Video Professor

What is software really

            Have you ever wondered why there are so many software programs available? There are programs for graphic design,word processing spreadsheets, databases, programming, web applications, video games, and even software that controls the traffic lights. Why can’t there be just one super program that performs all of the computer related tasks that we need done? The reason there are so many types of software is because each piece of software is really a set of instructions. These instructions are what tells the computer what to do and how to do it. You wouldn’t give a surgeon instructions on how to fix a clogged drain would you? Each important task performed by a computer must have its own set of instructions on the proper way of performing that task whether you’re scanning for computer viruses or removing red eye from a birthday picture.

The computers that perform these instructions are referred to as hardware. Hardware is basically anything on the computer that isn’t software and includes the monitor, hard drive, processor, memory, the mouse, keyboard, and just about any other physical part or process you can think of.

Software can be broken down into three groups: software that controls the system, software that is used to make all other programs, and software that has specific end user applications. Let’s take a look at these three groups and some examples of each type of software as we learn some computer basics.

System

        System software are the programs that make your computer operate on its very basic level. The majority of these programs are started whenever you turn on the power to your desktop or laptop. They load the operating system which is really the master program of your computer that controls all the others. All software operates within the operating system. Other system software that is loaded during startup starts a series of communication between all of the different pieces of hardware of the computer. The processor checks the RAM and makes sure that all of the drives are operational, data is fed to the monitor so it knows what to display, printer drivers are loaded, and the cpu makes sure that the keyboard and mouse are operational. These are programs that you rarely see operating and yet without them, your computer would do absolutely nothing no matter how many programs you loaded onto it.

For a list of these programs that get your computer going, access your “Start” button and then the “Run” option. Type in “msconfig” and hit enter. This will display the configuration setup for your computer. Here is a list of all the programs that start up when your computer is awakened and prepare the hardware to carry out all of your commands. You may see names like “Application Management,” “Logical Disk Manager,” and “Event Log.” Perusing this list will help you learn that Windows works because many system programs are working together as a team. Some programs actually don’t operate until another program gives it instruction to do so. That’s why deleting or disabling a system program oftentimes affects other programs.

Programming

            Programs don’t just magically appear at the store or get dropped off by a stork. In a kind of ironic cyber twist, programs create other programs. So what came first, the chicken or the egg? Programmers use complex language that the hardware understands to write these sets of instructions. The code means absolutely nothing to everyday users if they look at it, but the cpu knows exactly what to do with every number that it’s fed. This code is written in other programs so that it can be saved and then loaded onto a machine. These programs have names like: compiler, debuggers, linkers, and text editors and are used to design programs for both system and application usage.

Application

            Application software are going to be the programs that you are most familiar with. Why, you’re using one right now if you’re reading this article using your web browser. These are the programs that computer users use for specific applications: when you want a word processor you use Word, to create a slideshow you use PowerPoint, and when you feel like escaping work for a while, you play Tetris. Application software can and is made for just about any environment and application whether it be business or personal. Most of these programs are purchased by end users, but some are available online as shareware. Shareware is basically trial software that allows you to try a program for a while to see if it is what you really want to invest in. There is also freeware which are programs that designers make available to end users free of charge.

            This is a very basic overview of how software works in tandem with your computers hardware. To learn the nitty-gritty of how software code actually commands your hardware you can check out a free computer learning site online to learn how a series of “1’s” and “0’s” can command a computer to do just about anything.