Software
Software is detailed step-by-step sequence of instructions known as programme which guide computer hardware.

A computer programme is a sequence of instructions that tell the computer hardware what to do. Programmes are written in (programming) languages, which consist of a set of symbols combined according to a given syntax.

A programme must be in main memory (RAM) to be executed. These invisible, intangible
components of a computer that direct and control the operations of the hardware when processing data are referred to as software.

Software is classified into two major types: System and Application software.

System software

System software consists of programmes that coordinates the activities of hardware and other programs. System software is designed for a specific CPU and hardware class. The combination of a particular hardware configuration and operating system is called a computer platform. These programmes manage the “behind the scenes” operation of the computer.

Examples
§ Operating systems - This are programs that manages the computer resources.
§ Utility Programmes - Utility programmes often come installed in computer systems or packaged with operating systems. Utilities can also be purchased individually. Utility programmes perform useful tasks, such as virus detection, tracking computer jobs and compressing data.
§ Language processors – Compilers and interpreters

OPERATING SYSTEMS

The functions of an operating system include:
§ Performing common hardware functions
- Accepting input and store data on disks and send data to output devices
§ Providing a user interface
§ Providing hardware independence
§ Managing system memory
§ Managing processing
§ Controlling access to system resources
- Protection against unauthorised access
- Logins and passwords
§ Managing files
- Physical storage location
- File permissions
- File access

Examples of operating systems include:
• DOS – Disk Operating System
• Windows 3.1, 95, 98, NT, 2000, ME,7, XP
• Linux, Unix, MAC OS, System/7

Application software

Applications software include programmes designed to help end users solve particular problems using the computer or to perform specific tasks.

Application software could either be Proprietery or off- the- shelf software.

Proprietary Software

Is a computer software which is legal property of one party. The terms of use for other parties is defined by contracts or licensing agreements.

Advantages of proprietary software

§ You can get exactly what you need in terms of reports, features etc.
§ Being involved in development offers a further level in control over results.
§ There is more flexibility in making modifications that may be required to counteract a new initiative by a competitor or to meet new supplier or customer requirements. A merger with another firm or an acquisition will also necessitate software changes to meet new business needs.

Disadvantages of proprietary software

 It can take a long time and significant resources to develop required features.
 Inhouse system development staff may become hard pressed to provide the
required level of ongoing support and maintenance because of pressure to get Application Software.


Off-the-Shelf Software

Off-the-shelf is a term for software or hardware, generally technology or computer products that are ready-made and available for sale, lease or license to the general public.

Advantages of off-the-shelf software

§ The initial cost is lower since the software firm is able to spread the development costs over a large number of customers.
§ There is lower risk that the software will fail to meet the basic business needs
§ You can analyse existing features and performance of the package
§ Package is likely to be of high quality since many customer firms have tested the software and helped identify many of its bugs.

Disadvantages of off-the-shelf software

§ An organisation may have to pay for features that are not required or never used.
§ The software may lack important features, thus requiring future modifications or customisation. This can be very expensive because users must adopt future releases of the software.
§ Software may not match current work processes and data standards.

Application software is further classified into general-purpose software and applications which include:

§ Word processing – Create, edit and print text documents, e.g. MS Word and Word Perfect.
§ Spreadsheets – Provide a wide range of built-in functions for statistical, logical, financial,database, graphics, data and time calculations, e.g. Lotus 1-2-3, Excel and QuattroPro.
§ Database management systems (DBMS) – Store, manipulate and retrieve data. e.g.Access, FoxPro and dBase.
§ Online Information Services – Obtain a broad range of information from commercial services. e.g. America Online and CompuServe
§ Communications - Ms Outlook for email
§ Browsers e.g Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox and Eudora
§ Graphics – Develop graphs, illustrations and drawings. e.g. PaintShop, FreeHand and Corel
§ Project Management – Plan, schedule, allocate and control people and resources
needed to complete a project according to schedule. e.g. Project for Windows and Time Line, Ms Project.
§ Financial Management – Provide income and expense tracking and reporting to monitor and plan budgets, e.g. Quicken,Quickbooks, Sage, Pastel
§ Desktop publishing - used to create high-quality printed output including text and graphics; various styles of pages can be laid out; art and text from other programmes can also be integrated into published pages, e.g. PageMaker and Publisher.
§ Presentation packages like MS PowerPoint

Note: A software suite, such as Microsoft Office, offers a collection of powerful programmes including word processing, spreadsheet, database, graphics among others. The programmes in a software suite are designed to be used together. In addition, the commands, t icons and procedures are the same for all programmes