CS 590M -- Information Systems

Chapter 6 -- Information Systems Software

(This page last modified June 7, 1997. Please send comments to H.E. Dunsmore)


Teaching Objectives

Key Terms

Software
Program
Stored program concept
System software
Application software
Operating system
System residence device
Multiprogramming
Multitasking
Virtual storage
Page
Time sharing
Multiprocessing
Source code
Compiler
Object code
Interpreter
Utility program
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
DOS
Windows
Windows 95
Windows NT
OS/2
UNIX
System 7
Machine language
High-level language
Assembly language
FORTRAN (FORmula TRANslator)
COBOL (COmmon Business Oriented Language)
BASIC (Beginners All-purpose Symbolic Instruction Code)
PL/1 (Programming Language 1)
Pascal
Ada
C and C++
Fourth-generation language
Query language
Report generator
Graphics language
Application generator
Very high-level programming language
Software package
Word processing software
Spreadsheet
Data management software
Integrated software package
Object-oriented programming
Visual programming
Class
Inheritance
Java

Chapter Outline

6.1 What is Software?

Software Programs

Major Types of Software

6.2 System Software

Functions of the Operating System

Multiprogramming, Virtual Storage, Time Sharing, and Multiprocessing

Language Translation and Utility Software

Graphical User Interfaces

Microcomputer Operating Systems

Selecting a Microcomputer Operating System

6.3 Application Software

Generations of Programming Languages

Popular Programming Languages

Fourth-Generation Languages

6.4 New Software Tools and Approaches

Object-Oriented Programming

Java and the Software Revolution

Internet Resources

Microsoft has Websites where you can learn more about Windows 95 and Windows NT.

For Unix see the UnixWorld Online Resources Page.

For an excellent explanation of what "object-oriented" means, see What is Object-Oriented Software? Website.

For extensive information about Java see the Gamelan Website.


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Return to homepage of CS 590M - Information Systems