Install, upgrade and uninstall application software in a stand-alone environment
What are the types of software?
What is an operating system?
Application software
Accounting
Database software
Desktop publishing
Educational software
Electronic mail software
Games
Internet browsers
Spreadsheets
Word processors
Integrated packages
Factors to consider when choosing software
Choosing the type of software you need
Considering the version of the software
Compatibility of the software
Single user and multi-user software
Installing, upgrading and uninstalling application software
Installing software
Upgrading application software
Uninstalling application software
Summary
Check your progress
What are the types of software?
A software application (or program) is a set of instructions that tells the computer how to do things. Anything that you can touch on the computer (such as the mouse, monitor or internal components including the CD drive and hard disk) is known as hardware, whereas everything that you cannot see or touch is known as software.
There are two main kinds of software: system software and application software. System software includes the operating system which controls the basic functions of a computer (such as managing files and talking to the hardware devices). Application software, however, allows the user to complete specific tasks including creating a word processing document, producing a spreadsheet or playing a game.
The hardware, system software and application software need to work together for a computer to operate. Without any system software, the computer hardware would not function and the application software would not be able to be used. If there wasn’t any application software there would be few tasks a computer would be able to accomplish.
What is an operating system?
The most important kind of system software is the operating system. Every computer needs an operating system in order to run the application software and control the hardware devices connected to it. Most computers are supplied with an operating system that has been pre-installed. Examples of popular operating systems are:
1Microsoft Windows – the most well known operating system
2Mac OS – designed specifically for Apple Macintosh computers
3Linux – a freely distributed operating system.
Some of the functions that an operating system may perform include:
- playing a part in starting up and shutting down the computer
- controlling the communications between other computers and the Internet
- managing the hardware devices (such as monitor display, mouse movement)
- organising files.
A computer system consists of hardware and software components:
Application software
Once the computer’s operating system is functioning, application software can also be loaded onto the computer.
Each piece of application software is designed to do a particular job such as creating a text document, performing mathematical calculations or organising and storing large amounts of information. The following list identifies some of the popular categories of application software:
- accounting
- database software
- desktop publishing
- educational
- electronic mail (email) software
- games
- internet browsers
- spreadsheets
- word processors
- integrated packages.
Accounting
There are many accounting computer software applications available that record and process accounting transactions such as: tracking income and expenses, performing taxation calculation and sometimes payroll functions. Depending on the needs of the user an accounting package may be purchased as third party software (packaged software) or may be developed within the company (customised software). Some popular accounting software programs include:
- Quicken by Intuit, Inc.
- MYOB.
Database software
Database software helps to store large amounts of information. Databases are organised in a logical order so that you can search for information very quickly and easily.
Examples of databases include:
- Microsoft Access
- Paradox
- Filemaker
- dBase.
Desktop publishing
Desktop publishing software (which is also known as ‘page layout’ software) is used to combine text and graphics to produce, for example, professional quality newsletters, brochures or magazines. Many recent word processors also have desktop publishing features. Examples of desktop publishing packages include:
- QuarkXPress
- Adobe Indesign
- Microsoft Publisher.
Educational software
Educational software’s main purpose is to teach the user a particular skill. It can range from simple games that cater for pre-school children to programs such as typing tutors and foreign language tutors.
Electronic mail software
Electronic mail software, or email software, enables you to create and send messages over the Internet or an Intranet. One of the most well-known email software programs available is Microsoft Outlook.
Games
Today there are thousands of games available for you to buy for your computer. Games can include arcade games, where a user needs to test their hand-eye co-ordination, strategy games or computer versions of traditional board games.
Internet browsers
An Internet (or web) browser enables you to view website pages. Today there are many web browsers that are available free, and some that are included with other software. Some popular web browsers available include:
- Microsoft Internet Explorer
- Netscape Navigator
- Mozilla Firefox.
Spreadsheets
A spreadsheet is an application program designed to manipulate numeric information. It is a rectangular grid that provides you with a way to productively and creatively use all kinds of mathematical formulas and calculations. Some popular uses of spreadsheets include: creating charts to represent your information, developing budgets or displaying profit/loss statements. Spreadsheet programs currently available include:
- Microsoft Excel
- Lotus 123.
Word processors
A word processor is an extremely popular application program that allows you to compose and edit letters, memos and reports. It is a powerful tool that allows a user to create documents by entering text, importing text or graphics, moving and copying text, formatting (including changing margins and fonts), and printing. Some popular word processing applications include:
- Microsoft Word
- Word Perfect.
Integrated packages
An integrated package is a collection of different software programs that are designed to work well together. Microsoft Office is a popular integrated package, which bundles together a word processor, a spreadsheet and several other small applications such as a photo editor. There is usually some capability for each program to interact easily with another. For example, a spreadsheet might be able to be linked to a word processing document.
Factors to consider when choosing software
When choosing software you need to consider a number of issues including:
- the type of software you need
- the version of the software you require
- compatibility of the software with the current operating system and the computer hardware
- whether you need single or multi-user software.
Choosing the type of software you need
Before choosing any software it is important to consider the purpose for the software.
- Do you need software to create text documents? (You may need a word processing application.)
- Do you need to perform mathematical calculations? (You may need a spreadsheet application.)
- Do you want to use software for recreation? (You may need a game.)
- Do you need to keep records of your accounts? (You may need accounting software.)
- Do you need software to help a child with their mathematics? (You may need educational software.)
Many people will use only a few basic features of the application software they select. For instance, most people use a word processor to create simple letters or memos. If you will only be using software for these kinds of simple tasks then it may be unnecessary to buy software with extensive features. If, however, you need to use the software for complex tasks on a regular basis, a basic software application may not be adequate.
Considering the version of the software
Software companies regularly enhance their software and are constantly placing new versions of their system software, application software or integrated packages in the market.
A version means a major change in a software program. A version is usually indicated by a number such as 1.0, 2.0, etc. The highest version number of a software program available means it is the newest, or most recent, version of the software.
Software companies will also do minor changes to their software and thus also issue new releases. A release is indicated by a decimal number after the version number, for example 2.1, 2.2.
Note that not all software companies follow this numbering system. Microsoft, for example, often uses years rather than numbers to indicate the latest versions of their software, for example Microsoft Office 2003 and Windows 2000.
Depending on the computer hardware, the operating system and your personal requirements, you may or may not always have to install the latest version of software. Some older operating systems, for example, may not be compatible with new versions of software. You must always check the system specifications and hardware requirements for the software application to confirm whether your hardware and operating system will be compatible with the version of software you intend to install.
Compatibility of the software
Compatibility refers to the ability of the software or hardware to work with other software or hardware effectively. Before choosing any application software it is important to determine whether the software will be compatible with the current operating system and the hardware, so you don’t buy software that will not work with the computer system. Compatibility can be determined in a few ways including:
- checking the software company’s website
- reading the specifications on software packaging or in a user manual.
Ensuring that application software is compatible with the operating system is critical. Some software companies create different versions of their software so that there is a version available to run on different operating systems. For example, Microsoft has created two versions of its word processing package, Word, to work within a Windows (PC) and a Macintosh environment.
Before you purchase any software application, make certain to read the specifications to find out whether the software will work under your operating system. If you purchase a word processing package that has been designed to work on a Windows operating system, it will not also be able to be used on a computer with a Linux or Macintosh operating system.
It is also very important to check the hardware requirements for the software. It can be quite possible that very recent versions of software may not be able to run on an older computer. It is always better to exceed rather than meet the minimum hardware requirements. Some of the hardware requirements that will need to be met include amount of RAM (random access memory), type of processor and a certain amount of hard disk space.If a computer only just manages to meet the requirements, there is a good chance that the software will run very slowly.
Single user and multi-user software
When choosing software it could be designed to work for only one person at a time to use the software (a single user) or designed for many people to use the software at the same time (multi-user software). Many operating systems have been especially developed to allow people to network-selected computers — so that everyone will be able to work together and share items such as files and printers. Many database software programs are also designed for multiple users, so that all computer users using the database program can have access to the same information at the same time.
Installing, upgrading and uninstalling application software
Installing software
Installing software is the process of transferring a software program onto the computer operating system so it is able to function. Generally, when installing software the following procedures will occur:
1Files and folders that the software needs to use will be copied on to the computer’s hard disk.
2The operating system settings will be adjusted to ensure that the program works properly.
Performing an installation
Depending on the operating system and the application that you want to install, the process of installing software will vary. Install means to prepare the computer to use the software for the first time.
Application software which needs to be installed usually comes on a:
- CD, DVD, or floppy disk format
- and/or can be downloaded from the Internet in a file format.
Sometimes a software program will automatically install after you insert the CD/DVD/floppy disk. However, for some programs you will have to manually start the install process.
The operating system you are using will determine how you perform the installation. Some operating systems have utilities, to help you install new programs. With other operating systems you will have to use a file management tool to help you find the files you need to install.
Figure 1: Screenshot of Windows XP – In the Control Panel there is a special utility to add new programs
Most software installations will guide you through a series of steps, asking you questions regarding choices about the setup. If you are asked to choose between a ‘typical’ or ‘custom’ setup, and you are unsure, it is safer to choose ‘typical’ as this will install the program with default values.
Installation tips
Here are some tips to ensure a successful installation:
- If you need to find the file to open first, in order to start the installation process, it will often be called Setup or Install.
- Read any manuals or software guides (files usually named README) before installation, to check for any special steps that you may need to perform.
- Close any other programs currently running on the operating system.
- Manysoftware installations will guide you through a series of steps, asking you questions regarding choices about setup. If you are asked to choose between a ‘typical’ or ‘custom’ setup, and you are unsure, it is safer to choose ‘typical’ as this will install the program with default values.
Upgrading application software
In order to take advantage of new features in a new version of the software that is released, you may find that you will be able to purchase an upgrade of the existing software program. When choosing an upgrade, rather than a new copy of the software, you will still need to install the upgrade software; however there will be no need to delete the old version. When you install the upgrade software, it will update the old version of the software with any new functions or features.
Note that you must have an older version of the software on your computer if you are installing an upgrade.
Uninstalling application software
Many operating systems have utilities to help you uninstall your application software — an uninstall utility. You may discover that you don’t want to use a particular program anymore, or maybe you would like to get rid of programs that are either out dated, not suited to your needs or just taking up room on your hard disk.
For example, in recent versions of Microsoft Windows, within the Control Panel, there is an option to Add or Remove Programs. You can simply choose the program you want to remove and click the Remove button.
Figure 2: Screenshot of Microsoft XP system – Add or Remove Programs
If your operating system does not have an uninstall utility, or perhaps the program that you need to uninstall is not displayed in the uninstall utility, you will have to remove the program manually. This means using a file management utility to find any folders or files that belong to the program and manually delete them. You will also have to delete any reference to the programs (for instance any shortcuts that have been set up). When using this method to uninstall programs, note that there could also be system files that are a part of the uninstalled program, so it will be very difficult to completely remove a program from the computer system.
Summary
There are many types of application software available in the market, including software to create word processing documents, spreadsheets to perform mathematical calculations, web browser software to help you browse the Internet and integrated packages which contain a few different types of software programs.
To ensure that you install the correct type of software you need to consider various options:
- What functions do you require from the software?
- Will the software be compatible with the computer’s operating system and hardware?
- Which version of the software will be the most suitable?
It is also important to recognise that software can also be upgraded and uninstalled too.
Check your progress
Now you should try and do the Practice activities in this topic. If you’ve already tried them, have another go and see if you can improve your responses.
When you feel ready, try the ‘Check your understanding’ activity in the Preview section of this topic. This will help you decide if you’re ready for assessment.
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