Proprietary and Open Source Software

Introduction
Proprietary Software (Close source software) means the company that developed the software owns the software, and no one may duplicate it or distribute it without that company's permission.User must pay the software if they want to use the proprietary software.
Example: Microsoft Office 2007,Adobe Photoshop CS4,Adobe Flash CS4, and Windows 7.

Open Source Software that is free to use and which provides the original source code used to create it so that advance user can modify it to make it work better for them.
Example: Linux,GIMP,Mozila Firefox 3.0, and PeaZip.

Different between Proprietary and Open Source Software

Types and Usage of Utility Programs

1. File Compression- A program that shrinks the size of files so they require less storage space and reduce transmission time if sent over internet.
Examples:
i)PeaZip (opensource)
ii)WinZip

iii)WinRar

2.File Management- Is a program that performs functions related to files such as delete,copy,rename,move, view and disk management such as format & copies disk.
Examples:
i)Windows Explorer
ii)Free Commander (freeware)
iii)SE-Explorer (freeware)

3.Diagnostic Utility- 
i)Compiles technical information about a computer's hardware and certain system software.
ii)Prepares a report outlining any identified problems.
Examples:
i)PC Diagnostic
ii)Advance System Care
iii)CCleaner

4. Antivirus- That protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in a memory,storage,media or incoming files.
Examples:
i)Norton Antivirus
ii)Kaspersky 2011 (proprietary)
iii)Avira 7.1

5. Defragmenter- Program that reorganises files and unused space on a computer hard disk.
Examples:
i)Disk Defragmenter (built-in-Utility)
ii)MyDefrag (freeware)
iii)Defraggler (freeware)

6.Disk Scanner- That checks the hard drive of your computer for errors and bad sectors.
Examples:
i)ScanDisk (built in windows utility)
ii)Scanner (open source)
iii)HDDScan (freeware)

Utility Programs

Utility Programs
Define:
Also known as sevices programs,is a type of system software that allow user to perform maintenence-type tasks,usually related to managing a computer, its device,or its program.

Two Type Of Utility Programs
1.Built in (windows explorer,disk cleanup, disk defragment)
2.Stand Alone Utility (winzip,norton utility,kaspersky)

Uses Of Application Software

Word Processing
Function
Word processing is an application software that allows users to create and manipulate documents containing mostly text and sometimes graphics.Word processing software can be used to produce documents such as letters, memos, reports, fax, cover, sheets, mailing labels,news letters ,and web pages.

Spreadsheet 
Function
Spreadsheet is an application software that allows users to organise and manipulate data in rows and columns. Spreadsheet contains cells on which you can insert formulae, labels and perform automatic recalculations.It produces worksheets that require repetitive calculations- budgeting, maintaning a grade book, balancing accounts, tracking investment, calculating loan payments, estimating project costs and preparing financial statements.

Presentation 
Function
Presentation is an application software that allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas,messages and other information to an audience.

Graphic Editor
Function
Graphic Editor is an application software that allows user to work with drawings,photos and pictures. It provides the users the ability of creating,manipulating,and printing graphics.

Types Of Application Software

                                                 

1. Word processing

Proprietary

-Microsoft Word

-Corel Word Perfect

-EasyWord

Open Source

-KWord

-OpenOffice Write

-AbiWord

 2.Spreadsheet

Proprietary

-Microsoft Excel

-Corel Quattro Pro

-EasySpreadsheet

Open Source

-Kspread

-OpenOffice Calc

-GNumeric

3. Presantation

Proprietary

-Microsoft PowerPoint

-Corel  Presantations

-EasyPresantation

Open Source

-Kpresenter

-OpenOffice Impress

-Agnubis

4. Graphic Editor

Proprietary

-Adobe Photoshop

-Adobe Illustrator

-Corel Draw

-Jasc Paint Shop Pro

-Ulead Photoimpact

Open Source

-GIMP

-Inkscape

-PhotoScape

-Paint.Net

-CinePaint

The Different Interfaces Of OS

Command Line Interface

 (DOS)

-User have to memorise all the syntax to issue command 

-Difficult to use

-Not user friendly

-Take a long time to learn 

Graphical User Interface

(Windows/Linux)

-User have not to memorise all the syntax to issue command 

-Easy to use

-User friendly

-Take a short time to learn

                                                          

Interfaces Of Operating System

A user interface can be defined as the combination of hardware and software that helps people and computers communicate with each other.

Your computer's user interface a display device, mouse

a. Command line interface (e.g DOS -Disk Operating System)
    The command-line user interface requires a user to type commands or press special keys on the keyboard to enter data and instructions that instruct the operating system what to do. It has to be typed one line at a time. For example, if we want to rename a filename from ABC.txt to DEF.txt we use the following command.

 C: >rename abc.txt def.txt

b. Menu driven interface 
    Menu  driven user interface enables the user to avoid memorizing keywords such as copy,paste and syntax. On screen, menu-drive interface provide menus as means of entering commands.It shows all the options available at a given point in a form of text-based menu.

c. Graphical user interface (e.g Windows XP) 
    Graphical user interface makes use of the computer's graphics capabilities to make the operating system and programs easier to use ,which is also called  " user-friendly " .
    Graphical user interface interact with visual images such as buttons, icons, and other graphical objects to issue command. On the desktop, we can initiate many actions by clicking icons that represent computer resources such as files, programs and network connections.

Function of OS

1) Starting a computer - The process of starting or restarting a computer is called booting.     

2) Provide a user interface -We interact with software through its user interface. That is user interface control how you enter data and instructions and how information is displayed on the screen. Three types of user interface are :                                                                                                                                                             

   i) Command Line Interface (CLI) - Command Driven Interface 

  ii) Menu Driven Interface - Menu Driven Interface 

                                                                                           

 iii) Graphical User Interface (GUI) - Icon Driven Interface

                            

3) Managing Programs- Some operating systems support a single user and only one running program at a time. Others support thousands of users running multiple programs.

4) Managing Memory- The computers operating system is responsible for managing memory such as 
   a) Allocating data and instruction to an area of memory while being processed.
   b) Monitoring the contents of memory.

5) Configuring Devices- A driver, short for device driver ,is a small program that tells the operating system how to communicate with specific device. Each device on a computer such as ;   

          

Mouse 

Printer 

Scanner

                                    

Software

What is Operating System ?

An operating system is a set of programs containing instructions that coordinate all the activities among computer hardware resources.

Type of OS :
i.    Stand-Alone Operating System 
      Windows XP, Vista, Mac OS, Linux, DOS
ii.   Network Operating System 
        Windows NT, Windows Server 2000, Linux, UNIX, Solaris
iii.  Embedded Operating System 
      Windows CE, Palm OS, Symbian OS, Embedded Linux  

  

Difference between Primary and Secondary Storage

                        

                   RAM

Floppy disk

         

Types and Function of Secondary Storage

Secondary storage is another alternative storage to keep your work and documents. It is very useful to store programs and data for future use. It is installed externally. It is non-volatile.It will store the information until it is erased.

Secondary storage can be divided into three main types : 


Magnetic Medium: Magnetic Medium is a non-volatile storage medium. Magnetic disks use magnetic particles to store items such as data ,instructions and information in disk's surface.  
  
The examples of magnetic storage are :
Magnetic disk such as floppy disk, hard disk, zip disk.

Hard disk

Magnetic tape such as video cassette , tape.  

    

 Floppy Disk

Zip disk

                      

                            Tape

         

             Video cassette

Optical Medium : Optical medium is a non-volatile storage media that consists of a flat , round , portable disc made of metal and plastic that is written and read by a laser. 
  
These following forms are often commonly used : 

1. CD , DVD and BD :  read only storage used for distribution of digital information such as music ,video and computer programs.
2. CD-R and DVD-R : write once storage , the data cannot be erased or written over once it is saved.
3. CD-RW , DVD-RW and DVD RAM : it allows data that have been saved to be erased and rewritten.                

 Flash memory : Flash memory is a solid-state media which they consist entirely of electronic components and contains no moving parts.  

There are two type of flash memory :

Memory card : It is used with digital cellular phones ,MP3 players ,digital video cameras and other portable digital devices. 

                  

                      Memory stick

Multi Media card

Flash Drive : It also called USB drives ,thumb drives or pendrives.

                                                                                        

Pendrive

Types and Function of Primary Storage

There are two types of primary storage which are Random-Acces Memory (RAM) and Read-Only Memory (ROM) .    


Function of RAM : 

• RAM is the main memory in a computer .The data in RAM can be read (retrieved) or written (stored).
• It stores data and programs that can be accessed directly by the processor.
• RAM holds temporary instructions and data needed to complete tasks.This enables the computer's CPU to access instructions and data stored in the memory very quickly. 
• RAM stores data during and after processing.          

Function of ROM :     

• ROM is another type of memory permanently stored inside the computer. ROM is non-volatile. It holds the programs and data when the computer is powered off .
• Programs in ROM have been pre-recorded. It can only be stored by the manufacturer ; once it  is done ,it cannot be changed. 
• Many complex functions such as start up operating instructions,translators for high-level languages and operating systems are placed in ROM memory.
• All the contents in ROM can be accessed and read but cannot be changed. 

Differences between RAM and ROM :

Data and program 

      RAM

       Stores during  and after processing. 

      ROM  

       Stored by manufacturer.      

Content 

        RAM 

        Stores information temporarily.

        ROM

      Stores information permanently.

Processing Time 

        RAM 

        Very fast, but uses a lot of power.

        ROM 

        Fast ,but uses very little power.  

Volatile 

        RAM 

        Volatility

        ROM 

        Non-volatile 

Location of the central processing unit (CPU)

Expansion Slot : An expansion slot is a socket on the motherboard where expansion cards are inserted . Examples of expansion card are video graphic ,accelerator card , Network Card ,TV tuner card  and  audio card                        
                                      

                 

Location Of Ports

A Port is an interface on a computer to which you can connect a device such as printer,flash drive and mouse .

Firewire

 VGA Port

                 

                                                                  

Sound Port

Serial Port

                    

                        

USB Port

Printer Port

                          

Ethernet Port

PS/2  Port

    

    

                                

Output Device

Output Device

• Is any hardware that is capable of delivering or showing information to one or more user.

Output is data that has been processed into a useful form,called information.

• Monitor - Output device that visually conveys text,graphic and video information.
• Printer - Prints text and graphic on a physical medium such as paper or transparency
• Speaker - That produce sound effect , music, speech or the sounds.
• LCD Projector - A LCD projector is an output device that uses its own light source to project what is  displayed on the computer on the wall or projection screen.
• Plotter - A plotter is a large printer that produces high-quality drawing such as plan, maps, and circuit diagram.

       

      Monitor

Printer

                     

         

        Speaker

LCD Projector

                  

Hardware .

Identify the INPUT DEVICES used for text , graphic , audio and video .

Input device is any hardware component that allows users to enter data and instructions into a computer . 

Input is any data and instructions entered into the memory of a computer.There are four type of input which are : 

1.Texts-Input from keyboard and bar code reader .

    Input Device 

•  Keyboard-Input device that contains keys users press to enter data and instructions into a computer . We can enter data such as text and commands into a computer by pressing the keys on the keyboard . 
• Bar code reader-A bar code reader is a device that uses a light source to read bar codes and then converts them into digital data that a computer can process .   

2.Graphics-Input from Digital camera and scanner .

     Input Devices 

• Digital camera-A digital camera allows you to take pictures and store the photographed images digitally .
• Scanner-A scanner is a device that captures images from photographic prints,posters,magazine pages and similar sources for computer editing and display .

3.Audio-Input from microphone,MIDI keyboard.

            

     Audio input is the speech , music and sound effects entered into the computer .

     Input Device 

• Microphone - Input device that we use to record audio or give command to the computer
• MIDI Keyboard - MIDI Keyboard is a musical instrument that we use to play music .

4.Video - input from video digital camera , webcam , CCTV . 

     Video input is input of motion images captured into the computer by special input devices .

   

     Input Device 

•  Digital Video Camera - A digital video camera allows us to record full motion and store the captured motion digitally . 
• Webcam - A webcam is any video camera that displays its output on a web page .
• CCTV - A Closed-Circuit Television ( CCTV ) video camera is a type of digital video camera that enables a home or small business user to capture video and still images . 

     Pointing Device

• Mouse - Is a small plastic box with buttons on top aonic d rolling ball or optical "reader" underneath.
• Pointing Stick - Pressure-sensitive pointing device shape like pencil eraser positioned between keys on a keyboard
• Touchpad - Small,flat,rectangle pointing device that is sensitive to pressure that is to pressure and motion.
• Joystick - Input device with a vertical  lever move to control pointing device or on-screen objects.
• Trackball - Stationary pointing device with a ball on top or side
• Gamepad - Is most common kind of game controller,held in both hands with thumbs and fingers used to provide input
• Graphic Tablet - Rectangular,electronic plastic board that i used to create drawings and sketches

  

Joystick

Pointing Stick

Graphic Tablet

Game Tablet

                                

                           

Touch Pad

Trackball

                 

Clock Speed Measurement .

When people talk about a computer's '' speed '' , they mean how fast it can process data . In other words , this means the speed the computer can turn data into information . Every microprocessor contains a system clock .

The clock speed unit is measured in hertz . A hertz is on cycle per second.  

                                                                               

Function Of Data ASCII Code

1. Coding schemes such as ASCII make it possible for humans to interact with a digital computer that processes only bits. When you press a key on keyboard , the electronic signal is converted into a binary from the computer can process and is stored in memory . Every character is converted to its corresponding byte . Software converts the byte into a human recognizable number , letter of the alphabet that is displayed on a screen or is printed .

2. ASCII was established to achieve compability between various type of data processing equipment making it possible for components to communicate with each other successfully .

Introduction To Binary Coding

What is ASCII?

• ASCII (pronounce as-key) is an acronym for American Standard Code for Information Interchange used in most computer to represent letters,number, and other character.

Bit,Byte and Character

Bit

• A bit (short for binary digit) is the smallest unit of data the computer can proces.
• A bit i represent by number 1 and 0.

Byte

• Byte is a unit of information built from bit.
• Bits and bytes are the basis for representing all meanigful information and programs on computer.

Character

• One byte represent a single character such as the number,letter,or simbol.
• Computer does not undertand letter or number or picture or symbol.

           

                                          1 Byte = 8 Bits = 1 Character

• The Unicode coding schemes is designed to solve this problem.
• It use two bytes(16 bits) to represent one character

                                                      Unicode

                            2 Bytes = 16 Bits = 1 Character