SECTION
2:
APPLICATIONS AND SOFTWARE
Unleashing the Power of Your Computer
Unleashing the Power of Your Computer
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SECTION
2:
APPLICATIONS AND SOFTWARE
Unleashing the Power of Your Computer |
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Section I: HARDWARE INTRODUCTION BACKGROUND INFORMATION COMPONENTS OF A PC LET'S REVIEW PURCHASING A PC TEST YOUR KNOWLEDGE Section
2: APPLICATIONS AND SOFTWARE Section
3: EXPLORING THE INTERNET Section
4: ADDITIONAL RESOURCES Section 5: GLOSSARY OF COMPUTER AND INTERNET TERMS SITE
FEEDBACK
Science
and technology multiply J. G. Ballard
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BACKGROUND INFORMATION First of we should start by saying that computer software usually comes in the form of a CD or a DVD, in a box, on a shelf in a computer store, or other place that sells computer software. You can get software from the internet (so you get the information without the box or the disk) but most people's introduction to software is going to be looking at one of the shiny disks that come with their computer. In most cases, you simply switch on the PC, open the little drawer (just like an ordinary CD or DVD player) and place the disk in, close the drawer and the computer will get to work on letting you know how to proceed with getting the information (or software) onto your computer, so you can use it. This is called installing software. Just as one might install a VCR or DVD player in a house, but much simpler. Then the information will be on the computer, ready for you to use. In a lot of cases, once you have installed the software (usually by putting the disk in the drive, closing the door, and just clicking the mouse about half a dozen times) you can remove the disk as you won't need it for each time you use that software. Games and a few other types of software REQUIRE that the disk be present in the drive when you use it. This stops people installing software and simply passing it on to others to do the same. This would result in lower sales, which would be bad right? Software and related applications refer to the computer programs that tell the hardware what to do. You cannot "touch" the software programs. Software contains the electronic instructions and information for a computer, including everything from a computer's operating system to computer games. Virtually all hardware devices require some type of software program in order to work properly. The software programs that control the operation of the hardware are referred to as device drivers. The device driver must be compatible with the hardware device it is controlling.
Software
can be divided into two general classes: systems software and applications
software. Systems software consists of low-level programs that interact
with the computer at a very basic level. This includes operating systems,
compilers, and utilities for managing computer resources.
In contrast, applications
software (also called end-user programs) enable you to complete
specific tasks, like word processing, making spreadsheets, working with
pictures, planning landscaping, playing games, etc. Figuratively speaking,
applications software sits on top of systems software because it is unable
to run without the operating system and system utilities. Application
is just another word for program or software program, like
the packaged programs, Microsoft Word (word processing) or Adobe Photoshop
(graphics). When you buy an application for your computer, you're buying
software that is typically recorded on a disk. About Shareware -- Shareware is trial software that you can download from the Internet for free to try, but on the honor system. This is a great way to try out new software before buying it, but you really should pay for it if you end up using it regularly. It's copyrighted so you can't sell it. About Freeware -- Freeware is free software that can be found on the Internet. It's copyrighted by the authors, but they've chosen to give it away for free. You cannot sell it or use it in unauthorized ways. Plug-ins -- Plug-ins are mini-software programs that add a specific feature to a larger program. (It's like adding accessories to an outfit: you already own the shirt, but you add a scarf or tie to go with it.) These programs extend the capabilities of your browser by enabling it to play sounds and video clips, or do other functions, such as automatically decompressing files that you download. Plug-ins may come with your browser software or can be downloaded from websites. Some plug-ins enable streaming audio or video, which lets you hear or view a multimedia file before it has completely downloaded to your computer.
SECURITY
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