COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND APPLICATIONS Lesson Note
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
This SS2 DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY lesson note covers COMPUTER SOFTWARE AND APPLICATIONS for First Term, Week 3.
Lesson Note
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
At the end of the lesson, students should be able to:
Define computer software.
Explain the importance of software in a computer system.
Identify the major types of computer software.
Explain system software and give examples.
Explain application software and give examples.
Differentiate between system software and application software.
Explain utility software and its functions.
Identify common application software and their uses.
Explain software installation and updating.
State good practices for using and maintaining computer software.
A. MEANING OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software refers to a collection of programs, instructions and related data that tells a computer what to do.
Unlike hardware, software cannot normally be physically touched. It operates on computer hardware to enable the computer to perform useful tasks.
Examples of software include: Windows, Linux, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Web browsers, Media players, Antivirus programs, Database management software and Graphics applications
B. TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software can broadly be classified into:
System software
Application software
Utility programs are commonly treated as a category of system software or as supporting software, depending on the classification used.
a) SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software is software designed to control and manage computer hardware and provide a platform on which application software can operate.
It works mainly In the background and helps the computer system function properly.
Examples of system software: Operating systems, Device drivers, Firmware and System utilities
1. OPERATING SYSTEM
An Operating System (OS) is the main system software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides an environment for running applications.
Examples: Microsoft Windows, Linux, Mac OS, Android and iOS
Functions of an Operating System
i. Memory management
The operating system manages the computer’s memory and allocates it to programs when required.
ii. File management
It organizes files and folders and controls access to stored data.
iii. Device management
It manages devices such as printers, keyboards, storage devices and displays.
iv. Process management
It manages programs and processes running on the computer.
v. User interface
It provides ways for users to interact with the computer.
vi. Security
It provides features such as user accounts, permissions and other security mechanisms.
vii. Resource management
It coordinates the use of CPU, memory, storage and other resources.
2. DEVICE DRIVERS
A device driver is software that allows the operating system to communicate with and control a particular hardware device.
Examples of devices that may require drivers are Printers, Graphics cards, Sound devices, Network, adapters and Scanners
IMPORTANCE OF DEVICE DRIVERS
i. Enable hardware devices to work with the operating system.
ii. Help applications communicate indirectly with hardware.
iii. Provide appropriate instructions for controlling devices.
iv. Help ensure compatibility between hardware and software.
3. FIRMWARE
Firmware is specialized software stored in non-volatile memory within a hardware device.
It provides basic instructions that allow the device to operate.
Examples
Firmware can be found in: Routers, Printers, Smartphones, Computer motherboards, Digital cameras and Other electronic devices
Firmware is generally closely associated with the hardware it controls.
4. UTILITY SOFTWARE
Utility software consists of programs that help maintain, protect, manage or optimize a computer system.
Examples: Antivirus software, Backup utilities, Disk management tools, File compression programs, and System monitoring tools
Functions of utility software
i. Protects computers against certain types of malware.
ii. Helps manage files and storage.
iii. Creates backups.
iv. Compresses files.
v. Monitors system performance.
vi. Helps diagnose some computer problems.
b) APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is software designed to help users perform specific tasks.
Unlike system software, which mainly manages the computer itself, application software is primarily designed for the user’s activities.
Examples: Word processors, Spreadsheets, Presentation software, Database software, Graphics software, Web browsers, Media players and Educational software
TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
1. WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE
A word processor is an application used to create, edit, format, save and print text documents.
Examples: Microsoft Word, LibreOffice Writer, Google Docs
Uses
i. Writing letters
ii. Preparing reports
iii. Creating assignments
iv. Preparing notices
v. Creating resumes
vi. Editing documents
2. SPREADSHEET SOFTWARE
A spreadsheet application is used to organize, calculate and analyze data in rows and columns.
Examples: Microsoft Excel, LibreOffice Calc and Google Sheets
Uses
i. Performing calculations
ii. Preparing budgets
iii. Creating tables
iv. Keeping records
v. Analyzing data
vi. Creating charts and graphs
Examples of spreadsheet calculations
A spreadsheet can calculate:
*Total
*Average
*Percentage
*Maximum value
*Minimum value
3. PRESENTATION SOFTWARE
Presentation software is used to create and display information using slides.
Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, LibreOffice and Impress
Uses
1. Classroom presentations
2. Business presentations
3. Seminars
4. Project presentations
5. Educational demonstrations
Presentation software can include: Text, Pictures, Charts, Tables, Audio, Video and Animations
4. DATABASE SOFTWARE
A database application is used to create, organize, store, retrieve and manage large amounts of structured data.
Examples: Microsoft Access, MySQL, PostgreSQL and Other database management systems
Uses
*Student records
*Customer records
*Inventory management
*Employee records
*Library records
5. GRAPHICS AND DESIGN SOFTWARE
Graphics software is used to create, edit and manipulate images and other visual materials.
Examples: Adobe Photoshop, Corel DRAW and GIMP
Uses
1. Photo editing
2. Logo design
3. Posters
4. Digital illustrations
5. Advertisements
6. Graphic designs
6. WEB BROWSERS
A web browser is application software used to access and interact with websites and web-based services.
Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Microsoft Edge and Safari
Uses
1. Accessing websites
2. Searching for information
3. Reading online materials
4. Using web applications
5. Accessing educational resources
7. MEDIA SOFTWARE
Media software allows users to play, create or edit multimedia content.
Examples: Media players, Audio editing applications and Video editing applications
Uses
1. Playing music
2. Watching videos
3. Editing audio
4. Editing videos
5. Creating multimedia presentations
8. EDUCATIONAL SOFTWARE
Educational software is designed to support teaching and learning.
uses
1. Computer-based learning
2. Educational simulations
3. Mathematics practice
4. Language learning
5. Science learning
6. Online learning platforms
Educational applications can make learning more interactive and provide opportunities for students to practise skills.
9. COMMUNICATION AND COLLABORATION SOFTWARE
This type of application allows people to communicate and work together using digital devices.
Examples: Email applications, Messaging applications, Video-conferencing applications and Online collaboration tools
Uses
1. Sending messages
2. Sharing files
3. Online meetings
4. Group assignments
5. Remote collaboration
C. DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SYSTEM SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE
System Software Application Software
Manages computer hardware and system Performs specific tasks for users
resources
Usually works mainly in the background Usually directly used by the user
Essential for the operation of the computer Used according to the user’s needs
Provides a platform for applications Runs on top of system software
Examples: Windows, Linux, device drivers Examples: Word, Excel, PowerPoint
D. SOFTWARE INSTALLATION
Software installation is the process of putting a software program onto a computer or device so that it can be used.
General steps involved:
Obtain software from a trusted source.
Check that the software is compatible with the device.
Start the installation process.
Read the installation instructions.
Accept the license terms where appropriate.
Select installation options if required.
Complete the installation.
Launch the software and confirm that it works correctly.
Users should avoid installing software from suspicious or unknown sources.
E. SOFTWARE UPDATES
A software update is a newer version or improvement released for an existing software program.
Updates may:
1. Fix bugs.
2. Improve performance.
3. Add features.
4. Improve compatibility.
5. Address security weaknesses.
F. IMPORTANCE OF UPDATING SOFTWARE
1. Improves security.
2. Fixes known problems.
3. Improves performance.
4. Adds useful features.
5. Improves compatibility with newer hardware or software.
G. SOFTWARE LICENSES
A software license specifies how software may legally be used, copied, modified or distributed.
Common categories include:
1. Proprietary software
Software controlled by an individual or organization, usually with restrictions on copying or modification.
2. Open-source software
Software whose source code is made available under a license that permits specified forms of use, modification and redistribution.
3. Freeware
Software provided at no monetary cost, although its license may still impose restrictions.
Students should respect software licenses and avoid unauthorized copying or distribution.
H. IMPORTANCE OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software is important because it:
Controls and manages computer hardware.
Enables users to perform different tasks.
Makes computers useful for education.
Supports business activities.
Enables communication.
Helps users create and manage documents.
Allows data analysis and calculations.
Supports entertainment and multimedia.
Provides Internet access through browsers.
Helps protect and maintain computer systems.
I. GOOD PRACTICES FOR USING SOFTWARE
Students should observe the following practices:
Install software only from trusted sources.
Keep important software updated.
Use legitimate software and respect licenses.
Keep security software active where appropriate.
Avoid opening suspicious files or links.
Back up important files.
Remove unnecessary applications.
Use strong passwords for accounts.
Do not share software licenses or account credentials improperly.
Read software permissions before granting access.
SUMMARY
Computer software is a collection of programs and instructions that enables a computer to perform tasks.
Software is broadly divided into system software and application software.
System software manages computer hardware and provides a platform for applications. Examples include operating systems, device drivers, firmware and utility programs.
Application software helps users perform specific tasks. Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, presentation programs, database applications, graphics programs, web browsers and educational software.
Software should be installed from trusted sources, updated regularly and used according to its license. Proper software management improves security, performance and reliability.
Evaluation
OBJECTIVE QUESTIONS
1. Which of the following best describes computer software?
A. Physical parts of a computer
B. Programs and instructions that tell a computer what to do
C. Electrical cables only
D. Computer furniture
2. Which of the following is an example of system software?
A. Microsoft Word
B. Microsoft Excel
C. Windows
D. PowerPoint
3. What is the main function of an operating system?
A. To print documents only
B. To manage computer resources and provide a platform for applications
C. To create posters only
D. To browse the Internet only
4. Which application is mainly used for creating and editing text documents?
A. Word processor
B. Calculator hardware
C. Device driver
D. Operating system
5. Which of the following is commonly used for calculations and data analysis?
A. Spreadsheet software
B. Media player
C. Web browser
D. Device driver
6. Which type of software is used to create slide presentations?
A. Database software
B. Presentation software
C. Antivirus hardware
D. Firmware
7. What is the main purpose of a device driver?
A. To allow the operating system to communicate with hardware
B. To create spreadsheets
C. To browse websites
D. To print books without hardware
8. Which of the following is an example of a web browser?
A. Microsoft Excel
B. Google Chrome
C. Windows
D. BIOS firmware
9. Which software is mainly used to organize and manage structured records?
A. Database software
B. Presentation software
C. Media player
D. Calculator
10. Why is it important to update computer software regularly?
A. To make the computer heavier
B. To remove the keyboard
C. To fix problems and improve security and performance
D. To prevent all computer programs from running
THEORY QUESTIONS
1a. Define computer software and explain the two major types of software.
1b. What is system software? State four examples and explain four functions of an operating system.
2a. What is application software? List six examples and state the uses of any four.
2b. Differentiate between system software and application software using five points.
2c.Explain software installation and software updates. State five good practices for using computer software.