The Many Uses of Computer Software
Software is just a series of instructions and information that tell a computer how to perform. In contrast to physical hardware where the device is built and the operating system actually performs the function, software is self-executing. The benefit of this is that there is no need for a person to know anything about how to operate the computer in order to use it. The user just has to have the right piece of software and install it on the computer to get started.
There are two major reasons why people want their own computers but without software, they cannot have them. The first reason is because they cannot afford the hardware. Microsoft has made available its Windows operating system free of charge to be used by any individual who wants it. Even though it is free, it is one of the most popular operating systems for PCs.
Most common computer software include word processing and spreadsheet application software. Word processing software is used extensively in schools, home and businesses for writing documents and keeping track of records. spreadsheet application software includes programs for generating spreadsheets. Both of these application software include spreadsheet programs that allow the users to create a professional looking document without having to understand any complicated programming languages. Some examples of word processing software to include Microsoft Word and Microsoft Excel.
Visual basic is a programming language that is widely used in the Microsoft Office Suite of applications including Word, Excel and PowerPoint. visual basic for applications is often used directly in Excel and also in Access database. programming software that is often used in conjunction with Microsoft Word include AutoCAD and adobe PowerPoint. Programming software that is often used in conjunction with Microsoft Access database includes Alberta procee and crystal reports.
Computer hardware consists of peripheral devices such as printers, keyboards and scanners. Accessories such as motherboards and USB drives are hardware accessories that are computer hardware that is often necessary for hardware operation. Computer software engineer or programming software developer work with peripheral devices and scanners to allow the user to manipulate and design digital images. Peripheral devices that are frequently used in electronic marketing or web design are printers, scanners, modems and USB drives.
Software developers write computer programs that run on a specific hardware platform such as Microsoft windows, Mac OS X, Linux, UNIX and other platforms. Most commonly software programs written for a Windows computer will not run on a Mac because of the different architecture between windows and Mac. There are many companies that produce cross platform mobile software applications that are compatible between multiple systems. Examples of open source software programs are Android and open source software for the iPhone. Mobile software developers do most of their work using Java, C, and assembly languages.
There are several different ways software can be developed on a specific computer system. Typically there are free software application software development tools that allow for the software engineer or programmer to write the application software in a manner that is compatible with the specific operating system on the computer. Many companies use open source software that allows them to customize the software and to provide security, privacy protection and system integration features that may not be available with commercial products. Some examples include Java, Perl and Python programming languages.
Software engineers and programmers can complete various tasks in many ways. The basic goal of the software engineer or programmer is to provide a product or solution to the customer by designing the software and testing it for functionality. Most software systems require the first piece of code to run successfully and without this first piece of code in a software program is nothing more than an inert form on a computer system.