driver is useless, a computer without software is useless. Software is the program and data that a computer uses. Software is kept on some hardware device such as a hard disk, but it itself intangible. What is a Software? Software consists of both programs and data. Programs are lists of instruction for the processor. Data can be any information that a program needs: character data, numerical data, image data, audio data, and countless other types. Kinds of Software • Operating System • Programming Software • Application Software • Database Software • Utility Software • Data Backup and Recovery Software 1. Operating System •a computer program that manages the resources of a computer. It accepts keyboard or mouse inputs from users and displays the results of the actions and allows the user to run applications, or communicate with other computer via network connections. 1. Operating System •Some of Well Known Operating System Rules of Operating System • Management of the processor: The operating system is responsible for managing allocation of the processor between the different programs using a scheduling algorithm. • Management of the random access memory: The operating system is responsible for managing the memory space allocated to each application and where relevant, to each user. • Management of input/output: The operating system allows unification and control of access of programs to material resources via drivers (also known as peripheral administrators or input/output administrators). Rules of Operating System • Management of execution of applications: The operating system is responsible for smooth execution of applications by allocating the resources required for them to operate. • Management of authorizations: the operating system is responsible for security relating to execution of programs by guaranteeing that the resources are used only by programs and users with the relevant authorizations. Rules of Operating System • File Management: The operating system manage reading and writing in the file system and the user application file access authorizations. • Information management: The operating system provides a certain number of indicators that can be used to diagnose the correct operation of the machine. 2. Programming Software • These software come in forms of tools that assists a programmer in writing computer programs. Computer programs are sets of logical instructions that make a computer system perform certain tasks. 2. Programming Software • Popular Programming Languages 3. Application Software (Application) is any program designed to perform a specific functions directly for the user or some cases, for another application program. Example of application programs include word processors, database programs, web browsers, developing tools, drawing, paint and image editing programs and communication programs. Application programs use the services of the computers operating system and other supporting programs. 3. Application Software Word Processor Spreadsheet Software Presentation Software Graphics Software Video Editing Software Web Browsers Personal Information Manager (PIM) Application Suites Integrated Software Packages Word Processor It processes words. It also processes paragraphs, pages, and entire papers. Has a variety of features that assist you in writing and formatting documents, including changing the font (the style of type) and spell checking to help you avoid typographical and spelling errors. Some examples of word processing programs are as follows. Word Processor Some examples of word processing programs are as follows. Spreadsheets Software is very important in the modern world of records and organization. Spreadsheet software allows user to make lists, organize budgets, perform calculations and much more. While not all spreadsheet software is the same, the general goal is to provide the user with a simplified way of organizing and presenting information. Spreadsheets Software Presentation Software Multimedia authoring software enables you to create a more sophisticated presentation that includes audio and video sequences. Business presentation software usually enables you to include image and sometimes audio and video developed with other tools. Presentation Software Graphic Software is used to create, edit, view or organize photos drawings, clip-art, and other type of images. While there are countless types of graphics software and graphics utilities, there are two primary types of graphics software programs used in conjunction with page layout software: Image editor and illustration software. Graphic Software is used to create, edit, view or organize photos drawings, clip-art, and other type of images. While there are countless types of graphics software and graphics utilities, there are two primary types of graphics software programs used in conjunction with page layout software: Image editor and illustration software. Graphic Software Some of a Graphic Software Video Editing Software – also known as Non Linear Editing (NLE), is application software which handles the editing of video sequences on a computer NLE systems replace traditional flatbed celluloid film editing tools and analogue video tape to tape machines. Video Editing Software Web Browsers application program that serves as the primary method for accessing the World Wide Web, which is one of the major services on the Internet. In order to view a Web site, its address (URL), such as www.facebook.com, is typed into search box at the top of the browser, and the site’s home page is retrieved. Web Browsers Personal Information Manager (PIM) a software designed to organize names, addresses and random notes easy and efficient retrieval. It is just like an electronic equivalent of a conventional book – type personal organizer. PIM usually features an automatic dialing telephone list, a programmable calendar and an automatic reminder schedule. It is ideal for people with hectic schedule who spend a lot of time working with their computers. Personal Information Manager (PIM) Application Suites A group of programs that are sold as a package to solve common problems. The most popular are office suites. Also known as productivity suites, they are a set of business programs designed with a uniform user interface and common functions such as spell checking. The primary programs are word processing, spreadsheet, presentation graphics, database and e-mail, although each suite has its own mix, and variety of other programs and utilities may also be included. Application Suites Integrated Software Package Software that combines several applications in one program, typically providing at least word processing, spreadsheet and database management. Presentation graphics, page layout, paint, calendar, address book, e-mail and other applications may also be included. All programs in an integrated package are accessed via a common launching pad. Integrated Software Package 4. Database Software Database a collection of information stored on one or more computers organized in a uniform format of records and fields record—a collection of data items in a database field—one piece of information in the record 4. Database Software – is a program that manage large amount of data organized as fields, records and files. Database structures information so you can search the database by specific or generalized content called a query. Database Application are most popular with business information systems and companies needing to keep track of detailed information such as school, hospital utility firm etc. 4. Database Software 5. Utility Software – a program that supports using the computer, an application or a developing environment. Also called “utilities,” utility software is programmed like any other software, expect that it plays a supporting role. Usually relatively small programs, they typically perform a limited number tasks. 5. Utility Software 6.Data Backup and Recovery Software restoring data form disks, tapes, CD’s and digital photo memory cards that have been damaged by accidents, natural disasters, power surges and malfunctioning electronics. 6.Data Backup and Recovery Software Security Threats •Security – refers to the steps a computer owner takes to prevent unauthorized use of or damage to the computer • •Malware – describes any program that is intended to cause harm or convey information to others without the owner’s permission Security Threats •Viruses – harmful programs that instruct your computer to perform destructive activities, such as erasing a disk drive – Antivirus software (virus protection software) searches executable files for the sequences of characters that may cause harm and disinfects the files by erasing or disabling those commands Security Threats •Spyware – programs contained with other programs that track a computer user’s Internet usage and send this data back to the company or person that created it – usually installed without the computer user’s permission or knowledge – Anti-spyware software detects spyware and deletes them Security Threats •Adware • software installed with another program usually with the user’s permission • generates advertising revenue for the program’s creator by displaying targeted ads to the program’s user • Some adware requires a live internet feed and uses constant bandwidth to upload new advertisements. Security Threats •Trojan Horse. Describe how the Greeks destroyed Troy by a trick: they persuaded the Trojans to accept a ‘gift’. A gigantic wooden horse that secretly contained Greek warriors, who then destroyed Troy. Some computer viruses use that trick. They look like a pleasant gift program, but the program secretly contains destructive warriors that destroy your computer. A pleasant-seeming program that secretly contains a virus is called a Trojan Horse. Security Threats •Firewall – prevents other computers on the Internet from accessing a computer and prevents programs on a computer from accessing the Internet without the computer user’s permission – can be either hardware or software – Router • a device that controls traffic between network components • Usually has a built-in firewall. – software firewalls track all incoming and outgoing traffic Security Threats How the virus spread Most people these days understand what a virus is and how harmful it can be, but they are still somewhat unsure how computer viruses spread. The truth is that there are dozens of different ways in which a virus can spread from computer to computer. •1. Email Attachment. 7. Hackers •2. Rogue Website. 8. Instant Messaging •3. Network. 9. Fake Anti Virus Software •4. Infected Boot Disk 10. From Mobile Devices •5. Phishing Schemes 11. Friends and Relatives •6. Infected software . • Security Threats How the virus spread Most people these days understand what a virus is and how harmful it can be, but they are still somewhat unsure how computer viruses spread. The truth is that there are dozens of different ways in which a virus can spread from computer to computer. •1. Email Attachment. 7. Hackers •2. Rogue Website. 8. Instant Messaging •3. Network. 9. Fake Anti Virus Software •4. Infected Boot Disk 10. From Mobile Devices •5. Phishing Schemes 11. Friends and Relatives •6. Infected software . • Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Troubleshooting is the process of figuring out how to solve a computer problem. Even with the most updated software and hardware, occasionally computers can malfunction. In order to solve a problem, you must figure out which part of the system is malfunctioning. You will need to check each component of the computer, unless it is obvious where the problem is coming from. Isolating the problem will help you solve the problem quickly. Knowing how to solve these problems with a shortcut perhaps using only a few keys on the keyboard can save time and effort. Backing up your important computer files to another source will ensure that if your problem cannot be corrected, you will still have a safe copy of your information. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Basic Troubleshooting Steps 1. Close open programs and windows you are not currently using. 2. Make sure all of your cords are connected properly. 3. Try to repeat the sequence of commands you performed before the problem occurred. See if this causes the same response by your computer. 4. Press the F1 key to access the Help window. You can search for a solution to your problem once the Help window appears. 5. If there is an error message, record the full message for future reference. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Basic Troubleshooting Steps 6. Restart your computer to see if it clears the problem. To restart your computer, open the start window and select the Restart button instead of the Log Off button. 7. If restarting the computer does not clear the problem, shut down the computer and then start it back up again. 8. If the issue is still not resolved, check the common technology issues below or call your system administrator. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Technology Issues Below we describe some of the most commonly encountered technology issues. Click on the issue to get more information on possible solutions to correct the problem. The printer is not working. The computer is frozen. A program is not responding. The keyboard is not working. New hardware or software is working incorrectly. The mouse is not working. The computer is slow. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The printer is not working. Check if the printer is turned on. If not, turn it on and try again. Check if the printer has paper. If not, put paper in the paper tray and try printing again. Check if the printer has a paper jam. If so, remove the paper, close the printer, and try printing again. Ensure that all printer cables are properly connected. Turn off the printer and turn on again. Check to see if a new printer driver is needed. Do this by going to the manufacturer’s website to search for your printer model and checking for any updated driver. Seek assistance from your system administrator before installing any drivers. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The computer is frozen. A program is not responding. Push the Ctrl, Alt, and Delete keys at the same time. Then, start the Task Manager, highlight the program’s name, and hit the End Task button. Perform a hard reboot by simply pressing the on/off button to turn off the computer manually. This action should only be done as a last resort if you have an unresponsive program or critical error. This process could cause data loss or corruption. Once the computer is responding again, run a virus check. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The keyboard is not working. Make sure the keyboard is connected to the computer. If not, connect it to the computer. If you are using a wireless keyboard, try changing the batteries. If one of the keys on your keyboard gets stuck, turn the computer off and clean with a damp cloth. Use the mouse to restart the computer. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: New hardware or software is working incorrectly. Verify your computer meets the requirements of the program or utility. Uninstall and install the program. There could be a conflict with another installed program and you should contact your system administrator. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The mouse is not working correctly. Check if the mouse is securely plugged into the computer. If not, plug it in completely. Check to see if the cord has been damaged. If so, the mouse may need replacing. If you are using a cordless mouse, try pushing the connection button on the underside of the mouse to reestablish a connection. Clean the mouse, especially on the bottom. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The computer is slow. Restart your computer. Verify that there is at least 200-500 MB of free hard drive space. To do so, select Start and click on My Computer or Computer. Then highlight the local C drive by clicking on it once. Select the Properties button at the top left-hand corner of the window; this will display a window showing how much free and used space you have. If you need to recapture space: - Empty your recycle bin by right-clicking on the Recycle Bin icon (usually on the desktop), then selecting Empty Recycle Bin. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The computer is slow. - Check your mail files. Remove any large attachments and delete unused mail. - Images and videos take up a lot of space, so consider moving those to an external drive. - Remove temporary files from the Internet. To do so: o Click Start button | My Computer or Computer. o Click Open Control Panel at the top of the window. o Click Network | Internet | Internet Options. o Select the General tab and click Delete under Browsing History. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The computer is slow. - Perform a disk cleanup. To do so: o Click Start button | My Computer or Computer. o Highlight the local C drive by clicking on it once. o Select the properties button at the top left of the window. o Go to the General tab and select Disk Cleanup. o Once the Disk Cleanup finishes running, click on Clean up System Files; this will delete any unnecessary system-related files from your local disk. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The computer is slow. - Information in computer files changes often, resulting in gaps or spaces within the file. This takes up more space on the computer and can cause the computer to slow down. To reclaim these gaps in space, run disk defrag. To do so: o Click start | My Computer or Computer. o Highlight the local C drive by clicking on it once. o Select the properties button at the top left of the window. o Go to the Tools tab and select Run Defragmentation. Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The computer is slow. Old or unused programs that aren’t being used may still have components running behind the scenes when you start your computer, which can slow down the system. You can prevent these programs from running when you start your computer by removing unused shortcuts and turning off unused program services. - Remove unused shortcuts from Windows startup o Click Start button | Select All Programs | Click Startup o Right-click the shortcuts that you do not use and click delete Troubleshooting Common Computer Problems Common Solutions for Technology Issues Issue: The computer is slow. - Disable unused program services o Click Start button | Control Panel | Administrative Tools | Services o For each program/service that you are certain that you do not need, click on the Service to highlight it, click the Stop link to stop the service from running, then double-click the service, choose Startup Type of Disabled, and click OK. Run a virus scan to remove potential viruses that can slow down your computer. Q and A