Software tools or software (SW) is an integral part of the computer. Software is a logical extension technical means, which expands the possibilities and scope of the use of computers.

For the functioning of the computer, a software complex is used, which is divided into 3 large categories:

– system software;

– instrumental systems (programming systems);

- application software.

System software intended for:

– creating an operating environment for the functioning of other programs;

– automation of the process of developing new programs;

– ensuring reliable and effective work computer network;

– carrying out diagnostics and preventive maintenance of the equipment;

– execution of auxiliary technological processes, for example, copying, archiving, etc.

Operating system - totality software tools, which provides control of the computer hardware and application programs, as well as their interaction with each other and the user.

operating system is an intermediary between the user and other programs, as well as between the user and the computer.

The main tasks to be solved operating system:

- organizing a dialogue with the user;

– computer hardware management;

– organization file system;

- launching application programs.

Tool systems designed to create software products and include all the tools necessary for the production of programs and their formation in machine code, including programming languages ​​and translators.

Program is a set of commands that control the actions of a computer, written in accordance with the syntax of a programming language.

Programming language is an artificial language created to describe data processing algorithms.

Translator – program-translator from programming language to machine code language. Translators are divided into interpreters and compilers.

Interpreter- a translator that provides instruction-by-command translation into machine codes and simultaneous execution of each instruction.

Compiler- a translator that translates the entire program into machine instructions without executing it. Compiled programs run 20-50 times faster than interpreted ones.

One of the main components of tool software are programming languages, which are divided into two large groups:

1. Machine-dependent (autocode, assembler);

2. Machine independent or high level languages:

- procedural-oriented (Fortran, Pascal, BASIC, etc.);

- problem-oriented (highly specialized);

– object-oriented (Java, C++);

– scripting languages ​​(for working with programs on the Internet).

Application software designed to perform specific tasks. Application programs are developed by specialists, as a rule, for a wide range of users. Simple application programs created by users for their own needs.

Among the many programs, widely used application programs stand out, which are classified by type of activity:

– preparation of texts – text editors;

– preparation of graphics – graphic editor;

– preparation of typographical documents – publishing systems;

– tabular data processing – spreadsheet processors;

– processing of information arrays – database management systems;

- design - computer-aided design systems;

- accounting and financial reporting - accounting and banking programs.

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

The set of programs running on a given machine is its software. Obviously, the same software is available to families of software compatible computers. Currently, a huge number of software products for all types of computers have been created.

They can be divided into two classes:

1. Programs that provide computer operation and access to it

user - system software.

2. Programs that provide solutions to practical problems from different

areas of science, economics, production, etc.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE.

OPERATING SYSTEM.

System software is a set of programs that ensure the normal operation and convenient use of a computer. The main and necessary part of the system software is the operating system (OS). It manages the operation of external devices, keeps records and distributes machine resources: processor time, operational and external memory, external devices, provides an interface (communication) with

user.

Every running machine has an operating system, and each type of machine has its own OS, and often multiple OSes. Operating systems can be classified according to a number of criteria.

1. The number of simultaneously solved tasks.

If at the current moment one task is being processed on the machine and all computer resources are allocated to it, then this mode is called a single-program mode of operation. This mode greatly simplifies the operation of the OS and is used for mini- and micro-computers, it is the basis for a PC.

The multi-program mode of operation is such a mode in which at the current moment in random access memory there are several programs that share all the resources of the machine. In this case, the OS decides challenging tasks on accounting and distribution of resources, protection of programs and data from each other. Usually, tasks are assigned in turn, according to their priorities.

a certain amount of processor time. This mode of operation naturally sharply increases overhead costs (for example, for IBM-360/370 and OS 360/370 machines, up to 80% of the processor time was used by the OS itself and only 20-25% for the tasks themselves), but it is justified and effective for large machines with significant resources.

2. Way of interaction with the user.

1) batch mode

Tasks and data in this mode are prepared in advance, arranged in the form of a block (package), and then transferred for execution, as a result of which the user receives the finished results. In this case, the user cannot interfere in the process of solving the problem.

This mode is usually used for large computers with a multiprogram OS.

In this mode, the user performs a task step by step, can analyze the results of the next step and determine the course of further actions. This mode is preferred for single program exclusive regime, but often used for multiprogramming. In this case, it is called time-sharing mode.

3. Query response time.

If the computer is used to control real process(technological, production, etc.), the most important is the response time to the request. For such applications, computers develop special operating systems, which are called real-time systems.

Other OSes are also not indifferent to the response time to the request,

but it doesn't matter that much.

The operating system determines (almost completely) the environment of the user, or rather his tasks. Therefore, programs developed in one OS usually require rework when porting them to another OS.

Currently, for personal computers compatible with the IBM PC, the most common is MS-DOS. different versions(single-program, interactive) and the WINDOWS system began to be used more and more often.

But the most common OS for different types machines is a UNIX system (multiprogram, interactive), which also claims to be a single operating system that provides one user environment for different machines.

The MS-DOS operating system for IBM PS compatible computers will be discussed next.

LANGUAGES AND PROGRAMMING SYSTEMS

The operating system provides only the execution of programs. Their writing, debugging should be performed by other software tools. Since a machine can only execute programs in machine language, and it is difficult for a person to describe algorithms at such a level, languages ​​were developed already at the beginning of the use of computers.

programming - specialized formal means of describing the algorithm of the problem and special programs, which provide translation from a programming language into machine language, the so-called translators. Among the first programming languages ​​are such languages ​​as Fortan and Algol.

Currently, there are several thousand programming languages, but the most common of them are about a dozen. Among them, there are universal, intended for writing any algorithms, and specialized, focused on the description of a certain range of tasks.

In addition, languages ​​are classified by levels. If we consider machine language as the lower level, and natural language as the upper level, then we can distinguish between low-level and high-level languages.

Low-level languages ​​include autocode, mnemonics, and assemblers. These are machine-oriented languages, which are close to machine language in terms of operator construction, but allow the use of command mnemonics and symbolic addressing. For all machines in all operating systems there are assemblers, sometimes several. Programs written on them are very efficient. In particular, OS programs are usually written in assembly language.

High-level languages ​​allow you to describe a problem on a certain subset natural language, usually English. These include Pascal, C, Fortran, Clipper, Lisp, Prolog, BASIC, and many others.

Pascal, Fortran, C are universal algorithmic languages. Lisp and Prolog are specialized languages ​​for the tasks of inference, processing of complex data structures and logical reasoning. They are used for developing expert systems, theorem proving, etc.

There are translators for all these languages, and sometimes several for different types of machines. Translators can work in two modes:

Compilation; at the same time, the entire text of the finished program written in the corresponding programming language is translated into a program in machine code (object code). After additional processing, such a program can already work regardless of the language in which it is written.

Interpretation; in this case, an operator

translation and execution of the program. This mode is very useful for

debugging simple programs. But for large programs, practically

unsuitable, because it requires the presence of a program in

interpreter memory.

Currently, various TURBO systems (TURBO-C, TURBO-PASCAL, etc.) are used to write, translate and debug programs, which include, in addition to the translator, simple editors texts for preparing programs, debugging tools, assembly ready programs from object modules.

APPLIED SOFTWARE

Application software (APS) of a computer is a set of programs that provide solutions to practical problems from different fields of knowledge. PPO makes up the majority of total software. It is difficult, and practically impossible, to list all the software tools included in the software, but you can try to determine the main classes or types of software. It should be remembered that this division is rather conditional. If we take as a basis the level of complexity of the software product, then we can distinguish the following classes:

1. simple, often individual programs written by a programmer

to solve his own problems and used mainly by him.

2. a program or system for solving some complex complex

tasks that provide automation of some process, form

activities, etc. But similar system can only be used in

accompanied by the developer and is designed for use in specific

conditions.

3. Systems, software packages, complexes that automate some

process, side of the enterprise organization, etc.

the ability to customize for a specific application in given

conditions (for example, on the dimension of the task, the volume of processed

information, machine configuration, etc.).

Such a system is already a commercial product. Currently, there are special legal regulations for the distribution and use of such packages.

To date, such software is

most of the software.

Among them are distinguished:

1) method-oriented software packages (mainly

scientific nature)

2) problem-oriented systems that provide

automation of some area of ​​the enterprise

If we take the level of reasonableness or "intelligence" of the system as a basis, then we can distinguish:

1. "Rigid" or "primitive" systems that perform a well-defined

and the formulated problem according to a certain algorithm. Such

is the bulk of the current programs.

2. Programs that themselves determine and refine the solution algorithm

tasks, depending on the conditions and accumulated experience. Most of

working expert systems belongs to this type.

3. Systems that take on the problem setting from difficult

formalized areas that determine the algorithm for its solution and

performing it. These are the so-called systems with elements

artificial intelligence. At present, an example of such

kind of systems can serve as some expert systems.

The general scheme of a computer with the software installed on it can be represented as follows:

¦ Systems with artificial intelligence elements ¦

¦ ¦ Text editions, CAD, applied. packages¦¦

¦ ¦ ¦ Programming Languages ​​¦ ¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ C, Pascal, DBMS, etc. ¦ ¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ - ¦ ¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ O C ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ computer ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ ¦ L ¦ ¦ ¦ ¦

¦ ¦ ¦ L- ¦ ¦ ¦

MS DOS OPERATING SYSTEM

For PCs that are software compatible with the IBM PC, there are several operating systems, such as MS DOS, UNIX, WINDOWS, etc. The most common among them is MS DOS, since it is the simplest and requires few resources. It is reasonable to use it for machines of class XT, 286, 386. WINDOWS and UNIX require a significant amount of resources, but at the same time provide some additional features: multitasking and advanced interface.

Software(BY)- a set of programs that provide processing or transmission of data intended for multiple use and application by different users. Software (Software) is understood as a set of programs executed by a computer system. Any end goal computer program- hardware management.

operating system- a complex of control and processing programs, which, on the one hand, act as an interface between the devices of a computing system and application programs, and on the other hand, are designed to control devices, control computing processes, effective distribution computing resources between computing processes and the organization of reliable computing. Now in the world known and discussed 2 operating systems:

• - Windows-family of Microsoft operating systems, focused on the use of a graphical interface for management.
• - MS-DOS - Microsoft's commercial operating system for IBM PC-compatible personal computers. MS-DOS is the most famous operating system from the DOS family, previously installed on most IBM PC-compatible computers. Over time, it was superseded by the OS Windows families 9x and Windows NT.

One of the important elements of computer software is a programming language - a formal sign system designed to write computer programs. A programming language defines a set of lexical, syntactic and semantic rules, specifying appearance programs and actions that will be performed by the performer (computer) under its control. Popular programming languages: pascal - a general-purpose programming language, one of the most famous programming languages, is used for teaching programming in high school and in the first years of universities, is the basis for a number of other languages; BASIC is a family of high-level programming languages ​​that was developed in 1963 by Dartmouth College professors Thomas Kurtz and John Kemeny, it was intended for teaching programming and was widely used in various dialects, primarily as a language for home computers.

Program are ordered sequences of commands.

The ultimate goal of any computer program is to control hardware. Even if at first glance the program does not interact with the hardware in any way, does not require any input from input devices, and it outputs data to the output device, its work is still based on controlling the computer hardware devices.

Software and Hardware in a computer they work in inseparable connection and in continuous interaction.

The composition of the computer system software is called the software configuration.

There is a relationship between programs, as well as between physical nodes and blocks - many programs work based on other programs of a lower level, i.e. we can talk about inter-program interface. The possibility of the existence of such an interface is also based on the existence specifications and protocols of interaction, and in practice it ensures the distribution of software into several interacting levels.

Software levels are a pyramidal structure. Each next level builds on the software of the previous levels.

The software of a modern computer is very diverse in accordance with the variety of tasks solved by users with its help, and the many operations performed by computer devices.

The software is divided into the following types:

• - computer bootstrap programs;
• - operating systems (OS);
• - file system;
• - operating shells designed to provide a user-friendly way to work with files and run application programs;
• - device drivers.

Another class of software is application software.

In applied software, the following groups of software tools (PS) can be distinguished:

• - PS for word processing;
• - PS for processing numerical information;
• - PS for processing graphic information;
• - PS for sound information processing.;
• - PS, providing work in telecommunication networks;
• - PS providing automated storage of information - database management systems (DBMS);
• - PS used in the processes of control and diagnostics;
• - PS used for research and design work;
• - PS used in training - electronic textbooks, simulators, tests, etc.;
• - Game programs;
• - Programs created by the user

Databases are used to store and process large amounts of information. The telephone directory is a database that stores information about organizations. Notebook is a database that stores information about people. The library catalog is a database that stores information about books. Each database stores information about in large numbers objects of the same type. Objects of the same type have the same set of properties, so the database stores the values ​​of these properties for each object. The database allows you to orderly store data on a large number of objects of the same type with the same set of properties. At present, computer databases are widely used. A database management system is an application that allows you to create databases and sort and search data in them. Implemented with help from Microsoft excel, Microsoft Word and Open Office Writer.

It was found above that a computer performs any actions on programs written by a person. On its own, on its own, so to speak, initiative, the computer never any actions are unable to be performed. We can say that a computer without a program is like a car without a driver and fuel. Therefore, the presence of programs is no less important than the presence of a computer. At present, the programs that are necessary for the normal functioning of a computer can many times exceed the cost of its hardware. The term is used to refer to a set of computer programs. software(software) computer .

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Software is a set of programs that can be run on a computer of this model, including sets of accompanying technical, software documentation.

There are two points to note in this definition. Firstly, different models computers have different architectures, different ways of encoding information, different command systems. Therefore, programs prepared to run on a computer of one model will most likely not be able to run on a computer of another model. Thus, we should talk about the software of this particular model or family of software-compatible machines. Secondly, along with the program, a set of technical documentation is also purchased, which describes the purpose and main features of the program, technical requirements to the computer hardware (required amount of RAM and external memory, availability of special equipment, etc.), methods of installing the program on the computer and methods of managing the program. Sometimes the description of the program and how to work with it can take hundreds of pages of text. If there is no documentation for the program, then working with the program is very, very difficult, and sometimes even impossible. Note, however, that quite often the programs provide a built-in help system, which can be accessed directly during the execution of the program. Such a help system usually contains all the information necessary to manage the program. Sometimes she is called Help system(help - help).

The standard for most programs is to call the built-in help system using the function key F1.

The totality of all software used on a computer is often called software (software - software software, soft - soft, ware - products), and the totality of hardware - hardware(hardware - hardware, hard - solid). On any specific computer available specific set of hardware and software that forms it resources. Over time, computer resources can change, increasing or decreasing.

A group of interrelated programs that provide the performance of related information processing functions, together with the sets of auxiliary data necessary for this, is called software package, or software system.

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A program or package of programs developed for the purpose of mass replication is called software product.

Software packages are distributed through a distribution network, special software distributors or through global computer networks. Currently, the following methods of distribution of software products are used: commercial, shareware- partially paid or shareware (share - share, part, ware - product), freeware- free (free - free) and trial- trial (trial - test). Commercial packages are purchased at their full cost, while shareware packages are purchased for a small, sometimes symbolic price after a free trial period. During this period, the user usually works with an incomplete package. And if the program suits him, then after paying the agreed amount, the user receives a complete set of the package and all legal rights to use it. Trial (trial) packages are distributed by their developers for free for the purpose of testing and running, and free (freeware) - within the framework of a certain advertising or trade policy. By purchasing the program through a distribution network or from specialized distributors, the buyer receives all legal rights to use it. When purchasing the program from legal distributors, the buyer receives a certificate or license along with the package for certain rights to use the package. Illegal distributors do not issue such documents. Free purchase commercial and shareware programs by copying ( unlicensed, illegal, pirated copying) is a violation of the copyrights of the program developer and is punishable by law.

Most often, software packages are implemented in the form of a so-called distribution kit(distribute - distribute, distribute), which is a package program and the necessary support data recorded in a special form on floppy or optical disks. Complete with a legal distribution kit, the necessary program documentation, as well as a license to use the purchased program.

It must be remembered that the execution of the program presented in the form of a distribution kit is impossible.

To bring a package or program into working condition must be done installation procedure,installations(install - installation), that is, deployment, bringing programs and data into a working state according to the rules set forth in the accompanying documentation. Commercial distribution packages are often copy-protected, and you need to know how to deploy them. special code, which allows only the rightful owner of the package to install.

As software products are used in practice, their shortcomings, unused opportunities and, possibly, errors that were not noticed at the development stage are revealed. Manufacturers take into account all the information that comes to them of this kind and, if possible, make appropriate changes to the recognized product. These changes manifest themselves in the form of new modifications And versions existing software product.

Version is a software package that has been significantly modified, fundamentally new functions have been added, a different organization of the program, data is used, or new ways of user interaction with the program are applied.

As a rule, new modifications and versions have the same name as the original product. However, a specific indication of modification appears to the right of the name of such a modified product. For example, one of the simplest and most popular operating systems of its time (a program that ensures the efficient operation of hardware and the performance of some other functions) for IBM-compatible personal computers is called MS DOS(MicroSoft Disk Operation System is a disk operating system developed by Microsoft). During its existence, several versions and modifications of this operating system have been released - MS DOS v1.0, MS DOS v3.0, MS DOS v3.3, MS DOS v5.0, MS DOS v5.5, MS DOS v6.0, MS DOS v6.2, MS DOS v6.22. The letter "v" (version - version) in the name of the software product is usually omitted and written, for example, MS DOS 6.22. Sometimes a group of versions or modifications of the same program or operating system is called family and the letter "x" is entered in the version designation, which replaces mismatched designation numbers. Thus, the group of versions MS DOS v6.0, MS DOS v6.2, MS DOS v6.22 is considered the MS DOS 6.x family.

General rules designation of modification and versions does not exist. However, in most cases, the appearance of new modifications is reflected by an increase in the number after the decimal point. So, MS DOS 6.0, MS DOS 6.2 and MS DOS 6.22 are different modifications, not very different from each other. The appearance of a new version is marked by increasing the number in front of the decimal point. For example, MS DOS 3.0, MS DOS 5.0 and MS DOS 6.0 are different versions of the same operating system that differ significantly in their capabilities. As a rule, all the features of minor (preceding) versions are available to their major (subsequent) versions. Note! The older version is considered to have a higher number, but in terms of “age”, of course, it is “younger”. In addition to the version numbering described above, recently it is quite common to use an indication in the name of the year of release of the product or letter designation. For example, the operating system Windows(windows - window) at the time of writing the manual existed Windows versions 95, Windows 98 and Windows ME (Millennium Edition - Millennium Edition), which were released in 1995, 1998 and 2000 respectively.

SOFTWARE STRUCTURE. Currently, it is customary to distinguish the following groups in software: systemic, instrumental And applied software.

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System software serves to ensure the efficient operation of computer hardware.

The programs in this group automate the vast majority of the ancillary hardware work that has to be done when using all sorts of computer technologies for data processing. The group of system programs includes operating systems, operating shells, archivers, anti-virus programs etc. Such programs are developed, configured and maintained in working condition system programmers. They must be highly qualified, knowing in detail the hardware of the computer and how to work with data at the machine level. Note that an ordinary, ordinary user has to constantly deal with system programs, but already from the point of view of their operation, the use of their capabilities to solve their problems. We will get acquainted with some programs of this group in the following chapters of the manual.

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Tool software It is used to develop all kinds of software packages used in various fields of human activity.

The group of instrumental programs includes: translators from various algorithmic languages ​​that translate the text of the program into machine language; linking editors, allowing you to combine individual parts of programs into a single whole; debuggers, with the help of which errors made when writing a program are detected and eliminated; developer IDEs, combining the above components into a single system that is convenient for developing programs. Tool software is a kind of tools for another category of specialists, the so-called application programmers. Application programmers should not only have a good knowledge of the techniques and methods of data processing and be able to develop programs. They must be well-versed or quickly mastered in various specific areas of application of information technology - in engineering disciplines, mathematics, physics, publishing, accounting, medicine, etc. As a rule, end users do not have to deal with programs of this group. However, they must, at least remotely, imagine the situation and, if necessary, find mutual language with a professional programmer to solve their own data processing tasks.

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Application software provides a solution to problems in various specific areas of application of computer data processing systems.

Application software is the ultimate goal of application programmers and, at the same time, a tool of end users' work. Recall that the end user is a person who uses computer technology to obtain the necessary information, to solve a specific problem in a particular subject area or for any other purposes. At the same time, a specialist in his particular field of activity should not at the same time be a specialist in the field of data processing tools, he must not be able to program. However, he must know the basic methods and techniques of working with a computer, the purpose and basic capabilities of system and, especially, application programs in his problem area.

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application program, or app, is a program designed to solve a problem or a class of problems in a specific area of ​​application information technologies data processing. The specific area of ​​application of information technology is called problem area.

Listed below are some of the main types of application programs.

* All kinds text editors: Lexicon, Word, WordPerfect, Tex and many more. Text editors are used to prepare and produce various kinds of printed documents - certificates, reports, statements, articles. The most powerful of the text editors, as a sign, so to speak, of respect for their capabilities are sometimes called word processors. Special varieties of text editors are publishing systems, serving to prepare for the circulation of newspapers, magazines, advertising booklets, brochures, books. Examples of publishing systems include popular systems PageMaker and Ventura Publisher.

* Graphic editor, with the help of which various drawings, drawings, graphs, diagrams, illustrations, including three-dimensional images, are developed. Examples of graphic editors include Paint, Corel Draw, PhotoShop, 3DStudioMAX.

* Spreadsheets are an electronic analogue of conventional tables, with the help of which automatic processing of large arrays of textual and numerical information. Take, for example, the task of accounting for hours worked or work performed by employees of a department. It is convenient to arrange the initial data for solving this problem in the form of a table of the corresponding structure. In such a table, it is possible to reflect not only the amount of work actually performed. You can enter data related to various coefficients of complexity, participation, bonuses, qualification categories, official salaries, grade rates, etc. into it. Then, using the spreadsheet tools, you can automate the calculation of salaries, bonuses, perform various kinds of statistical calculations, generate, according to the data concentrated in the table, payroll statements, statistical reports, certificates. The main advantage of spreadsheets is that when making any adjustments to the source data of the spreadsheet, you can automatically recalculate the entire set of documents prepared on its basis. Spreadsheets include such widespread programs as Lotus, SuperCalc, Excel, Quattro Pro, and a number of others. Spreadsheets are used in their professional activities by business leaders, managerial and planners of various levels, accountants, sociologists, etc.

* Database - software systems used to store information about one or more objects, their properties and relationships. Objects, information about which is concentrated in databases, can be animate and inanimate objects of the real world, ideal objects, say, historical events, etc. Databases can store information about tens and hundreds of thousands of different objects. The main advantage of using databases is the speed and efficiency of selecting the necessary information from them. Moreover, the time of obtaining information depends little on the total amount of information stored in the database. Just imagine how much time people have to spend searching for the necessary information in traditional dictionaries and reference books published on paper, for example, in telephone directories, bibliographic catalogs, legal directories (Civil Code, Criminal Code), etc. The use of their electronic counterparts - databases - allows you to minimize the search time. Moreover, databases provide the ability to select data from their shared storage different users with different queries and search criteria. For example, in a bibliographic database, you can organize a search for all the works of a given author, all literature on a given topic, works whose title contains a given word, and also by many other features. For the development of databases, the initial filling of information and maintaining data in up to date(that is, corresponding to the current, real state subject area) are instrumental software packages called database management systems(DBMS). Currently the most popular DBMS Access, FoxPro, Paradox, Informix, Oracle and several others.

* Integrated Systems combine in their composition components similar to the specialized packages mentioned above, providing a unified style of interaction with all components of the package, as well as convenient and effective method transfer of information between its various components. For example, using a spreadsheet, you can accumulate an array of numerical data and transfer this array to a graphics editor. With its help, build a graph, pie, column or volumetric chart and transfer it as an illustration to text editor to prepare an analytical report. This is much more convenient than using separate specialized packages. However, it must be remembered that in terms of their functionality, individual components of integrated systems are significantly inferior to their specialized counterparts.

A prime example of integrated packages is Microsoft Office - one of the best office suites in the world. It includes a powerful text editor MS Word, MS Excel spreadsheet, MS Access database management system, Outlook personal information manager, Power Point presentation preparation program and some other components. All programs of the package have a single interface and a single data exchange mechanism, so a document can be created using several package tools.

* Document management systems various enterprises and organizations, containing tools for planning and management, automation of financial and economic activities, accounting for products, preparation of various kinds of reports, clerical workflow, business correspondence, etc. As examples, we can indicate the domestic development packages "SKAT", "Sail", "Euphrates".

* Accounting programs allow you to significantly automate the work of accounting departments of various enterprises and organizations. The most popular package in our country is currently considered to be the "1C: Accounting" package, which provides for the implementation of all types of accounting calculations in a complex.

* Correctors- programs that provide spell checking in any tests, documents, reports. For example, the domestic packages "ORFO", "Recipe" contain over one hundred thousand words and phrases, as well as almost all modern rules for hyphenation, spelling and punctuation.

* Translators and electronic dictionaries- programs that can be used to automatically translate texts from one language into another. For example, the Lingua Match Correspondent package provides business correspondence in six languages. Popular translation programs are currently considered packages "Stylus", "Socrat" and electronic dictionary"MultilexPro", containing over two million Russian and English words.

* Educational, training programs and multimedia encyclopedias. Education packages provide individual training and checking the quality of education in a variety of subjects: mathematics, foreign languages, chemistry, biology. There are a large number of preschool developmental programs. The encyclopedias present the world of art, the animal and plant worlds of the Earth, medicine and cooking.

* Game and entertainment packages are presented with a huge number of different games for different ages, as well as music and video recordings.

Control questions

Define the term "software".

How can you find out the purpose, main features and ways of managing programs?

What is meant by the terms software and hardware?

What about computer resources?

Define the terms: "software package", " software system”, “software product”.

How are software packages distributed?

What is the difference between a modification of a program and its version?

Give a classification of software.

What is System Software? Name the main programs related to system software.

What is the software tool used for? Name the main instrumental programs.

Define the terms "application" and "application".

What are text and image editors used for? Give examples of editors.

What are spreadsheets used for?

What are databases? Give examples of databases.

What is a DBMS for?

What is the main feature of integrated systems?

Describe Microsoft package office.

Describe the software packages you know.

Software tools or software (SW) is an integral part of the computer. Software is a logical continuation of technical means that expands the possibilities and scope of the use of computers.

For the functioning of the computer, a software complex is used, which is divided into 3 large categories:

– system software;

– instrumental systems (programming systems);

- application software.

System software intended for:

– creating an operating environment for the functioning of other programs;

– automation of the process of developing new programs;

– ensuring reliable and efficient operation of the computer network;

– carrying out diagnostics and preventive maintenance of the equipment;

– execution of auxiliary technological processes, for example, copying, archiving, etc.

Operating system - a set of software tools that provides control of computer hardware and application programs, as well as their interaction with each other and the user.

operating system is an intermediary between the user and other programs, as well as between the user and the computer.

The main tasks solved by the operating system:

- organizing a dialogue with the user;

– computer hardware management;

- organization of the file system;

- launching application programs.

Tool systems designed to create software products and include all the tools necessary for the production of programs and their formation in machine code, including programming languages ​​and translators.

Program is a set of commands that control the actions of a computer, written in accordance with the syntax of a programming language.

Programming language is an artificial language created to describe data processing algorithms.

Translator – program-translator from programming language to machine code language. Translators are divided into interpreters and compilers.

Interpreter- a translator that provides instruction-by-command translation into machine codes and simultaneous execution of each instruction.

Compiler- a translator that translates the entire program into machine instructions without executing it. Compiled programs run 20-50 times faster than interpreted ones.

One of the main components of tool software are programming languages, which are divided into two large groups:

1. Machine-dependent (autocode, assembler);

2. Machine independent or high level languages:

- procedural-oriented (Fortran, Pascal, BASIC, etc.);

- problem-oriented (highly specialized);

– object-oriented (Java, C++);

– scripting languages ​​(for working with programs on the Internet).

Application software designed to perform specific tasks. Application programs are developed by specialists, as a rule, for a wide range of users. Simple application programs are created by users for their own needs.

Among the many programs, widely used application programs stand out, which are classified by type of activity:

– preparation of texts – text editors;

– preparation of graphics – graphic editors;

– preparation of typographical documents – publishing systems;

– tabular data processing – tabular processors;

– processing of information arrays – database management systems;

- design - computer-aided design systems;

- accounting and financial reporting - accounting and banking programs.

Software Development Trends

With the advent of personal computers, software development has become a powerful business, in the development of which some trends can be traced, in particular:

- software is a commodity that is in high demand in the markets;

- V software development as a result of competition, there is a transition to standard solutions, including standard interfaces;

- with the development of the hardware, the power of programs increases, as well as their expansion functionality;

– there is a gradual transition from licensed software products to free software (FOSS).

The development of open source software in our country is gradually transforming into the creation national software platform (NPP), which is aimed at solving the most important national tasks:

– reorientation of financial flows to the domestic market (import substitution);

– provision national security countries in terms of technological independence;

– elimination of the backlog in the volume and level of use of information technologies in the economy, public administration and public life;

– development of domestic world-class information technology development centers;

– increasing the competitiveness of domestic software products in the world market.

In April 2011, the Commission on high technology and Innovation under the Government of the Russian Federation approved the creation of the NCE. More than 130 domestic companies joined the creation of new software products, which were included in the special committee for the development of NPP.