Unit 4.1

Unit 4 Intro: An Introduction to Software

IT 231: IT and Application

Learning Objectives

By the end of this introductory chapter, you will be able to:

✅ Define software and explain its fundamental role in a computer system.
✅ Differentiate between the two primary types of software: System and Application.
✅ Recognize that software is created using programming languages.
✅ Identify the common ways software can be acquired.

What is Software? SOFTWARE

Definition: Software is a set of instructions, data, or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.

⚡ In simple terms, it's the "brain" that tells the physical "body" (hardware) what to do.

Without software, a computer is just a collection of metal and plastic.

Analogy: The Restaurant

Hardware ⚙️

The physical components.

The Kitchen
Ovens, Stoves
Plates, Knives
Ingredients

Software 📜

The instructions and processes.

The Recipe
The Menu
The Chef's Skills
The Service Workflow

The kitchen (hardware) is useless without the recipe (software) to create the meal.

The Software Hierarchy

Software acts as a bridge between the user and the hardware.

You (The User)

interacts with

▼

Application Software (e.g., Chrome, Word)

which runs on

▼

System Software (e.g., Windows, macOS)

which manages the

▼

Hardware (CPU, RAM, Storage)

The Two Main Categories 📊

All software can be broadly classified into two types.

1. System Software

Manages the computer itself.

2. Application Software

Performs specific tasks for the user.

🔍 Deep Dive: System Software

System Software: Works in the background to manage the fundamental operations of the computer system.

It's the foundation upon which application software runs.
Users typically don't interact with it directly.

Examples: Operating Systems (Windows, Android), Device Drivers, Utility Programs (Antivirus, Disk Cleanup).

🔍 Deep Dive: Application Software

Application Software: Programs designed for end-users to perform specific tasks or activities.

This is the software you use every day to be productive or entertained.
Also known as "apps" or "programs".

Examples: Microsoft Word (Word Processing), Google Chrome (Web Browser), Photoshop (Image Editing), Valorant (Game).

How is Software Created?

Programming Languages 💻

Software is written by developers using special languages that computers can understand and execute.

Python

Used for AI, web development, data science.

JavaScript

The language of web browsers and interactive websites.

Java

Powers many large-scale enterprise systems and Android apps.

How Do We Get Software?

Software Acquisition Methods

Commercial (Off-the-shelf)

Buy or subscribe to ready-made software.
Example: Microsoft Office 365, Adobe Photoshop.

Custom (Bespoke)

Hire developers to build software for a specific need.
Example: A bank's internal transaction system.

Open Source

Free to use, modify, and distribute. Maintained by a community.
Example: Linux OS, VLC Media Player.

Practical Application in Nepal 🇳🇵

Identifying Software in Daily Life

Think about using a digital wallet like eSewa or Khalti to pay a utility bill:

Application Software: The eSewa/Khalti app on your phone. You directly interact with this.
System Software: The Android or iOS operating system that allows the app to run, use the camera, and connect to the internet.
Behind the Scenes: The banking systems they connect to are often custom-built (bespoke) application software running on powerful server operating systems (system software).

Key Takeaways 🎯

Software is the set of instructions that makes computer hardware useful.
System Software manages the computer, while Application Software performs user tasks.
Software is built using programming languages like Python, Java, and JavaScript.
We can acquire software by buying it, building it custom, or using free open-source alternatives.

Thank You!

Any questions?

Next Topic: Unit 4.2 - A Deeper Look into System & Application Software

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