CSC 101 Introduction to Computers

Spring 2005

Lecture Week Four

Computer Software
Connecticut Community Colleges Gateway Community College Student Info System Contact Instructor

Course Home Page

Syllabus

Assignments - Monday Class

Assignments - Tues/Thurs Class

Two Main Categories of Software

Operating System Software

  • What the OS does
    • Facilitate communications with the user
    • Facilitate communications between system components
    • Facilitate network communications
    • Maximize throughput
    • Optimize use of system resources
    • Keep track of files in secondary storage
    • Provide system security
    • Monitor system for potential failures

  • Parts of the OS
    • Kernel
    • Utility programs
    • User interface
      • Text/Command based
      • GUI

  • Platforms/OS review
    • Windows 9x, ME
    • Windows XP, Server 2003, CE.Net
    • Longhorn
    • Mac OS X
    • Linux/UNIX

  • Files/File Management
    • What is a file
    • Types of Files
    • What can we do with files
    • Windows Explorer

Applications Software

  • Productivity - Software Suites
    • Word Processing
    • Presentation
    • Spreadsheet
    • Database
    • Personal Information Management/PIM

  • Internet Connectivity
    • E-mail
    • World Wide Web
    • IM - Instant Messaging
    • FTP - File Transfer Protocol

  • Games

  • Specialized Programs

Computers; Information Technology in Perspective - Chapter 2, Sections 1-3 - pgs. 69 - 92

Links for Further Study

MS-DOS - http://www.computerhope.com/msdos.htm

Operating System definitions - http://www.computerhope.com/jargon/os.htm

UNIX homepage - http://www.unix.org/

UNIX Guru Universe - http://www.ugu.com/

Windows "Longhorn" FAQ - http://www.winsupersite.com/faq/longhorn.asp

Avalon faces axe as Microsoft dismembers Longhorn - http://www.theregister.co.uk/2004/08/27/microsoft_decouples_longhorn/

Last Updated: 3/27/05