Structure of the Lesson
13.1 Learning Objectives
13.2 Introduction to
Application Software
13.3 Types of Application
Software
13.3.1 Spreadsheet
13.3.2 Data Management
13.3.3 Word Processing
13.3.4 WYSIWYG
13.3.5 Desktop publishing
13.3.6 Graphics
13.3.7 Communications
13.3.8 Speech-recognition
software
13.3.9 Accounting software
13.3.10 Media player
13.4 Web Applications
13.5 Web Based Software
13.5.1 Web-based software is
better than your regular software
13.6 Web Server
13.7 Groupware
13.8 Software Suites
13.9 Summary
13.10 Glossary
13.11 Suggested Answer to SAQ
13.12 References/Bibliography
13.13 Suggested readings
13.13 Model Questions
13.1 Objectives
Software
is the oxygen for computer system. Without software computer system is like
dead hardware. We have categories software as system software and application
software. This chapter will provide the detailed information about the
application software available in market. As name suggest, application software
are developed for particular applications like typing printing and processing
words, Finical worksheets, to manage banking transactions etc.
13.2 Introduction
An Application
Software is a computer program or set of instructions which are developed and
designed to help the user in performing a specific task. Different application
software performs different function in several ways. Application software can
help to manipulate text, numbers, symbols, graphics, or a combination of these
elements. Some type of application suites offer various ways by focusing on a
single task, such as word processor or others, called integrated or
collaborative software, offer somewhat less power but include various
applications. Software written by the user guides the systems to meet the
user's specific requirements. Software that is user-written includes
spreadsheet templates, text processing software, scientific simulations, and
graphics software and animation scripts. Even email filters which are used on
Mail Servers are a kind of user software.
Application
software consists of instructions that guide a computer system to perform
specific information processing activities and that provide extended functionality
for users. Because there are so many different uses and applications for
computer systems, there are a large number of different application software
programs or packages available in the market.
13.3 Types of Application
Software
Application software includes Specific application software and
contracted Application software. A Special and Specific Application software
addresses a specific or unique business need for an individual company. This
type of software may be developed in-house by the organization’s information
systems and other systems personnel or it may be commissioned from a software Seller.
Such specific software programs developed for a particular company vendor are called
contract software which are built according to the company’s requirement and
are vary from company to company.
Alternatively, the other application software can be purchased,
leased, or rented from a vendor for the certain time period that develops
programs and sells them to many organizations and large companies too
The word package is a commonly used term for a computer program
(or group of programs) that has been developed by a developer and is available
for purchase in a prepackaged form.
Types
of Personal Application Software
This type of software consists of widely used packages:
spreadsheets software , data management programs or software , word processing,
text editors, desktop publishing applications, graphics software, multimedia
specific software, communications supportive, speech-recognition software, and
groupware. Software suites combine some of these packages and integrate their
functions which are dependent on other modules present in other software kits.
Personal application software is designed to help individual users increase
their productivity.
13.3.1
Spreadsheet
Spread
sheet software is commonly used software. For using this software, users can
enter numeric or textual data into each grid location, called a cell. In
addition, we can enter the formula for picking the text values entered by the
user. With spreadsheets, we can also develop and use macros, which are
sequences of commands that can be executed with just one simple instruction
written according to the definite format. Computer spreadsheet packages are
more beneficial for financial information, such as in-come statements or cash
flow analysis and other finance related calculations. They are also used for forecasting sales,
analyzing insurance programs, summarizing income tax data, and analyzing
investments.
Spreadsheet packages such as
Microsoft’s Excel and Lotus 1-2-3
are thought of primarily as spreadsheets, they also offer data management and
graphical capabilities.
13.3.2
Data Management
Data
management software supports the Management of the stored data. It helps in storage,
access, retrieval, and manipulation of related data facts and figures entered
by the user according to his/her needs.
There are two basic types of data
management software:
Simple
filing programs follow the traditional procedures, manual data-filing
techniques, and database management programs that take advantage of a
computer’s extremely fast and accurate ability. File-based management software
is typically very simple to use and is often very fast, but it offers limited
flexibility in how the data can be searched. Database management software like
MS ACCESS, SQL SERVER, MYSQL, ORACLE do the same in a proper and easy way. The
Data Manipulation done with the Help of DBMS takes much lesser time as compared
to filing system.
Microsoft’s
Access is an example of popular database management software.
13.3.3
Word Processing
Word
processing software allows the client or user to manipulate whole text rather
than just numbers. Modern word processors like MICROSOFT WORD contain many
productive writing and editing features. A fully word processing software
package consists of an integrated and collaborative set of programs including
an editor program which edits the Text, a formatting program to format the text,
a print program helps to take the preview and Hard copy of the text, a
dictionary for synonyms and antonyms for the English words, a thesaurus, a
grammar checker, a mailing list program like mail merge option, and integrated
graphics, charting, and drawing programs and so on.
13.3.4
WYSIWYG
(What
You See Is What You Get, pronounced “wiz-e-wig”) word processors has the added
advantage of displaying the text material on the screen exactly- or almost exactly-
as it will seem on the final printed page the user gets after clicking the
print option. With the help of this function the user can get rid of the
unwanted matter on the paper after clicking on print preview option present in
the Word Processor.
13.3.5
Desktop publishing
Desktop
publishing software is widely used software now days. In the past, newsletters,
announcements, advertising copy, and other specialized documents had to be written
by the hand and then typeset. Desktop software allows computers to perform
these tasks directly easily and efficiently. Pictures block diagrams, and other
graphics can be combined with text matter, including several different fonts
with a lot of options regarding texts, to produce a complete and ready
document.
13.3.6
Graphics
“Graphics
software is the backbone of Multimedia Industry”
Graphics
software allows the user or client to
create, store, and display or print charts, graphs, maps, and drawings.
There are three basic categories of graphics
software packages:
o
Presentation Graphics
o
Analysis Graphics
o
Computer-Aided Design Software.(CAD)
Presentation
graphics software allows users to create graphically rich presentations.
Many suites and packages have wide libraries
and classes of clip art—pictures that can be “clipped out” and “pasted” into
the final image. One of the most widely used presentation graphics programs is
Microsoft’s PowerPoint. Analysis graphics applications additionally provide the
ability to convert analyzed data—for example statistical data—into graphical
formats like pie charts, line charts, bar charts, and scatter diagrams. Both
presentation graphics and analysis graphics played a vital role in preparing
graphic displays for business and organization presentations, from sales evaluation
to marketing research.
MS Paint
Paint (formerly Paintbrush for Windows) is a simple and basic graphics
painting program that has been included with all versions of Microsoft Windows. It is often known as MS Paint or Microsoft
Paint. This program opens and saves files as Windows bitmap (24-bit, 256 color,
16 color, and monochrome, all with the .bmp extension), JPEG, GIF , PNG
(without alpha channel), and TIFF (without multiple page
support).
Computer-aided
design (CAD)
Software
used for designing and manufacturing, allows the designers to design and
“build” production structures and prototypes in software, test them as a
computer object under given parameters and under some specific conditions
(sometimes called computer-aided engineering, or CAE), compile and assemble parts and quantity lists, outline production
and assembly procedures, and then forward the final design directly to manufacturing machines.
Manufacturers
of all types are finding uses for CAD software.
Computer-aided
Manufacturing (CAM )
Software
requires digital designs output, for example from a CAD system, to directly and
efficiently control production systems and machinery also. Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM)
software is embedded within each automated production machine to develop or produce
a product. Overall, a well, finite design from CAD software is used by CAM software to guide individual CIM programs in
individual machines
Multimedia
Multimedia
software collaborate at least two media for input or output of data. These
media include audio (sound), voice, animation, video, text, graphics, and
images. Multimedia can also be thought of as the combination of spatial -based
media (text and images) with time -based
media (sound and video)
13.3.7
Communications
Computers
are often interconnected in order to share or relate information. To exchange
information, computers take help from the communications software. These
software allows computers, whether they are connected and placed close to each
other or far apart, to exchange data either over public cables, telephone
lines, or dedicated lines or via direct satellite relay systems, or microwave
circuits. When communications software exists in both the sending and receiving
channels or systems, they are able to establish links, code and decode data transmissions,
verify errors present in the code transmitting (and correct them automatically),
and check for and handle transmission and conflicting transmission priorities.
13.3.8
Speech-recognition software
Two
categories of speech-recognition software are available today: discrete speech
and continuous speech.
Discrete
speech recognition can interpret only a single word at a time, so users must
place finite pauses between the words they spoke. This type of voice
recognition can be used to control PC or system software (by using words such
as “execute” or “print”). Like shutdown, restart, sleep commands
Software
for continuous speech recognition can take a continuing stream of words and interpret it .
The software must understand the context of a word to determine its correct spelling,
and be able to overcome accents and interpret words very quickly.
Many
firms and people use speech-recognition software when use of a mouse and a
keyboard is unable to perform actions. For example, such software can provide
an excellent alternative for users with disabilities.
Advantages
• Allows user to operate a computer by
speaking to it;
• Free up cognitive working space;
• Allows dictation of text, commands;
• Eliminates handwriting, spelling
problems;
•
Always spells correctly (doesn't always recognize words
correctly)
13.3.9
Accounting software
Accounting
software is an Application Software that
manipulate accounting transactions within all the functional modules such as accounts
payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and trial balance. The main example of accounting
software is Accounting Information System (AIS). It varies greatly in its
complexity and cost.
13.3.10
Media player
Media
player is a software mainly used as a computer software for playing back multimedia files. While there are a lot of media players which play both
audio and video, others focus only on one media type or the other. Such players
are known as either audio players or video players and often designed to
support only one or two media types
Media
players often display icons known from physical devices such as tape recorders
and CD players. Examples of these icons are
(play),
(pause), and
(stop).
13.4 Web Applications
An
application in which all or some parts of the software are downloaded from the
Web each time it is run. It may refer to user agent like browser-based apps
that run within the user's Web browser.
A) Browser Based
In
a browser-based Web application, browser compatible instructions are contained
within the Web page that is retrieved from a Web site. Combined with the HTML
code that helps in the visual layout, the HTML and browser supported Script on
the Web page are executed via the browser. Alternatively, the Web page may
cause the browser to launch a Java enabled graphical component called applet.
B) Client Based
A
client program, which is either installed in the client’s computer or mobile
device or is downloaded , interacts with a server on the Web using standard Web
rules called protocols. This is same as to the "client/server" architecture
that was used in companies and large organizations
before the Internet was discovered,
except that today the server is often on the Internet rather than the local network.
13.5 Web Based Software
Web-based
software is software which runs directly on the web through a user agent called
web browser. For this the user need not to install any App or download any software, or worry about
upgrades. If you use an Web Application like online bank or web-based email
program like Google mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo Mail then you’ve already used
web-based software before.
13.5.1 Web-based software is better than regular software
a) why
is it better for business?
When
you use web-based software you don’t have to pay attention regarding technical
aspects — you can just do your work. Web itself handles all the security
features and uptime and backups and
upgrades
b) Web-based
software is safer
With
traditional software, employees save data on their laptops, USB drives, or
portable hard drives. It’s not as safe . Laptops can be stolen, computers are
backed up properly, and it’s unlikely everyone’s machines are up to date with
the latest security patches and updates. When you use web-based software, your data is stored on highly secured,
updated, backed-up class servers
C) Your
data is automatically backed up daily
With the help of Backed Up…You
Don’t take worry about Data Lost or stolen as your important data have the automatically
back up on the Web after a certain time span.
d) You’re
always using the latest and greatest
Unlike
traditional software that requires you to download and install updates
yourself, web products are updated automatically. Whenever you use any products
you’re always using the latest and greatest version.
e)
There’s nothing to install, ever
With
our software theirs is no need to download or install. You have to Just log in
with the web-browser which you already have (Internet Explorer, Safari, or
Firefox). It’s just like your online bank or web-based email program.
f) You’ll
never have to ask “Is it compatible?
Software
used to only be available for certain platforms. There was Windows software,
Mac software, etc. Web software works on any platform with a web browser and
internet connection. Mac, Windows, Linux are all supported.
13.6 Web Server
The
term web server can refer to the software which is used to access the data to
the client via Web. The most common use of web servers is to host websites, Web
Applications or Web Sites which handle all the client’s requests.
The
primary function of a web server is to handle the communication between the
Clients and the server itself. The communication between client and server
takes place using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP).
A
user agent, commonly a web browser or web crawler, initiates communication by
making a request for a specific resource using HTTP and the server sends the service like messages
sending Acknowledgment to the clients .The client then sends the Data to the
server and at last server responds against that data. This feature is used for
submitting web forms, including uploading of files. Many generic web servers
also support server-side scripting using Active Server Pages (ASP), PHP, or
other scripting languages.
Web
servers are not always used for serving the World Wide Web. They can also be
used to support Resources like Printers , Proxy Servers interconnected in the
Network. The web server Has also help to check or monitor the Performance of
the Network. . This usually means that no need to install additional software
on the client computer since only a web browser is required (which now is
included with most operating systems).
Simulation
software
Simulation
software is based on the process of modeling or designing a real process with a
set of mathematical formulas or Concepts of Mathematics. It is, essentially, a program
that allows the user to observe an operation through simulation without
actually performing that operation. Simulation software is used widely to design
an Environment so that we can conclude our result on the same software that will
required the same platform as it required.
13.7 Groupware
Groupware
is a class or collaboration of software products or elements that helps in communication,
coordination, and collaboration among several types of people. Groupware is
important because it allows workgroups—people who need to interact with one
another within an organization or outside the company—to communicate and share
information, even when they are working together at a distance. Groupware can provide many benefits to businesses,
including more efficient and effective project management, location independence,
increased communications capability either on same or different channels,
increased information availability, or improved workflow. Groupware comes in
many varieties.
The
most elaborate system, IBM’s Lotus Notes/Domino, is a document-management
system, DMS a distributed client/server data-base, and a basis for intranet and
electronic commerce systems, as well as a communication support tool. This class of groupware Supports real-time
communications with asynchronous electronic connections (e.g., electronic mail
and other forms of messaging).
Thanks
to electronic networks, e-mail, and shared discussion databases, group members
can communicate, access data, and exchange or update data at any time and from
any place. Group members might store all their official memos, formal reports,
and informal conversations related to particular projects in a shared, online
data store, such as a database. Then, as individual members need to check on
the contents, they can access the shared database to find the information they
need. Other groupware approaches focus on workflow, enhanced electronic mail
(e.g., list serve), calendaring and scheduling, electronic meeting support, and
video conferencing. Microsoft’s Exchange is primarily an electronic messaging
server that incorporates groupware functionality for sharing information. It
provides e-mail and supports work-group activities with additional features
such as interactive scheduling, built-in access to shared bulletin boards,
forms design, and access to publicly shared folders on computer networks. It
also offers built-in connectivity to the Internet or corporate intranets. Other
leading groupware products provide functionality similar to Microsoft Exchange.
These products include Netscape’s Suite Spot Servers, Novell’s GroupWise, and
Oracle’s Inter Office.
13.8 Software Suites
Software
suites are collections of application software packages that integrate some or
all of the nine functions of the packages described in this section. Software
suites can include word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems,
graphics pro-grams, communications tools, and other applications. Microsoft
Office, Novell Perfect Office, and Lotus SmartSuite are widely used software
suites for PCs. Each of these suites
includes a spreadsheet program, word processor, database program, and graphics
package with the ability to move documents, data, and diagrams among them. Surprisingly,
there are even more types of personal application software that may be of
interest to business people.
13.9 SUMMARY
Proprietary
software can be developed in-house to address the specific needs of an organization.
Existing software programs can be purchased off the shelf from vendors that
sell programs to many organizations and individuals. Or a combination of these
two methods can be used, by purchasing off-the-shelf programs and customizing
them for an organization’s specific needs. The major types of application
software are spreadsheet, data management, word processing, desktop publishing,
graphics, multimedia, communications, speech recognition, and groupware.
Software suites combine several types of application software (e.g., word
processing, spreadsheet, and data management) into an integrated package. Software and programming languages continue to
become more user oriented. Programming languages have evolved from the first
generation of machine languages that is directly understandable to the CPU to
higher levels that use more natural language and that do not require users to
specify the detailed procedures for achieving desired results.
This
trend ensures that end users and the information systems staff will become more
productive. In addition, software is becoming much more complex, expensive, and
time consuming to develop. As a result,
the trend is toward purchasing off-the-shelf software, often in the form of
components, rather than developing it in-house. In the future, organizations
will tend to buy component-based software modules to reduce costs and
development time. Organizations want packaged applications that support
integration between functional modules (i.e., human resources, operations,
marketing, finance, accounting, etc.), that can be quickly changed or enhanced,
and that present a common graphical look and feel. In addition, organizations
want individual components software modules that can be combined as necessary
to meet changing business needs. Enterprise
13.10 Glossary
ADT Abstract
data type
WMF Microsoft
Windows Metafile
BMP Bitmap
CSS Cascading
Style Sheets
RTF Rich
Text Format
WPG WordPerfect
Graphics Metafile
13.11 Suggested answers to
SAQ
Question:
What is Application software?
Application
software consists of instructions that direct a computer system to perform
specific information processing activities and that provide functionality for
users. Because there are so many different uses for computers, there are a correspondingly
large number of different application software programs available.
Question: Write about Word processing software?
Word
processing software allows the user to manipulate text rather than just
numbers. Modern word processors contain many productive writing and editing
features. A typical word processing software package consists of an integrated
set of programs including an editor program, a formatting program, a print
program, a dictionary etc
Question: What is WYSIWYG?
WYSIWYG
(an acronym for What You See Is What You Get, pronounced “wiz-e-wig”) word
processors have the added advantage of displaying the text material on the
screen exactly or almost exactly
Question: Write about Speech-recognition software?
Two
categories of speech-recognition software are available today: discrete speech
and continuous speech. Discrete speech recognition can interpret only one word
at a time, so users must place distinct pauses between words. This type of
voice recognition can be used to control PC software (by using words such as
“execute” or “print”). But it is inadequate for dictating a memo, be-cause
users find it difficult to speak with measurable pauses between every word and
still maintain trains of thought. Software for continuous speech recognition
can interpret a continuing stream of words.
Question: Write about Desktop publishing software?
Desktop
publishing software represents a level of sophistication beyond regular word
processing. In the past, newsletters, announcements, advertising copy, and
other specialized documents had to be laid out by hand and then typeset.
Question: Explain the use of Computer-aided design
(CAD) software?
CAD
is used for designing items for manufacturing, allows designers to design and
“build” production prototypes in software, test them as a computer object under
given parameters (sometimes called computer-aided engineering, or CAE), compile
parts and quantity lists etc
Question: Explain theuse of Computer-aided
manufacturing software (CAM )?
CAM
Software uses digital design output, such as that from a CAD system, to
directly control production machinery.
Computer-integrated manufacturing (CIM) software is embedded within each
automated production machine to produce a product.
Question: what is Groupware?
Groupware
is a class of software products that facilitate communication, coordination,
and collaboration among people. Groupware is important because it allows
workgroups people who need to interact with one another within an organization to
communicate and share information, even when they are working together at a
distance.
13.12
References/Bibliography
·
http://www.pcmag.com/encyclopedia/term/54272/web-application
·
https://37signals.com/webbased
·
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Accounting_software
·
http://www.webopedia.com/DidYouKnow/Hardware_Software/types_of_software.asp
13.13
Suggested Readings
·
Computer
Application Softwares by TATA Mcgrawhill
·
www.tutorialspoint.com/computer_fundamentals/computer_software.htm
·
http://prepare.icttrends.com/m/gold/text-books/text-book-for-fundamentals-of-computer/computer-software/
13.13
Model Questions
·
What
is Application Software?
·
Explain the Term Personal Application Software
·
What
are the types of Application Software?
·
What
Is Speech Recognition Software?
·
Explain
the Term Groupware
Structure of the Lesson
14.1 Learning Objectives
14.2 Introduction to Software
14.3 System Software
14.3.1 System Control Programs
14.3.7 The graphical user interface
14.4 Common Operating System Tasks
14.5 Types Of Operating Systems
14.5.1 Process Management
14.5.2 Time Sharing OS
14.5.3 Multiprocessing
14.5.4 Virtual Memory
14.3.6 Fault Tolerance
14.6 System Support Programs
14.7 System Security Monitors
14.8 Programming Languages
14.9 Summary
14.10 Glossary
14.11 Suggested Answers to SAQ
14.12 References/Bibliography
14.13 Suggested Readings
14.14 Model Questions
14.1 Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, you will be able to
distinguish between the term software and system software. You will also
understand the importance of system software and the various task handled by
the system software. You shall also know about the various types of operating
system and the use of programming languages.
14.2 Introduction
Software consists of
computer programs, which are sequences of instructions for the computer. The
process of writing (or coding) programs is called programming, and those who
perform this task are called programmers. The computer can’t do anything until
it is instructed by software. Although computer hardware is, by design, general
purpose, platform which enables the user to instruct a computer system to
perform various functions that fulfill the needs of the human being. Software
is a collection of programs or sequence of instructions given for changing the
state of the computer hardware in a certain manner.
14.3 System Software
Systems software is the
class of programs that control and support the computer system and its
information-processing activities. Systems software also facilitates the programming,
testing, and debugging of computer programs. It is much more powerful or
efficient as compared to application programs
and is usually independent of any type of necessary applications.
Systems software
programs helps to support application software which runs on it by the user
directions. For example, when the computer is turned on, the initialization
system program (an Operating systems program) prepares and readies all devices
for processing.
14.3.1 System Control Programs
System control programs
helps to control the activities of the hardware, software, and various data
re-sources of a computer system. The main system control program is the
operating system. The operating system checks the overall operation of the
computer, including monitoring or checks the computer’s status and scheduling
operations, which include the input and output processes. In addition, the
operating system allocates CPU the required time and main memory for programs running on the computer, and it also
to provides an interface between the user and the hardware. This interface or medium
hides the various complexities of the hardware from the user. That is, you do
not have to know how the hardware actually operates, just what the hardware
will do and what you need to do to obtain desired results. Specifically, the
operating system provides various services that include security, fault tolerance,
virtual memory, process management, file management, and the user interface.
14.3.2 Process management
Process management means
managing or supervising the program or programs (also called jobs) running on the
hardware (processor) at a given time. In the simplest case, (a desktop
operating system), the operating system loads various programs into main memory
and executes it. The program also utilizes the computer’s resources. Some
operating systems offer more forms of process management, such as
multiprocessing, multitasking and multithreading,. The management of two or
more tasks, or programs, running on the computer system at the same time is
called multitasking, or multiprogramming. Because switching among these
programs occurs so rapidly, they appear to be executing at the same time. The multitasking
program is executed until an interruption occurs, such as a request for input.
While the input request is handled, the execution of a needed program begins.
However, because there is only one processor, only one program is actually in
execution mode at any one time. Multithreading is another form of multitasking
that focuses on running various tasks within a single application
simultaneously. For example, a text editor like word processor application program
may edit one document while another document is being spell-checked or grammar
identified.
14.3.3 Time-sharing
In this mode, a number of
users operate online with the same CPU, but each uses a different input/output terminal.
Time-sharing is an extension of multiprogramming. The programs of the users are
placed into basic partitions in primary storage like RAM. Execution of these
programs rotates among all users who run the system, occurring so rapidly that
it appears to each user as though he or she were the only one single user using
the computer.
14.3.4 Multiprocessing
Multiprocessing is the
running of various processes and it occurs when a computer system with two or
more processors can run more than one program, or thread, at a given time by
assigning them to different processors. Multiprocessing needs the multiple
processing with multiple CPUs present in the system, whereas multiprogramming
results into concurrent or simultaneous processing with one CPU.
14.3.5 Virtual Memory
Virtual memory
distributes the whole application program or a module into fixed-length
portions called pages. Virtual memory creates more main memory than actually
exists in the computer system. It allows a program to behave as if it had
access to the full storage capacity of a computer, rather than just access to
the amount of primary storage installed on the computer. The system executes
some pages of instructions while pulling others from secondary storage. In
effect, primary storage is extended into a secondary storage device, allowing
users to write programs as if primary storage were larger than it actually is.
This enlarged capability boosts the speed of the computer and allows it to
efficiently run programs with very large numbers of instructions.
14.3.6 Fault Tolerance
Fault tolerance is the
ability of a system to reproduce corrected results and to continue to operate
even in the presence of faults or errors. Fault tolerance can involve
error-correcting memory, redundant computer components, and related software
that pro-tect the system from hardware, operating system, or user errors.
Although operating systems perform some of their functions automatically, for
certain tasks the user interacts directly with the computer through the systems
software. Older command line interfaces like DOS ( disk operating system)
required typing in complex commands. In an effort to make computers more
user-friendly, the graphical user interface was developed.
14.3.7 The graphical user interface
The graphical user
interface (GUI) allows users to have direct control of graphical elements and
actions that replace complex commands. The GUI was developed by researchers at
Xerox PARC (Palo Alto
Research Center
The next generation of
GUI technology will incorporate features such as virtual reality, head-mounted
displays sound and animation, artificial intelligence, multimedia, cellular/wireless
communication capabilities and speech, pen and gesture recognition,. The next
step in the evolution of GUIs is social interfaces. A social interface is a user
interface that guides the user through computer applications by using cartoon
like characters, animation, graphics, and various voice commands. The cartoon like
characters can be cast as guides, avatars, puppets, narrators, (computer-generated
humanlike figures), or hosts.
14.4 Common Operating Systems Tasks
• Monitoring performance
• Formatting diskettes
• Correcting errors
• Controlling the
computer monitor
• Providing and
maintaining the user interface
• Sending jobs to the printer
• Starting (“booting”)
the computer
• Maintaining security
and limiting access
• Reading
• Locating files
• Managing memory
allocation to those programs
• Detecting viruses
• Placing files and
programs in secondary storage
• Compressing data
14.5 Types of operating systems
As previously discussed,
operating systems are necessary in order for computer hardware to
function. Operating environments
features that enable system developers to create applications without directly
accessing the operating system function only with an operating system. That is,
operating environments are not operating systems, but work only with an
operating system.
Operating systems (OSs
Desktop operating
programs or systems are designed to support a single user or a small workgroup
of various users. Departmental server operating systems typically support from
a few dozen to a few more users. Enterprise
Various Supercomputer
and enterprise server operating systems support the greatest functionality,
followed by departmental server operating systems, EEM operating systems. and
finally desktop operating systems, An important exception is the user interface,
which is most leads on desktop operating systems and least compatible on
supercomputer and enterprise server operating systems and other Mobile device
operating systems. These operating systems are designed for a variety of
devices, such as set-top boxes, subnotebook PCs, mobile telephones, and
factory-floor equipment handheld computers. The mobile device operating system
market includes Microsoft’s Windows CE embedded Linux and Pocket PC, Palm OS
and Windows Embedded NT 4.0.
Here is
some information about mobile de-vice operating systems:
·
Embedded Linux
This is a compact form of Linux used in mobile devices?
Both IBM and Motorola are developing Embedded Linux for mobile devices.
·
Windows CE
A 32-bit operating system
is Microsoft’s information appliance operating system. Windows CE includes
scaled-down versions (known as pocket versions) of Microsoft Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer.
·
Pocket PC
Pocket PC is a version of Windows CE 3.0
specifically designed for personal digital assistants and handheld computers.
·
Windows Embedded NT 4.0
A 32-bit operating system,
is aimed at embedded devices that require more operating system capabilities
and flexibility than Windows CE can offer.
·
The Palm operating system
The Palm operating
system was developed by Palm for its Palm Pilot handheld, pen-input PDAs. Palm
OS includes a graphical user interface, and users must learn a stylized
alphabet, called Graffiti, to make the device receive handwritten input.
·
Desktop and notebook
computer operating systems.
The Windows family is
the leading series of desktop operating systems. The MS-DOS (Microsoft Disk
Operating System) was one of the original operating systems for the IBM PC and
various similar platforms. This 16-bit operating system, with both GUI and its
text-based interface, has now been almost totally re-placed by GUI operating
systems such as Windows 2000 and Windows XP. Windows1.0 through Windows
3.1(successive versions) was not operating systems, but was operating
environments that provided the GUI that operated with, and extended the
functionalities of, MS-DOS.
·
Windows 95
Windows 95 released in
1995, was the first of a series of products in the Windows operating system
that provided a Graphical interface by using icons to provide instant access to
common tasks. Windows 95 is a 32-bit operating system that features,
networking, multi-tasking, multithreading and Internet collaborative
capabilities, including the ability to integrating e-mail, and scheduling programs.
Windows 95 also support plug-and-play capabilities. Plug-and-play is a feature that automatically
install of new hardware by enabling the operating system to recognize new
hardware and install the required software (called drivers) automatically.
Subsequent products in
the Microsoft Windows operating system are:
·
Windows 98
Windows 98 was not a
major upgrade to Windows 95, but did offer minor refinements, bug fixes, and
enhancements to Windows 95.
·
Windows Millennium Edition
(Windows ME)
Windows ME is a major
update to Windows 95, offering improvements for home computing in the areas of
PC reliability, digital media, home networking, and the online experience.
·
Windows NT
Windows NT is an
operating system for high-end desktops, workstations, and servers. It provides
the same GUI as Windows 95 and 98, and has more powerful and memory-management
multiprocessing, multitasking, capabilities. Windows NT supports software
written especially for DOS and Windows platform, and it provides extremely
computing power for new applications with large memory and file requirements.
It is also designed for easy and reliable connection with networks and other
computing machinery, and is proving popular in networked systems in business
organizations.
·
Windows 2000
Windows 2000 is a
renamed version of Windows NT 5.0. This operating system has added security
features, will run on multiple-processor computers, and offers added Internet
and intranet functionality.
·
Windows XP
Windows XP is the first
upgrade to Windows 2000 and has three versions.
·
32-bitconsumer version,
·
32-bit business version
·
64-bit business version.
Windows XP is the first
version of Windows to support Microsoft’s .NET platform
Following Windows XP,
Microsoft will release its first fully .NET-enabled Windows operating system,
code-named BLACKCOMB. Blackcomb will feature natural inter-faces, including
speech recognition and handwriting supporting capabilities.
·
UNIX
UNIX provides many
extreme desktop features, including multiprocessing and multitasking. UNIX is
valuable to business organizations because it can be used on many different
sizes of computers (or different platforms), can support many different
hardware devices (e.g., printers, plotters, etc.), and has number of
applications written to run on it. UNIX has many different versions. Most UNIX
users are focusing their development efforts on servers as compared to
desktops, and are promoting Linux for use on the desktop.
·
Linux
Linux is a powerful
distribution of the UNIX operating system that is completely free of cost. It generally
offers multitasking, virtual memory management, and TCP/IP networking. Linux
was originally written by LINUS TORVALDS at the University of Helsinki Finland
·
The Macintosh operating
system X (ten) (Mac OS X)
The Macintosh operating system
for Apple Macintosh micro computers is a 32-bit operating system that supports
Internet integration, virtual memory management, and AppleTalk networking. Mac
OS X features a new Aqua user interface, advanced graphics, virtual memory
management, and multitasking.
·
IBM’s OS/2
IBM’s OS/2 is a 32-bit operating system that supports
multitasking, accommodates larger applications, allows applications to be run
simultaneously, and supports networked multimedia and pen-computing
applications.
·
Sun’s Java operating
system (Java OS)
Java OS executes programs
written in the Java language without the need for a traditional operating
sys-tem. It is designed for Internet and intranet applications and embedded
devices. Java OS is designed for handheld products and thin-client computing.
·
Departmental server Operating
Systems
The major departmental
server operating systems include UNIX, Linux, Windows 2000, Windows XP, and
Novell NetWare. Al-though some of these are also desktop operating systems, all
can serve as departmental server operating systems because of their strong
scalability, reliability, backup, security, fault tolerance, multitasking,
multiprocessing, TCP/IP networking (Internet integration), network management,
and directory services.
·
Enterprise server Operating
Systems
·
IBM’s z/Architecture
(z/OS)
A new 64-bit mainframe operating system,
replaces all previous mainframe operating systems. The first system implementing
the new architecture is the e Server z Series 900.
·
Supercomputer operating
systems
Supercomputer operating
systems target the supercomputer hardware market. Examples of these systems
include the Cray Unicosand IBM’s AIX (both types of UNIX). These two operating
systems manage highly parallel multiprocessor and multiuser environments.
14.6 System Support Programs
The second major type of
systems software, system support programs, which supports the operations,
management and clients of a computer system by providing a wide variety of support
services. Examples of system programs are utility programs, performance monitoring
programs, and security check monitors.
System utilities are
programs that written to fulfill common
tasks such as sorting records, checking the integrity of diskettes (i.e.,
amount of storage available and existence of any damage), and creating
directories and subdirectories. They also restore accidentally erased files,
locate files within the directory structure, manage memory usage, and redirect
output.
System performance monitors
are programs that check the execution of jobs running on a whole computer
system. They supervise the computer system performance and produce reports
containing detailed information relating to the use of system resources, such
as processor time, memory storage, I/O devices, and system and application programs.
These reports are used for planning and control the best use of the computer system
resources and to help in troubleshooting the system in case of problems.
14.7 System Security Monitors
System security monitors
are the programs that check the usage of a computer system to protect it and
its resources from unauthorized access, unwanted fraud, or destruction. Such
pro-grams provide the computer security required to allow only verified users for
accessing to the system. Security
monitors also control use of the hardware, software, and data resources of a
computer system. Finally, these programs monitor use of the computer and
collect detailed information regarding attempts at improper use.
14.8 Programming Languages
Programming languages
provide the basic building blocks for all systems and application software.
Programming languages allow people to tell computers what to do and what are
the means by which whole systems are developed.
A) Machine Language
Machine language is the
low-level computer language, consisting of the internal representation of
instructions and data. This machine code—the actual instructions written in
binary language understood and directly run by the CPU(Central Processing Unit)—is
composed of binary digits(0 and 1). Machine language is the only programming
language that only the machine Can understands. Therefore, machine language is
considered the first-Generation language.
B) Assembly Language
An assembly language is
the next level up from machine language. It is still considered a lower-level
language but is more user-friendly because it represents machine-language
instructions and data locations in primary storage by using mnemonic codes , or memory aids, which people
can more easily use. Assembly languages are considered as second-generation languages.
Compared to machine
language, assembly language eases the job of the program-mer considerably.
However, each statement in an assembly language must still be translated into a
single statement in machine language, and assembly languages are still hardware
dependent. Translating an assembly language program into machine language is
accomplished by a systems software program called an assembler.
C) Procedural Languages
Procedural languages are
the next step in the evolution of user-oriented programming languages. They are
also called third-generation languages , or 3GLs. Procedural languages are much
closer to natural language (communication
language) and therefore are easier to write, read, and change. Moreover, one
statement in a procedural language is translated into a number of machine
language instructions, thereby making programming more efficient and productive.
In general, procedural languages are more like natural language than assembly
languages are, and they use common words rather than abbreviated mnemonics.
Because of this, procedural languages are considered the first level of higher-level
languages.
Procedural languages require
the programmer to specify, step by step, exactly how the computer must
accomplish a task. A procedural language is oriented toward how a result is to
be produced because computers understand only machine language (i.e., 0s and
1s), higher-level languages must be translated into machine language prior to
execution.
A language translator
converts the high-level program, called source code, into machine language
code, called object code.
There are two types of language
translators—interpreters and compilers.
The translation of a
high-level language program to object code is accomplished by a software
program called a compiler, which translates the entire program at once.
In contrast, an
interpreter is a compiler that translates and executes one source pro-gram
statement at a time. Because this translation is done one statement at a time,
interpreters tend to be simpler than compilers. This simplicity allows for more
extensive debugging and diagnostic aids to be available on interpreters.
D) Nonprocedural Languages
Another type of
high-level language, called nonprocedural languages, allows the user to specify
the desired result without having to specify the detailed procedures needed for
achieving the result. These languages are fourth-generation languages (4GLs). An
advantage of nonprocedural languages is that they can be used by nontechnical
users to carry out specific functional tasks. These languages greatly simplify
and accelerate the programming process, as well as reduce the number of coding
errors. The 4GLs are common in database applications as query languages, report
generators, and data-manipulation languages. They allow users and programmers
to interrogate and access computer databases using statements that resemble
natural language.
E) Natural Programming Languages
Natural programming languages
are the next evolutionary step. They are sometimes known as fifth-generation
languages, or intelligent languages. Translator programs to translate natural
languages into a structured, machine-readable form are extremely complex and
require a large amount of computer resources. Therefore, most of these
languages are still experimental and have yet to be widely adopted by industry.
F) Visual Programming Languages
Programming languages
that are used within a graphical environment are often referred to as visual
programming languages. These languages use a mouse, icons, symbols on the
screen, or pull-down menus to make programming easier and more intuitive.
Visual Basic and Visual C++ are examples of visual programming languages. Their
ease of use makes them popular with nontechnical users, but the languages often
lack the specificity and power of their no visual counterparts. Although programming
in visual languages is popular in some organizations, the more complex and
mission-critical applications are usually not written in visual languages.
G) Hypertext Markup Language
Hypertext is an approach
to data management in which data are stored in a network of nodes connected by
links (called hyperlinks). Users access data through an interactive browsing
system. The combination of nodes, links, and supporting indexes for any
particular topic is a hypertext document. A hypertext document may contain
text, images, and other types of information such as data files, audio, video,
and executable computer programs.
The standard language
the World Wide Web uses for creating and recognizing hypertext documents is the
Hypertext Markup Language (HTML). HTML gives users the option of controlling
visual elements such as fonts, font size, and paragraph spacing without
changing the original information. HTML is very easy to use, and some modern
word processing applications will automatically convert and store a conventional
document in HTML. Dynamic HTML is the next step beyond HTML. Dynamic HTML presents
richly formatted pages and lets the user interact with the content of those
pages without having to download additional content from the server. This
functionality means that Web pages using Dynamic HTML provide more exciting and
useful information.
H) Extensible Markup Language (XML)
Extensible Markup
Language (XML)is designed to improve the functionality of Web documents by
providing more flexible and adaptable information identification. XML describes
what the data in documents actually mean. XML documents can be moved to any
format on any platform without the elements losing their meaning. That means
the same information can be published to a Web browser, a PDA, or a smart phone,
and each device would use the information appropriately. Figure 4.8 compares Homeland
XML. Notice that HTML only describes where an item appears on a page, whereas
XML describes what the item is.
14.9 SUMMARY
The Chapter has given an
introduction to the System Software. It gives a detailed listing of the various
types of Operating Systems Too. The concepts are also very clearly understood
by seeing at the figures in the chapter. Software consists of computer programs
(coded instructions) that control the functions of computer hardware. There are
two main categories of software: systems software and application software.
Systems software manages the hardware re-sources of the computer system and
functions between the hardware and the application software. Systems software includes the system control
programs (operating systems) and system support programs. Application software
enables users to perform specific tasks and information-processing activities.
Operating systems manage the actual computer resources (i.e., the
hardware).Operating systems schedule and process applications (jobs), manage
and protect memory, ensure cache consistency, manage the input and output
functions and hardware, manage data and files, and provide clustering support,
security, fault tolerance, inter application communications, graphical user
interfaces, and windowing. There are five types of operating systems: mobile,
desktop, departmental, enterprise, and supercomputer. Mobile device operating
systems are designed to support a single person using a mobile, handheld device
or information appliance. Desktop operating
systems have the least functionality and enterprise operating systems the most,
with departmental operating systems in the middle. Desktop operating systems
are typically designed for one user, departmental operating systems for up to several
hundred users, and enterprise operating systems can handle thousands of users
and millions of transactions simultaneously. Supercomputer operating systems are
designed for the particular processing needs of supercomputers.
14.10 GLOSSARY
ADT Abstract
data type
COBOL COmmon
Business Oriented Language
PL Programming Language
14.11 Suggested Answer to SAQ
Questions:
What is System Software?
Systems software is the
class of programs that control and support the computer sys-tem and its
information-processing activities. Systems software also facilitates the
programming, testing, and debugging of computer programs.
Questions:
Explain Virtual memory?
Virtual memory simulates
more main memory than actually exists in the computer system. It allows a
program to behave as if it had access to the full storage capacity of a
computer, rather than just access to the amount of primary storage installed on
the computer.
Questions:
Write about Machine Language?
Machine language is the
lowest-level computer language, consisting of the internal representation of
instructions and data. This machine code—the actual instructions understood and
directly executable by the central processing unit
Questions:
Write about Extensible Markup Language (XML)?
Extensible Markup
Language (XML)is designed to improve the functionality of Web documents by
providing more flexible and adaptable information identification. XML describes
what the data in documents actually mean.
Questions:
What is Procedural Languages?
Procedural languages are
the next step in the evolution of user-oriented programming languages. They are
also called third-generation languages, or 3GLs. Procedural languages are much
closer to so-called natural language (the way we talk) and therefore are easier
to write, read, and alter.
Questions:
Write about Assembly Language?
An assembly language is
the next level up from machine language. It is still considered a lower-level
language but is more user-friendly because it represents machine-language
instructions and data locations in primary storage by using mnemonics , or memory aids, which people can
more easily use.
Questions:
What is Visual Programming Languages?
Programming languages
that are used within a graphical environment are often referred to as visual
programming languages. These languages use a mouse, icons, symbols on the
screen, or pull-down menus to make programming easier and more intuitive.
14.12 References/Bibliography
·
New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2014: Comprehensive
By June Jamrich Parsons, Dan Oja
·
New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2014: Comprehensive
By June Jamrich Parsons, Dan Oja
14.13 Suggested Readings
·
New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2014: Comprehensive
By June Jamrich Parsons, Dan Oja
·
New Perspectives on Computer Concepts 2014: Comprehensive
By June Jamrich Parsons, Dan Oja
14.14 Model Questions
·
What Is System Software Explain?
·
What Is Translator? Explain Its Types
·
What is an Assembly language?
·
What Is GUI?
·
What are the operations performed by an OS?
·
What is Multiprocessing Environment?
·
Differentiate among types of operating systems
and describe each type.
