CHAPTER 6 (TYPES OF SOFTWARE AND OPERATING SYSTEM BASIC’S)

Ramla Sheikh
Department of Information Technology
University of Haripur
Software

In a computer system, the software is basically a set

of instructions or commands that tell a computer
what to do.
In other words, the software is a computer program
that provides a set of instructions to execute a user’s
commands and tell the computer what to do.

For example like MS-Word, MS-Excel, Browser,

Games etc
 Types Of Software

Types of
software

System Application
software Software

General
Operating Device Language Utility Customize
BIOS Purpose
System Driver Processor Software Software
Software
Operating System (OS)

An Operating System (OS) is a

software program that acts as an
intermediary between computer
hardware and the user.

It manages hardware resources,

provides common services for
computer programs, and ensures
efficient and secure operation of
the system.
Functions of Operating Systems

Provide a Manage
user hardware
interface devices

Organized
Run
file
programs
storage
Major Functions of Operating System are :

Device Manager Communicate

Memory Manager - Manage Interface Manager - Provide a
with hardware and the attached
different types of memories user interface
devices.

Program Manager - Provide a File Manager - Manage the

Task Manager - Enable users to
structure for accessing an files, folders and directory
manipulate programs and data
application systems on a computer

Security Manager - A smart OS

Network Manager - Provide also provides a minimal security
basic networking structure for to the computer system through
LAN and Internet authorization (user name) and
authentications (password
Types of Operating Systems

Real-time Very fast small OS

operating
system
Built into a device
Respond quickly to user input
MP3 players, Medical devices
Types of Operating Systems

One user Performs MS-DOS Take up Run on

works on one task at and Palm little space inexpensive
the system a time OS on disk computers

Single user/Single tasking OS

Types of Operating Systems

Single user/Multitasking OS
User
performs Most Windows Require
Tend to be
many common XP and OS expensive
complex
tasks at form of OS X computers
once
Types of Operating Systems

Many users connect to one

Each user has a unique session
computer

Multi
user/Multitasking OS

UNIX, Linux, and VMS Maintenance can be easy

Multiuser/Multi tasking OS
User Interface
User interface

It is the medium by which

user interact with any
software. This interface may Based on this User interface How a user interacts with a
Require different skill sets
by text based on graphical may be categorized as: computer
based or it may be touch
screen.

CUI (Character User GUI (Graphical User

Interface) Interface)
Providing a User Interface
Most common interface Windows, OS X, Gnome, KDE
Graphical
user Uses a mouse to control objects

interface Uses a desktop metaphor

(GUI) Shortcuts open programs or documents

Open documents have additional objects

Task switching

Dialog boxes allow directed input

Providing a User Interface

Command line interfaces

Older
User types User must
interface Included in
commands at remember all
• DOS, Linux, all GUIs
a prompt commands
UNIX
Command Line Interface
Basic input/output system (BIOS)

The BIOS is boot firmware, a small

The basic input/output system
program that controls various
(BIOS) is also commonly known as
electronic devices attached to the
the System BIOS.
main computer system.

The initial function of the BIOS is to

It is designed to be the first set of
initialize system devices such as the
instructions run by a Computer
RAM, hard disk, CD/DVD drive, video
when powered on.
display card, and other hardware.
Device Driver

A device driver is a system software that acts like an interface

between the Device and the user or the Operating System.

All computer accessories like Printer, Scanner, Web

Camera, etc. come with their own driver software.

These driver software help the operating system and other

application software to communicate with those devices for
optimal use
Language Processor
Computer understand only
binary language so it is very
difficult for the programmer to
write the entire program as a
bunch of 0 and 1.

High Level Languages which

used simple English like
statements to write the
application.

Common Language processors • Compiler

are :
• Interpreter
Utility Software

Utility software for efficient working of our Text Editor : for storing short notes,
computer and other task. Various utility message, coding. Examples are : Notepad,
software's available like Notepad++, WordPad

Compression : to compress i.e. reduce the

size of file to transfer file from one computer
To-Do task : to manage the.
to another. Examples are : WinZip, WinRAR,
jZIP etc.

Disk Defragmenter : Disk de-fragmentation

utility software speeds up the system by Anti-Virus : to protect our computer from
rearranging such fragmented files stored on a threats like Virus, worm, Trojan horse,
disk in contiguous locations in order to banking frauds etc.
optimize the system performance.
Customized software

These are tailored software i.e. it is created as per the need

of the customer for their specific requirement like –
• For maintaining school operation,
• Restaurant management,
• Banking,
• Hotel,
• Hospital management etc.
General Purpose software

These are the common software used Word Processing : for creating
by everyone in the world. Examples document, letters, applications.
are: Example : MS-Word, Writer etc

Presentation : for creating

Spreadsheet : for storing data in
personal of professional
tabular form, performing simple
presentation in attractive and
calculation, visualization etc.
interactive way. Examples: MS-
Examples : MS-Excel, calc.
PowerPoint, Impress

Database : to store huge amount of

data and also perform queries on
stored data. Examples: Oracle,
MySQL, etc