SoftwareIntroductionComputers can do nothing without a set of instructions the system operatorinputs to the central processing unit. These instructions allow the computerto perform many functions including sorting, saving, and processinginformation with remarkable speed. Review Illustrator Draftsman (DM)Volume 1, chapter 3, or read NEETS Module 22, Introduction to DigitalComputers, before studying this chapter to familiarize yourself with computerhardware systems.SoftwareSoftware is the set of instructions, program parameters, or data. Hard drivesand floppy disks are hardware; the data on the disk is software. The twocategories of software are operating system software and applicationssoftware.OperatingsystemssoftwareOperating systems software manages the operation of the entire computersystem. Its primary job is managing the system and system resources such asthe disks, the printers, and the modems. Operating system software linkscomputer hardware to applications software. Operating systems softwareexists primarily in read-only memory (ROM).InstallingoperatingsystemssoftwareInstall operating system software onto the system hard disk drive beforeattempting to load applications programs. Follow the manufacturer’sowner/user manual. The owner/user manual will tell you setup commandsthat lead you through the installation process from the display screen.Thedisplay screen prompts you to enter the appropriate keystrokes or mousemovements to place the software into the hard drive. Once you haveoperating system software installed, put the original distribution disks or CDROM disks in a safe place. You may need the original operating systemsoftware distribution disks later.ApplicationssoftwareApplications or user software are program disks that help you accomplishspecific tasks. Distribution disks for applications software requireinformation about the microcomputer configuration or what devices make upthe computer system. Applications software is created using WORM (WriteOnce/Read Many) technology and stores in ROM. This allows you to use theprogram without altering the original program’ instructions.Continued on next page8-5
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