Fundamentals of Software
Use
Remember that these notes are supplemental to and should not
replace your text.
Overview
In this chapter the focus is on software
that computer users will work with to
perform a wide range of tasks.
Topics will be:
Systems vs. Application software
User Interface
Virtual Reality
Learning Objectives
After completing this chapter you will be able
to:
Describe the major classes of software available in the
marketplace.
Demonstrate how users gain access to software and the
restrictions that sometimes limit their activities.
Explain the differences among user interfaces.
Identify common elements of a graphical user interface
(GUI) and their functions.
List the types of online help available.
Describe what virtual reality is and discuss its applications.
Applications vs. System
Software
Application Software is
what the users work
with to complete their
tasks.
Systems Software is
what controls the
hardware, instructing
the hardware to do
what is required by the
application software.
Software Suites
A Software Suite is a
collection of software
which is bundled together
and sold at a reduced
price.
Microsoft Office
Integrated Software
groups software but
reduces capabilities of
each piece.
Microsoft Works
Document-Centered
Computing
Software Ownership
Proprietary Software is owned by someone
and users buy usage rights.
A Site License is an agreement that allows access
by several people to use proprietary software.
Shareware is software that you may use and
fees are asked if you need support or
documentation or if you use it for an extended
period of time.
Public-domain software (Freeware) can be
used without charge.
User Interface
Command Line
Interface
C:\DOS> Del A:Fred
Graphical User
Interface (GUI)
Other Interfaces
Pen-based
Touch screens
Voice
Social
GUI Elements - Menus
Menus
Menu Bars
Pull-down Menus
Toolbar Icons
Hypertext Menus
Palettes
Tab Menus
Dialog Boxes
GUI Elements - Menus
Shortcut Keys
Checkmarks
Arrows
Ellipses
Menu icons
GUI Elements - Windows
GUI Elements - Icons
Context-sensitive
pointer shapes adjust
program actions to
accommodate the type
of operations the user is
performing.
Icons indicate to the
user the function to be
performed by clicking
the icon.
GUI Elements - Scrolling
Scrolling
with boxes
with arrows
vertically
horizontally
GUI Elements - Dialog Boxes
DIALOG BOX ELEMENTS
GUI Elements - Online Help
Online Help takes many forms, such as:
Icon
Shortcut Key
Menu option
Help Table of Contents (Index)
Help Search by Topic
Wizards
Natural Language Help
Online Tutorials
Virtual Reality
Virtual Reality is a hardware and software
technology that creates the illusion of reality for
the user.
It can be used in:
Architecture - walk through the house of your dreams
before it is built
Entertainment - immerse yourself in your wildest fantasy
Investments - study the world of securities
WWW - add Virtual Reality to your web page using VRML
Medicine - practice the surgery before it is performed
and many others….
