Software Components

Operating systems software:
The operating system is a special type of program that loads
automatically when you start your computer.

The operating system allows you to use the advanced features of
a modern computer without having to learn all the details of how
the hardware works

The link between the hardware and you, the user
 
Makes the computer easy to use without having to understand bits
and bytes!


Applications software:
An application program is the type of program that
you use once the operating system has been loaded.

Examples include word-processing programs,
spreadsheets and databases.


 Word processing applications

• Microsoft Word

• Lotus Word Pro

• WordPerfect

Spreadsheets

• Microsoft Excel

• Lotus 123

Database

• Microsoft Access  

• Lotus Approach

Payroll

• Sage software

Presentation tools

• Microsoft PowerPoint

• Lotus Freelance

Desktop publishing

• Abode Photoshop

 
Multimedia applications

• Microsoft's Encarta CD-ROM based encyclopaedias