Lesson 3 - Software
Introduction
In general, software describes the changeable instructions carried out by the computing hardware. A software program does not work alone, but must cooperate with one or more other types of programs.
Software generally falls into the following broad categories:
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OSs provide a computer's basic functions.
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Networking software, included with an OS, controls network communication.
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Applications and utilities do work for users or other applications.
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Device drivers allow an OS to work with additional hardware.
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Network management tools help human administrators configure and maintain a network.
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This lesson introduces each of these types of software and explains how they work together.
Objectives
At the end of this lesson you will be able to:
1.
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Give several examples of what an OS does
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2.
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Explain what a device driver is and why it is necessary
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3.
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Explain the difference between peer-to-peer communication and client/server communication
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4.
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Describe what network management software is used for
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Key Point
To communicate over a network, a computer must use
networking software.
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