Computer Software Explained: Types, Installation, and Troubleshooting

This document provides a comprehensive overview of computer software, defining it as a compilation of instructions that enable user interaction with computers and facilitate task performance. It distinguishes between application software, which performs specific functions, and system software, which operates computer hardware and provides basic functionality. System software includes operating systems, device drivers, and utilities, each with distinct responsibilities. The document outlines step-by-step instructions for installing software from the internet, using Google Chrome as an example, and provides troubleshooting tips for installation errors, such as verifying system requirements and cleaning CD-ROMs. It also emphasizes the importance of software updates and patches for fixing errors. Furthermore, it includes historical context, mentioning Tom Kilburn's pioneering software program in 1948 and the "Manchester Baby" computer. This resource, contributed by a student and available on Desklib, serves as a valuable guide for understanding and managing computer software.

Computer software
Software is basically a compilation of many instructions which help the user in interacting with the computer
and also lets him perform tasks

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Computer Software
Description
Software is basically a compilation of many instructions which help the user in interacting with the computer and also lets him perform tasks. It is
difficult to use to computer without software’s. Examples of software include Microsoft Office and Internet browser, etc.
Responsibilities
There are many types of software which have different responsibilities. Few of them are described below,
Application software
This software makes use of the computer system and performs many special functions on the applications of the computer system.
System software
This software operates the computer hardware and is responsible for providing the basic functionality to the user. It also provides a platform for running
application software. There are many types of system software:
Operating systems
This software manages resources and provides services to other software’s as well. The core parts of operating systems are boot loaders, shells and
window systems. Each computer system has only one operating system.

Device drivers
They are responsible for controlling a particular type of device which is attached to the computer. A computer system needs more than one device driver
at least one for input device and one for output device.
Utilities
These programs are basically designed to help user in the maintenance of the computer.
Step-by-step instructions
The step-by-step instructions to install software from the internet are:
1. To install Google Chrome browser, visit the chrome browser web page and click download button i.e. locate and download an .exe file.
2. A dialog box will appear. Follow the instructions to install the software.

3. The software will be installed. The application software will not be visible in the Start menu.

What to do if something goes wrong (troubleshooting)
If you are installing the software with the help of CD-ROM and there is error in installing the software then,
1. Verify your computer meets the requirements of the program or utility. For example, if your computer runs out of disk space during
the installation, this would cause an error during the installation.
2. If you are running Microsoft Windows 95 or higher, try installing the program from Safe Mode.
3. Verify the CD is clean and contains no significant scratches. See our page on how to clean a CD and a CD-ROM for more
information.

After the software is installed on your computer, it may need to be updated to fix any found errors. Updating a program can be done
using software patches. Once updates are installed any problems that may have been experienced in the program will no longer occur.

Additional information
The first software program that was held
in electronic memory was written by Tom
Kilburn.
The program calculated the highest factor
of the integer 2^18 = 262,144 and was
successfully executed on June 21st of
1948 at the University of Manchester.
The computer that held that program was
called the Small Scale Experimental
Machine, otherwise known as the "Baby"
computer. This "Manchester Baby" is
widely celebrated as the birth of software.