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Estimated completion time: 90 minutes
You can't really use a computer without software; without it the computer would patiently sit there doing nothing much except heating the room a bit. The operating system is so key to having a working computer, that many people count it as part of the machine. (As in, "What kind of computer do you have?" Common response, "A Windows computer?") Some of the software is actually very close to the hardware. You couldn't use your mouse, or any attached hardware device, without "driver" software that "talks" to the hardware.
As important as the system software is to be able to use your computer, you would get little done without applications, the software tools that let you do (or, at least attempt to do) what you want. We look briefly at application software, but this is not a class in how to use Microsoft Office, so a brief survey of basic types of applications is presented.
All of this software has to be licensed for use. Even most "free" software is provided with restrictions, although the restrictions often affect programmers more than users. We are all familiar with software that is free as long as we allow ads to be shown. Some software "spies" on you, perhaps just noting what songs you listen to, but perhaps doing more malevolent things.
A third class of software is malware — software that does bad stuff. This software is never installed purposefully, but it is often installed with our permission. (A bit like giving a ride to someone that turns out to be a criminal.)
Things can (and do) go wrong on a computer: there are software errors and accidents, like deleting the wrong file, or someone else being able to read your personal diary. Malware, especially, means that we have to do a little work to keep our systems functioning well – system administration helps us to deal with these issues.
Try to identify what software you use at work, school, home, and play. What should you get the next time you purchase a computer? The software you buy can be much more expensive than the hardware you run it on, so pay attention to free options. (Linux is on the rise among college students.)
| Perspective | |
|---|---|
| student | Software can be an enormous expense. Obviously, stealing it is illegal and not an option. Again, being aware of options you do have can save you money. |
| professional |
Knowing what kinds of software are available, what to ask for, and perhaps install, are all necessary for workers in an information society It is not uncommon for an office worker to perform some system administration tasks on their own PC. |
| citizen of a digital society |
You will always be the system manager for your personal devices. Preventing harm to your computer starts with properly managing the system. Intellectual property rights and ownership may seem a thing of the past, but few are going to invest time, energy and money into development, if they can't profit from the investment. |
| course goals |
Software management Software licensing Types of application software Introduction to operating systems and utilities File/Folder management and file naming conventions Intellectual property and ownership Malware Setting up a new PC: software update, firewall & antivirus |
| instructor goals | Understand basic systems administration |
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