ITC 2301 Columbia Southern University Main Types of Software Worksheet Be sure to note that
one of the sources in this assignment must come from the School Online Library.
References for the assignment may be placed at the end of the document in the
references section. All sources used must be referenced; paraphrased and quoted
material must have accompanying citations. 1. Identify the three main types of computer software that were discussed in your unit lesson.
Within the three main categories, give examples of each and a brief explanation of each. Each
explanation/description category must be answered with at least 100 words. You must cite your
sources within your answers.
MAIN TYPES OF
COMPUTER
SOFTWARE
EXAMPLES
EXPLANATION/DESCRIPTION
2. Write a 150-word essay on the importance of operating systems (OSs). Locate at least one
article in the CSU Online Library and one article from an Internet search. You may also use the
required readings to support your essay. You must cite your sources within your essay.
3. Identify three mobile OSs and three personal computer OSs. Explain advantages and
disadvantages of each one. Describe each OS. The total wording for each OS
description/advantages/disadvantages should be no less than 100 words. You must cite your
sources.
OPERATING
SYSTEMS
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
DESCRIPTION
ADVANTAGES
DISADVANTAGES
References
UNIT I STUDY GUIDE
Computer Software Fundamentals
Course Learning Outcomes for Unit I
Upon completion of this unit, students should be able to:
1. Explain the fundamentals of computer software.
1.1 Identify the different types of computer software.
1.2 Explain mobile operating systems (OSs) and personal computer OSs.
1.3 Explain the importance of OSs.
Course/Unit
Learning Outcomes
1.1
1.2
1.3
Learning Activity
Unit Lesson
“Cloud Computing Influence on Operating System” reading
“Microsoft’s Re-Entry Academia” reading
“Facilities and Changes in the Educational Process When Using Office365”
reading
“Windows 10 Help” reading
Unit I Assignment
Unit Lesson
“Android Challenges Windows as World’s Most Popular Operating System”
reading
“Cloud Computing Influence on Operating System” reading
“A New Protection for Android Applications” reading
Unit I Assignment
Unit Lesson
“Android Challenges Windows as World’s Most Popular Operating System”
reading
“Cloud Computing Influence on Operating System” reading
“A New Protection for Android Applications” reading
Unit I Assignment
Reading Assignment
In order to access the following resources, click the links below.
Android challenges Windows as world’s most popular operating system. (2017). Software World, 48(2), 19.
Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=CDB&sw=w&u=oran95108
&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA491258065&asid=9104cec3b467cc6305065ff08241f825
Aslam, Z. T. M., & Fatima, M. (2015). Cloud computing influence on operating system. Science International,
27(1). Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=oran9510
8&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA405930830&asid=f8c2f50980ae088b51a8bf07634dc570
Carutasu, G., & Pirnau, M. (2017). Facilities and changes in the educational process when using Office365.
Journal of Information Systems & Operations Management, 11(1), 29. Retrieved from https://searchproquestcom.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/docview/1906058365/fulltextPDF/6DC64649AA04AFFP
Q/1?accountid=33337
ITC 2301, Personal Computer Fundamentals
1
Castelluccio, M. (2017). Microsoft’s re-entry academia. Strategic Finance, 98(12),
Retrieved
from
UNIT55.
x STUDY
GUIDE
http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=oran9510
Title
8&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA498675497&asid=f2c221bd654a33be8da95207275a91b4
Latifa, E.-R., & Ahmed, E. K. M. (2016). A new protection for Android applications. International Journal of
Interactive Multimedia and Artificial Intelligence, 3(7), 15. Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=AONE&sw=w&u=oran9510
8&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA458646327&asid=d9e23e1a721d790f2ef44501e63b5292
Microsoft. (n.d.). Windows 10 help. Retrieved from https://support.microsoft.com/enus/products/windows?os=windows-10
Unit Lesson
Having at least basic computer literacy skills has become an absolute requirement today because we use
computers and related technology in just about everything we do. Most of you will use your computer at work,
at home, and in educational environments. This unit is designed to help you feel more comfortable with
Windows, which is the operating system (OS) used to interact with most personal computers. You will also be
introduced to mobile OSs and different types of computer software.
Let’s begin with a review of the basics. A computer is an electronic device that accepts data or input,
manipulates the data based on a user’s instructions, and subsequently produces information or output. What
is an OS? The computer’s most important software is the OS. Without an OS, the computer is useless.
Software provides instructions to your computer and encompasses everything that is not hardware. People
often confuse software with applications and forget that the OS is also software. Systems software, or the OS,
manages your system and determines the types of applications you can run. Basically, the OS manages the
hardware resources such as memory and disk storage space. Each OS is unique and creates its own special
environment. It is the layer of software packages running on your machine between your computer and
hardware devices and your application software. There are three main types of software categories that
computers run, which are application software, system software, and development tools.
Application software includes the programs that you use to complete specific tasks. Examples of application
software include word processors, spreadsheet programs, database management systems, compression
software, accounting packages, photo editors, and more. System software includes the OS and device
drivers. The most common OS is Microsoft Windows, which is installed on 80% to 90% of all personal
computers. In future units, you will learn more about the software that comprises the Microsoft Office Suite,
including Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint. Development tools are used for developing software
applications, websites, OSs, and utilities. Some of these development tools include hypertext markup
language, more commonly known as HTML, and other computing languages such as C++. Click here to view
the flashcards that review important definitions for material covered in this unit. Click here to view the PDF
version of the flashcards.
As you probably already know, Windows is an OS from Microsoft that coordinates the activities of your
computer. The one that we will cover in this unit and course is Windows 10. It controls how the screen is
displayed, how programs are opened and closed, start-up and shutdown procedures, and general computer
navigation. Using the applications in the Microsoft Office Suite requires a general knowledge of Windows.
Much of the work that you do on a computer involves creating, modifying, and saving files. Windows allows
you to manage these files.
There are many differences between desktop computers, laptops, tablets, and smartphones. Each device has
a specific purpose and OS. The desktop computer offers the best value for the individual. Normally, a desktop
has a more powerful processor than the other devices. The desktop configuration normally has a larger
screen and physical keyboard. The laptop computer is an all-in-one unit, making the laptop easy to move. The
operating cost of a laptop is cheaper than a desktop computer. Laptops are also battery-operated for
portability. You do not have to have a cellular plan to use a laptop, just wireless fidelity (Wi-Fi). A tablet is a
smaller device that is easy to carry and battery-powered. A Wi-Fi connection or a cellular data plan is
necessary to access the Internet. The software used on a tablet is completely different from software used on
a laptop or desktop computer, and a smaller screen limits multitasking abilities on tablets. The smartphone is
the smallest option for the user. It requires a cellular plan with data and voice; however, logging in to local WiITC 2301, Personal Computer Fundamentals
2
Fi is also an option. The battery life normally exceeds that of the tablet. Overall,
the xdesktop
UNIT
STUDYcomputer
GUIDE is
better for dedicated gamers and designers. The laptop is better for the movingTitle
student to create productive
content. The tablet is better at consuming content such as music, eBooks, and video. The tablet is also useful
for browsing the Web and interacting with social media. Some specialized tasks can be performed on a tablet
but not like those on a laptop or desktop. The smartphone is great for communications and mobile
applications. The smartphone is not adequate for creating content. This is just a shortened list as there are
additional purposes and differences between these devices.
There are many different categories of OSs based on the hardware on which they work (e.g., a desktop OS).
A desktop OS might use Microsoft Windows, OS X, or Chrome OS. Next, we have the mobile OSs such as
iOS and Android. Mobile OSs are designed for one user at a time. There are also server-OSs that include
Linux, UNIX, and Windows Server. Server-OSs accommodate multiple users at the same time.
Windows runs on specific mobile devices, laptops, and desktops. Windows is one the best OSs for gamers
and has excellent business software as compared to other OSs. Microsoft Windows has comprehensive
online tutorials and guides. Microsoft.com provides users with anything needed in reference to Microsoft’s
OSs. Fast graphic cards also complement the OSs. There are a couple of disadvantages of Windows such as
security and reliability. Windows is more prone to viruses, worms, and other types of attacks because of the
size of the user base. Hackers are more interested in getting the most information they can from a huge user
base. Patches come out frequently to fix security holes; however, computers running Windows are vulnerable
until patched. Microsoft has mobile OSs for smartphones and tablets. One such OS is called Windows RT.
This OS works with tablets that have specific Advanced RISC Machines (ARM) processors.
OS X is an OS developed by Apple. This OS powers Macs and is used for desktops and laptops. This OS has
been through as many revisions as Windows. OS X is said to be user-friendly. It is also known to be reliable
and more secure than Windows. The OS is based on UNIX. UNIX has protection memory features that limit
glitches. UNIX is very secure and has very few security holes. Hackers have developed fewer viruses for Mac
users because of the size of the user base. Even though OS X is very secure, there is no such thing as 100%
security. Software updates should be applied just as should be done with Windows. Some disadvantages of
OS X include limited software availability. Windows has a greater selection of software available. Gamers
have fewer selections, so Windows might be a better OS if you are a gamer.
Chrome OS is an OS developed by Google. This OS is based on Linux, which is an open-source OS. Chrome
OS is proprietary. This OS is unique in that it is ideal for a client who relies on a remote computer. Cloudbased servers are used in this case. Chromebooks can support multiple users, which makes them different
from iPads. There is limited local storage space with Chrome. Chromebooks depend on Web applications for
their software.
Next, we have iOS, which is a mobile OS used for iPhones and iPads. There is also a limit on the applications
that can be used with this OS. Some applications must be purchased, while others are available free of
charge. The applications must be downloaded from an online Apple application store. There is no file
manager with this type of OS, and very limited multitasking capabilities exist on this OS.
Another mobile OS is known as Android. Android runs on smartphones and tablets. Touchscreen input is a
plus for Android, which also supports voice input. Android also provides access to a file system.
Windows 10 has many new features from the last OS. Some of those features include Cortana, which acts
like Siri on the iPhone. Cortana is a text- or voice-activated assistant. There is a new photo feature that allows
for editing and viewing. There is a new Windows Media Player replacement called Groove and an application
called People that allows users to keep important information on contacts. The Internet Explorer browser has
been replaced with Edge, which is the new default browser. Edge offers new features, including an integrated
Adobe Flash Player. There is also a mail application that works with most of the standard e-mail accounts as
well as a Windows store where you can download free and paid-for applications. You have two options when
it comes to the control center. You can access it through renamed settings, which is easier to use, or you can
access the old version of the control center. There is also an action center located on the sidebar where
notifications are displayed. Other features include virtual desktops and task view. The virtual desktop is a nice
option if you only have one physical screen. Also available is Windows Defender, which is antivirus software
that is built into the OS (Martin, 2017). This list is not complete, but additional information is available in your
readings for this unit.
ITC 2301, Personal Computer Fundamentals
3
If you go to https://support.office.com/en-US, you will find additional information
about
Microsoft
Word, Excel,
UNIT
x STUDY
GUIDE
Outlook, PowerPoint, OneNote, Skype for Business, Sharepoint, Access, Project,
TitlePublisher, Visio, Forms,
Teams, Delve, Sway, Yammer, and Planner (Microsoft, n.d.). Anything you want to know about these
applications can be found on this Microsoft website. In the following units, you will be using Word, Excel,
PowerPoint, and Access. In conclusion, this unit touched upon computer literacy, OSs, and categories of
computer software.
References
Martin, J. (2017, July 6). How to use Windows 10. Retrieved from http://www.techadvisor.co.uk/howto/windows/how-use-windows-10-3661023/
Microsoft. (n.d.). Welcome to Office help & training. Retrieved from https://support.office.com/en-US
Suggested Reading
In order to access the following resource, click the link below.
The following article provides great information about new features in the software that we will use throughout
this course.
Bruzzese, J. P. (2015, September 23). First look: Top 10 features of Office 2016. InfoWorld. Retrieved from
http://go.galegroup.com.libraryresources.columbiasouthern.edu/ps/i.do?p=CDB&sw=w&u=oran95108
&v=2.1&it=r&id=GALE%7CA481608878&asid=454d7b89cd005fa3a653572047f868de
ITC 2301, Personal Computer Fundamentals
4
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