COMPUTER SOFTWARE

COMPUTER SOFTWARE, or simply software, is a part of computer system that consists of

encoded information or computer instructions, in contrast to the physical hardware from which the
system is built.

Types of Software

 Application software, which is software that uses the computer system to perform special
functions or provide entertainment functions beyond the basic operation of the computer itself.
 System software, which is software that directly operates the computer hardware, to provide
basic functionality needed by users and other software, and to provide a platform for running
application software. System software includes:

 OPERATING SYSTEMS, the most important system software that interprets how hardware and
software will work together.
 Ex. Linux, Unix, Ubuntu, Mac OS, MS Windows (98, XP, Vista, 7, 8, 8.1, 10)
 DEVICE DRIVERS, which operate or control a particular type of device that is attached to a
computer. Each device needs at least one corresponding device driver.
 UTILITIES, which are computer programs designed to assist users in the maintenance and
care of their computers.
 Malicious software or malware, which is software that is developed to harm and disrupt
computers.

OPERATING SYSTEM – is also known as the system software of the computer system. Mac OS,
Linux, Ubuntu and MS Windows are examples of computer OS. IOS, Symbian and Android are OS
platforms of mobile phones.

Steps in Installing Windows XP for Desktop Computers

** Before installing a new operating system, be sure that you have your data backed up.
Installing a new operating system will cause all of your data to be lost. **

1. Upon the startup or boot up of computer, press F2 or Del button (BIOS key may vary on
motherboard specs or chipset brand) to enter and configure the BIOS Setup.
BIOS (Basic Input Output System) – the firmware component of every PC that manages the
startup (POST - Power on Self-Test) of the computer system and manages important
configurations of hardware and software functionality.
**The following must be checked in the BIOS
a. Check whether the HDD, CD/DVD drive or flash drive is detected and visible.
b. If one of the devices is not detected in the BIOS, perform troubleshooting.
c. Configure boot order of devices. Windows installer must be in 1st boot (CD DVD drive
or flash drive) then HDD in the 2nd boot priority.
d. Save the changes made and exit BIOS by pressing F10.

2. Wait for few seconds for the appearance of command “press any key to boot from cd…..”
(this may not appear when using flash drive as your installer )
3. Upon booting in the windows installer, ignore the system files loading below the screen.
4. When the Windows XP setup menu appears, press ENTER to continue the setup.
5. Next, the Windows XP licensing agreement will be shown. If you agree to the licensing
agreement, press F8.
6. Next, the install process gives you the option to repair Windows XP or to install a fresh copy.
Press ESC to install a new copy of Windows XP.
7. Next, the partition setup will appear. If a partition already exists and you do not plan on
having multiple operating systems on the computer, we recommend that you delete the
existing partition before continuing the setup.
** Note: When deleting a partition, ALL information will be lost.
To delete the partition:
Select the partition and press D, then ENTER. Press L to delete the partition and then press
ENTER.
** To create the partition:
If you started with a new hard drive or have deleted existing partitions, select the
unpartitioned space to create a new partition, then press C. Specify the size of the partition in
MB (the default is to use all available space) and press ENTER.
8. Once the new partition has been created for Windows XP to be installed on, press ENTER to
install Windows XP.
9. You need to select whether the drive will use FAT or NTFS. We suggest NTFS for users who
are not sure what file system they want to use. After selecting the file system, press Enter.
10. The computer will start formatting the hard drive, which can take several minutes or more,
depending on the size of the partition. After the format process has completed, Windows will
begin installing the files and then take you through a wizard to continue with the remainder
of the installation and setup.
Steps in Installing Windows 7 for Desktop Computers
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE

1. Upon the startup or boot up of computer, press F2 or Del button (BIOS button may vary on
motherboard specs or chipset brand) to enter and configure the BIOS Setup
a. BIOS (Basic Input Output System) – the firmware component of every PC that manages
the startup (POST-Power On Self-Test) of the computer system and manages important
configurations of hardware and software functionality.
b. ****The following must be checked in the BIOS in order for the installation process to become
successful.
c. Check whether the HDD, CD/DVD Drive or Flash Drive is detected and visible.
d. If one of the devices is not detected in the BIOS, perform troubleshooting.
e. Configure boot order of devices. Windows installer must be in 1st boot (CD DVD Drive or
Flash Drive) then HDD in the 2nd boot priority.
f. Save the changes made and exit BIOS by pressing F10.
2. Wait for few seconds for the appearance of command “press any key to from cd…..” (this may not
appear when using flash drive as your installer)
3. Upon booting in the windows installer, follow the step-by-step instructions (selecting default
language, accepting the EULA for proceeding the process)
4. Choose the appropriate integer bit of the windows for your computer specification.
5. Select Custom Installation then carefully manage your HDD partitions.
6. Finally, install the windows to Drive 1 (Drive C:)
7. Final step, just wait for the installation process to finish for the final touches.

Versions of Windows 7
o Starter o Professional*64
o Home Basic o Enterprise*64
o Home Premium o Ultimate*64

 Two types of Storage File System

o NTFS – New Technology File System
o FAT – File Allocation Table (FAT32, FAT64, exFAT)
 Dual/Multiple Boot – A computer containing more than one operating system.
 Basic procedure to set up dual boot:
 Partition your drive into two.
 Install the first OS to Drive C.
 Install the next OS to the next partition.
 Hard Disk Drive Partitioning – it is dividing the capacity or size of the HDD. Creating HDD
partition helps the user for better management of system & personal files.
o Drive C is also known as the system partition that is for operating system storage.
 COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer system build-up and maintenance

After installation of Windows operating system, make sure to:

o Religiously back up important personal files.
o Check the Device Manager if there are missing components in your computer.
 You can use Device Manager to install and update the drivers for hardware
devices, change the hardware settings for those devices, and troubleshoot
problems.
 Go to start, right click the Computer menu then click Manage then browse for
Device Manager under the Computer Management, System Tools.
 If there’s a warning indication, you should install the corresponding device driver.
 Screen resolution, Audio device, Network device (LAN & Wifi controller), Built-in
camera, touchpad are basically the non-plug ‘n play components of the
computer.
o Install various types of application software and utility software.
 MS Office, Web Browsers, Anti-Virus, Back-up Utilities, Multimedia Apps
o Turn off system automatic update.
o Perform monthly update of anti-virus signature.
o Perform monthly disk-cleanup
o Perform monthly disk defragmentation
o Monthly, delete files from C:\Windows\Prefetch and C:\Windows\Temp folders.