A computer cannot do anything on its own. It must be instructed to do a desired
to do a desired job. Hence, it is necessary to specify a sequence of instructions,
which a computer must perform to solve a problem. Software tells the computer
what to do and how to do. A computer performs different operations according
to the instruction of software. Software is developed in a computer programming
language.
Types of software
Although, the range of software available today is vast and varied, most software
can be divided into two major categories: 1. System Software,
2. Application Software
System Software:
System software is a set of one or more programs, designed to control the
operation and extend the processing capability of a computer system. In general,
a computer’s system software performs one or more of the following functions:
Supports the development of other application software.
Supports the execution of other application software.
Monitors the effective use of various hardware resources, such as CPU, memory,
peripherals, etc.
Communicates with and controls the operation of peripheral devices, such as
printer, disk, tape, etc.
Hence, system software makes the operation of a computer system more
efficient and effective.
It helps the hardware components work together, and provides support for the
development and execution of application software. The programs included in a
system software package are called system programs, and the programmers who
prepare system software are referred to as system programmers.
Some of the most commonly known types of system software are: Operating
Systems: Every computer has an operating system software, which takes care of
the effective and efficient utilization of all the hardware and software
components of the computer system.
Programming Language Translators: Programming language translators are
system software, which transform the instructions prepared by programmers in a
programming language, into a form, which can be interpreted and executed.
Communication Software: In a network environment, communications
software enables transfer of data and programs from one computer to another.
Utility Programs: Utility programs are set of programs, which help users in
system maintenance tasks, and in performing tasks of routine nature. Some of
the task commonly performed by utility programs include formatting of hard
disk or floppy disks, taking backup of files stored on hard disk, sorting of the
records stored in a file, etc.
Application Software:
Application software is a set of one or more programs, designed to solve a
specific problem, or to do a specific task. For example, application software for
payroll processing products pay slips as the major output, and application
software for processing examination results produces mark sheets as the major
along with some other statistical reports. Similarly, a program written by a
scientist to solve his/her particular research problem is also application software.
The programs included in application software package are called application
programs, and the programmers who prepare application software are referred to
as application programmers. Some of the most commonly known application
software’s are: Word-Processing Software: Word processing software enables
us to make use of a computer system for creating, editing, and viewing,
formatting, sorting, retrieving and printing documents.
Spreadsheet Software: Spreadsheet software is a numeric data analysis tool,
which allows us to create a kind of computer ledger. A manual ledger is a book
having rows and columns, which accountants use for financial transactions, and
for preparing financial statements.
Database Software: A database is a collection of related data stored and treated
as a unit for information retrieval purposes. Database software is a set of one or
more programs, which enable us to create a database, maintain it, organize its
data in desired fashion, and to selectively retrieve useful information from it.
Graphics Software: A graphics software enables us to use a computer system
for creating, editing, viewing, sorting, retrieving and printing designs, drawings,
pictures, graphs, and anything else that can be drawn in the traditional manner.
Education Software: Education software allows a computer system to be used
as teaching and learning tool. A few examples of such applications are those that
teach young children to do (a) mathematics; (b) recognize alphabets; and (c)
read whole and sentences.
Entertainment Software: Entertainment software allows a computer system to be
used as an entertainment tool. A good example of such an application is
computer video games.
Concept of Computing, Data and Information Computing is a purpose
oriented activity requiring, benefiting from computers. For example, computing
includes designing, developing and building hardware and software systems;
processing, structuring, and managing various kinds of information; doing
scientific research on and with computers; making computer systems behave
intelligently; creating and using communications and entertainment media etc.
Data can be defined as a representation of facts, concepts or instruction in a
formalized manner which should be suitable for communication , interpretation
or processing by human or electronic machine. Data is represented with the help
of characters like alphabets (A–Z, a–z), digits (0-9) or special characters(+, –, /,
*, <, >, = etc).
Information is organised or classified data so that it has some meaningful
values to the receiver. Information is the processed data on which decisions and
actions are based. For the decision to be meaningful, the processed data must
qualify for the following characteristics
- Timely - Information should be available when required.
- Accuracy - Information should be accurate.
- Completeness - Information should be complete.
Applications of I.E.C.T. (Information Electronics and Communication
Technologies) I.E.C.T. is a branch of DOEACC society, that deals with the
training of government sponsors program in computer fundamentals, operation
system, MS Office, Internet, Troubleshooting and Maintenance of PC etc.
Applications of I.E.C.T.
1. E-governance :- In simple words e-governance refers to the use by
government agencies of information technologies (such as Wide Area
Networks, the Internet, and mobile computing) that have the ability to
transform relations with citizens, businesses, and other arms of
government. These technologies can serve a variety of different ends:
better delivery of government services to citizens, improved interactions
with business and industry, citizen empowerment through access to
information, or more efficient government management. The resulting
benefits can be less corruption, increased transparency, greater
convenience, revenue growth, and/or cost reductions.
2. Entertainment :- I.E.C.T. has a very important role to play in
general entertainment With the creation of the Internet and faster
processors, the live general and educational entertainment has got a big
boost. Computers now have almost unlimited access to any song by any
artist. Many website services allow users to purchase individual tracks or
albums directly to their PCs. With the advancement of video card and
Internet speeds, movies and programs are just a click away.
Bringing Computer To Life :-
Connecting Keyboard to CPU
Connect the keyboard to the port on the back of the computer. When looking at
the back of the computer you'll notice two PS/2 ports next to each other. Verify
you're connecting the keyboard into the purple connection as shown in the below
pictures. If your PS/2 ports are not color coded the keyboard will be the
connection closest to the left edge of the computer (when looking at it from the
back). If the connections are vertical and not horizontal as shown below the
keyboard connection may be either depending on the case and motherboard.
Look for a small symbol next to the port to identify what one is the keyboard.
Connecting Mouse To CPU
Connect the mouse to the serial port on the back of the computer. If the computer
has serial devices currently connected to the computer and the computer has two
serial ports we recommend you use the first serial connection if you encounter
problems connecting the mouse.
Connecting Monitor To CPU
Before you connect your monitor to your PC, you need to decide where you
want to position the monitor. Set the monitor atop your desk, generally back
away from where you sit, to accommodate room for the keyboard.
Your monitor falls into one of two categories:
- Standard monitor: A regular monitor plugs into the VGA,
or graphics adapter, jack on the back of the console, as shown in this
figure. The plug goes in only one way.
this figure).
How To Connect Printers to Computers Printers are one of the easiest devices
to set up and configure. With some printers, you can set up your printer by
simply connecting the printer to your PC and a power supply. Other printers
require a few more steps.
1. Free the printer from its box.
Also, remove all the various pieces of tape and evil Styrofoam.
2. Connect the printer’s power cable.
Plug one end into the printer and the other into the nearest wall outlet
or power strip.
3. Connect the printer-to-console cable.
No printer comes with this cable, so you have to buy the printer cable
separately. Get a USBcable if the printer is USB-happy. Otherwise, buy
a standard, bidirectional PC printer cable.
4. Read the printer’s instruction sheet.
See whether you need to install software before turning the printer on.
5. If you need to, install your printer’s software on your PC.
Your printer’s instruction sheet should explain how to install this software.
6. Turn the printer on by pressing its power button.
A USB printer is instantly recognized and configured
by Windows. Life is good. Printers using the traditional printer cable,
or network printers, require more work.
7. If you have a non-USB printer, click the Add a Printer toolbar
button in the Printers window.
The Add Printer Wizard starts and you just have to follow its directions to
locate and set up your printer.
Most printers, like computers, can now be left on all the time. The printer
automatically slips into a low-power sleep mode when it’s no longer needed.
However, if you don’t print often (at least every day), it’s perfectly fine to turn
off your printer.
Checking Power Supply of The Computer The only component that should be
attached to the power supply should be a single hard drive, the motherboard and
possibly the CPU. Using the power switch on the front of the tower, power-up
the computer. If the fan inside the power supply begins to run, the power supply
is likely functioning properly. The computer has been powered up and the power
supply has passed the first test.
Reattach each component and complete the power supply test. Plug in each
component, one by one, using the appropriate connector to determine if each
component's power connection is functioning properly.
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