Software

• Operating Systems: This is the most important software the computer runs. This manages the computer's memory, processes and all the software and hardware. It allows you to be able to communicate with the computer. Without an operating system installed or working, a computer is useless. Most of the time a computer is on it will be running lots of different programmes, many of which you may not even be aware of. These all need to access your CPU, memory and storage. The operating system co-ordinates this to ensure that each programme gets what it needs and the system doesn't crash. The three most common operating systems for personal computers are Microsoft Windows, Apple Mac OS X and Linux. Modern operating systems use what is called a GUI, or Graphical User Interface. This means everything is clearly displayed on the screen using a combination of graphics and text, letting you use your mouse to click icons, buttons and menus. In the past computers had a command line interface which meant the user had to type every command to the computer and the computer would only display text. The move to GUI has made basic computer functionality and interaction with the operating system much easier and simpler for the average computer user. See Computer Interaction.


• Applications: An application is a type of software that allows you to perform a specific task. These can be split into two categories – desktop applications: those for desktop computers and laptops, and mobile apps: those for mobile devices such as tablets or smartphones. These are usually installed on the computer which means they are saved on the hard drive and run inside the operating system. However, there is a current move to 'cloud' applications which instead of installing locally run over the internet. The advantage of this is they do not take up room on your hard drive and are freely accessible wherever you are from an internet enabled device. The downside is that you need the internet to get to them. If the internet is down or running slow, your access to the programmes is limited. Some examples of different types of application are given below:

   

  • Word Processors: write, design and edit letters, flyers, etc. Microsoft Word is the most well-known.
  
  
  • Personal Finance and number: Keep track of income, expenses, budgets etc.
  
  
  • Web Browsers: The type of software needed to access the internet. Most popular types are Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome and Safari.
  
  
  • Games: Ranging from simple card game to high powered graphics games like Halo. The latest games require lots of computing power.
  
  
  • Media Players: to watch video or listen to sounds files. Windows Media player and iTunes are two popular players.