unix.

Microsoft Word.

Which of the following coordinates the various parts of the computer system to make it run efficiently?

System software.

Application software.

Word processing software.

None of the above.

GUI is an abbreviation of ………………………

Graphical User Interface.

Graphical User Input.

Graphical Unit Interface.

Graphical Unit Input.

2. Mention two functions of the operating system and the application software.

Revision

This chapter provides detailed information about software and these are the points that are explained in this chapter:

What is the meaning of software?

Types of software.

The difference between application software and system software.

The functions of the operating system and examples on it.

The uses of some applications software.

What user interface is and examples of it.

Now you are ready to know about networks and internet. What a network is, types and advantages of it. Also what an internet is and how it can be useful to users. This will be explained in the next chapter.

Chapter 4

Networks

Objectives:

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

Identify networks.

Know the advantages of using networks.

Distinguish between types of network.

Know what an internet is.

Identify the advantages of the internet.

Understand some of internet and browsing basics.

Networks

Network is a group of computers connected together via cables or telephone lines or wireless to enable users to share hardware, software and data. Network requires each computer to have a network card.

Network elements are:

At least two users want something to be shared.

Method of connection (e.g. cables).

Protocols (rules) to allow users to communicate with each other.

Advantages of using networks

Sharing files: You can share files between computers through using networks instead of using a flash memory or any storage device to send a file from one computer to another.

Sharing resources: Through networks, people working in a same place can share printers, scanners, fax machines. This is less costly for organizations with many computer users.

Sharing programs: Through networks, People working in the same place can share the same program instead of purchasing individual program for each one.

Communication: Users on a network can communicate with each other by e-mails even if there is no internet connection.

Types of networks

There are three types of network which are:

Local Area Network (LAN).

Wide Area Network (WAN).

Wireless Area Network (WLAN).

1. Local Area Network (LAN)

A LAN is a system where computers are connected together within a company or organization to enable people share files and resources such as printers. A LAN can be within the same building or within a group of buildings close to each other.

2. Wide Area Network (WAN)

Computers are connected together over a wide area such as between towns or countries. Communication between computers can be done through telephone lines, fiber optics and radio links or satellites. The internet is an example of it.

3. Wireless Local Area Network (WLAN)

Computers are connected together through high frequency radio signals. They are used in many office buildings, coffee shops and even at homes. There are no wires between the peripherals (peripheral device is any device that can attach to the computer such as speakers, printers and scanners) and the computers.

Client / server computers

A client computer is the computer that wants data from the server. The server is a powerful computer that offers services to other computers. The server is a powerful computer than client computer in terms of data storage and processing speed.

There can be different servers for different tasks for example file server for the storage of files, applications server for the applications to be on it and not on the client computers and print server.

Sometimes network can be done between computers equal in status and in this is case it is called peer to peer network and not client/server network.

Activity (4-1)

Objectives:

Understanding what a network is.

Identifying the advantages of using networks.

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1. Complete the following sentences

Network is ……..…………………………..…………………………..…………………………..………….

Through networks people can share ………………………..…, ……..…………………… and ……..…………………….

The three types of networks are ………………………..…, ……..…………………… and ……..…………………….

The computer that requests data from the server is called ……..………………………

LAN is an abbreviation of ……..…………………… while WAN is an abbreviation of ……..……………………

2. Which type of network is the internet?

Internet

The Internet is a global network of interconnected networks around the world. The best thing about the Internet is the amount of information that you can access from it.

The Internet is not the same as World Wide Web (WWW) as the Internet is the network but the World Wide Web is a collection of linked documents placed all over the world on computers and can be accessed using a web browser.

Web browser is software that is used to retrieve and display contents on the World Wide Web including text, image, video and other types of files. The Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox are an example of it.

Advantages of the internet

Using the internet has many advantages and here are some of them:

Researching tool: Find any information the user need through using search engines.

Search engines are the web pages that search for information on the Internet (e.g. Google, Yahoo).

Marketing tool.

Method of communication with others through chatting programs and e-mails.

E-mails mean sending and receiving messages through the Internet and the messages can include text, images, video files and sound files.

Entertainment tool (e.g. playing games, listening to music and watching films and video clips).

Information is available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.

Services: Many services are available through the Internet like shopping, hotel reservations and paying pills.

E-commerce: Doing business, selling and buying products and services through the Internet.

E-learning: Using the Internet for education.

Downloading software from the Internet.

Teleworking: Doing your work from home without any need to go to the office.

Intranet

It is an internal network in an organization and looks like Internet.

Extranet

It looks like Internet and it is used to share data between organizations. It also allows some access to users outside the organization.

Download and upload

Download means to transfer data from the Internet to the computer while upload means to transfer data from the computer to the Internet.

Examples:

Download programs, songs and games from the Internet to the computer.

Design a website then upload it from the computer to the Internet to be used by others.

Transfer rate

Data is transmitted in collections of bits or characters. The transmission speed of data is measured by the Baud rate which means how many bits can be transferred each second.

Bps: It means bits per second. 8 bits = 1 character.

Kbps: It means kilobits per second (i.e. 1000 bits per second). A 56.6Kbps modem means that the transmission speed of data is 56,600 bits per second. The modem (modulator/ demodulator) is a device that allows computers to transmit data over telephone lines, from digital signal to analog signals and vice verse).

Mbps It means megabits per second (i.e. 1,000,000 bits per second).

Internet connection services

Computers are connected to internet in many ways. Here are the types of connections:

Dialup connection:

It uses telephone lines to connect to the Internet.

A modem is used to dial a telephone number and connect to an Internet service Provider (ISP).

This type of connection is inexpensive compared to other connections.

The phone line is busy when the user uses the Internet, meaning the user cannot make or receive calls when he is online.

Data transfer through dial-up is slower than other connections.

Internet Service Providers (ISPs) are companies that allow the users to connect to the Internet.

Broadband connection: It allows faster transfer of information. This type of connection is available through cables, wireless networks, a phone line (ADSL), satellite, mobile phone.

Asynchronous Digital Subscriber Line (ADSL) broadband: It uses the telephone line system and a modem to link the computers to the Internet. Through ADSL, users can make calls and use the internet at the same time. ADSL connection is faster and expensive than dial-up connection.

Wireless broadband: It uses radio transmitters and receivers to connect computers. Many public areas and organizations provide this connection which is known as Wi-Fi. Nowadays this connection is used at home and supported by many phones.

Cable broadband: It uses the cabling infrastructure used for cable TV and a modem to link the computer to the Internet. The cable modem is connected to the computer by a local area network (LAN) card. Cable connection is faster than dial-up connection and the cost of it is similar to an ADSL connection.

Satellite broadband: It is a type of connection that requires a special satellite dish.

Activity (4-2)

Objectives:

Understanding the difference between internet and World Wide Web.

Identifying the advantages of the Internet.

Knowing some Internet terminologies.

Differentiating between dial up connection and broad band connection.

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1. Complete the following sentences

A collection of linked documents placed all over the world on computers is known as ………………..………….

The global network all over the world is known as ………………..………….

Google is an example of ………………..………….

The transmission speed of data over network is measured by ……………..………….

Examples of a web browser are ………………..…………. and ………………..………….

2. State the advantages of the internet.

3. Which one if faster, the ADSL connection or the dial up connection?

4. Which type of the broadband connection uses radio transmitters and receivers to connect computer?

Revision

This chapter provides detailed information about networks and these are the points that are explained in this chapter:

The meaning of networks and the advantages of using them.

Types of networks.

The meaning of client/server computers.

The difference between Internet and World Wide Web.

Advantages of the Internet.

Downloading and uploading.

Data transfer rate.

Internet connection services.

Now you are ready to know about Information and Communication Technology and the different internet services for customers. This will be explained in the next chapter.

Chapter 5

Information and Communication Technology (ICT)

Objectives:

After completing this chapter, you will be able to:

Define Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

Know the different Internet services for customers.

Understand the terms Electronic mail, Instant Messaging and Voice over Internet Protocol.

Information and Communication Technology

Information and Communications Technology (ICT) includes the technology of software, hardware and networking to process and communicate information.

Internet services

1. E-commerce

It means selling and buying products and services through the Internet. It is the abbreviation of electronic commerce. Online buyers use credit cards to buy goods and services.

Advantages of E-commerce:

There are no restrictions on shopping hours. Products and services are available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.

You don’t have to go to the shop; products are delivered to your home.

Wide range of alternatives.

Shopping across the world. You are not restricted by certain shopping area.

Disadvantages of E-commerce:

Not seeing or touching the product you are buying.

Defective or incorrect products can be a problem if they are from another country.

No interaction between the customer and the seller of the product to discuss it.

The credit card information may be stolen.

2. E-government

Many people look for information about services offered by government departments and make Internet payments for different services like income tax payments and car license, etc.

3. E-banking

Banks enable their customers to perform banking transactions through the Internet. They do not have to go to the bank to check their bank accounts and transfer funds.

Advantages of E-banking:

No banking hours.

Banking services are available 24 hours per day and 7 days per week.

Teleworking

It means using the Internet to work from any place such as from home or from another country without actually going to the office.

Advantages of Teleworking:

Flexible schedule.

Reduce commuting time between work and home.

Reduce company space requirements.

Focusing on one task.

Disadvantages of Teleworking:

Lack of human contact.

Less control over workers.

Less teamwork.

E-learning

It means using the internet for education. E-learning has many advantages and here are some of them:

Cost effectiveness.

Facilitate learning by using text, images, video and audio.

Flexible learning location and time.

Electronic Mail (E-mail)

It means sending and receiving messages through the Internet. The messages can include text, images, video and sound files.

Advantages of E-mail:

It is a fast and easy method for sending messages. The recipient receives the message in seconds and can reply immediately.

It is inexpensive mailing method.

Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP)

It is an internet service that users can use to communicate using voice with other users using speakers/headphone, a microphone and a VoIP program. It is like a telephone call. There is no additional charge for these voice calls because these happen through the same internet service used for e-mail and web browsing.

Instant Messaging (IM)

It is an internet service that users can use to communicate using text with other users using an instant messaging program. It is like a telephone call but users use text instead of voice.

A program called instant messenger can be used for chat or text communication. Users can also send images and documents through an instant messaging program.

Programs such as Skype, Yahoo Messenger and Windows MSN (Messenger) are used as VoIP and instant messengers and some users use the web cam during the IM or VoIP communications.

Activity (5-1)

Objectives:

Distinguishing between IM and VoIP.

Understanding the terms e-commerce, e-banking, e-mail and teleworking.

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1. Complete the following sentences

Instant messaging enables users to communicate with …..……………………… while Voice over internet protocol enables users to communicate with …………………………..

Users can send ………………………….., …..………………………, …..……………………… and ……………………… files in e-mails.

2. Mention two programs used as VoIP and Instant messenger.

3. Mention two advantages and two disadvantages of the e-commerce and the teleworking.

4. Mention how the internet can be useful in banking.

Revision

This chapter provides information about Information and Communication Technology and these are the points that are explained in this chapter:

The meaning of Information and Communication Technology.

E-commerce.

E-government.

E-banking.

E-learning.

Teleworking.

Voice over internet protocol.

Instant messaging.

Now you are ready to know about computer viruses and how to secure your computer and prevent data theft. This will be explained in the next chapter.