IT Application Tools in Business
Module 4: Computer software
What is a Computer Software?
Software
● is the set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do. Software is
created through the process of programming. Without the software,
the hardware would not be functional.
Types of Software
Software can be broadly divided into two categories:
1. Systems Software
● manages the hardware and create the interface between the
hardware and the user. This is needed in order to operate and
use our computer.
Functions of System Software
The operating system provides several essential functions, including:
1. managing the hardware resources of the computer;
2. providing the user-interface components;
3. providing a platform for software developers to write applications.
All computing devices runs an operating system. For personal computers, the
most popular operating systems are Microsoft’s Windows, Apple’s OS X, and
different versions of Linux. Smartphones and tablets run operating systems as
well, such as Apple’s iOS, Google’s Android, Microsoft’s Windows Mobile, and
Unix.
2. Application Software
● is the category of programs that do something useful for the
user. It is not needed by the computer to operate but is
needed by the end-users
● Application software developers used different kinds of
computer languages such as C#, Java, PHP, Ruby, Unity, etc.
● For computer based software, we call it Programs While for
mobile based software, we call it Applications
Common Application Software
1. Word processing
● This class of software provides for the creation of written documents.
Functions include the ability to type and edit text, format fonts and
paragraphs, and add, move, and delete text throughout the document.
IT Application Tools in Business
Module 4: Computer software
2. Spreadsheet
● This class of software provides a way to do numeric calculations and
analysis. The working area is divided into rows and columns, where
users can enter numbers, text, or formulas.
3. Presentation
● This class of software provides for the creation of slideshow
presentations. Harkening back to the days of overhead projectors and
transparencies, presentation software allows its users to create a set
of slides that can be printed or projected on a screen.
4. Image editing
● Image editing software encompasses the processes of altering
images, whether they are digital photographs, traditional photo-
chemical photographs, or illustrations.
5. Video editing
● Software used for performing the post-production video editing of
digital video sequences on a non-linear editing system. It has replaced
traditional flatbed celluloid film editing tools and analogue video tape-
to-tape online editing.
Kinds of Software Uses
1. Open Source
2. Freeware
3. Shareware
4. Commercialized/Licensed
Harmful Software
1. The Malware (Malicious Software)
2. Malware creation is on the rise due to the sheer volume of new types
created daily and the lure of money that can be made through
organized Internet crime.
3. Malware was originally created as experiments and pranks, but
eventually led to vandalism and destruction of targeted computer
machines.
IT Application Tools in Business
Module 4: Computer software
4. Today, much of malware is created for profit through forced
advertising, stealing sensitive information, spreading email spam,
pornography, or to extort money.
a. Virus
b. Worm
c. Trojan Horse
d. Spyware
e. Adware
f. Zombie Computers
g. Ransomware
Types of Malware
Virus
● the most common type of malware and it is defined as a malicious
program that can execute itself and spreads by infecting other
programs or files.
● when executed, replicates itself by modifying other computer
programs and inserting its own code.
Worm
● is a type of malware that can self-replicate without a host program.
● worms typically spread without any human interaction or directives
from the malware authors
Trojan Horse
● A Trojan horse is a malicious program that is designed to appear as a
legitimate program; once activated following installation.
● The term comes from the a Greek story of the Trojan War, in which
the Greeks give a giant wooden horse to their foes, the Trojans,
ostensibly as a peace offering.
Spyware
● Spyware is a kind of malware that is designed to collect information
and data on users and observe their activity without users' knowledge.
● Spyware is often hidden from the user in order to gather information
about internet interaction, keystrokes (also known as keylogging),
passwords, and other valuable data.
Adware
IT Application Tools in Business
Module 4: Computer software
● Adware is any software application in which advertising banners are
displayed while a program is running. The ads are delivered through
pop-up windows or bars that appear on the program's user interface.
Adware is commonly created for computers, but may also be found on
mobile devices.
Zombie Computers
● A zombie (also known as a bot) is a computer that a remote attacker
has accessed and set up to forward transmissions (including spam
and viruses) to other computers on the Internet.
Ransomware
● Is a malware designed to infect a user's system and encrypt the data.
Cybercriminals then demand a ransom payment from the victim in
exchange for decrypting the system's data.
