System Software

System software is the foundational layer of programs that manages and controls the computer’s hardware, providing a platform for application software to run. This includes the computer Operating System, utility programs that perform maintenance tasks, and device drivers that allow the computer to communicate with specific hardware components like speakers and graphics cards. Without system software, your computer would be a collection of parts unable to do much of anything.

Installing, Updating, and Removing Software

Programs that are saved on a computer need to be installed before they can be run. Installing a program puts a copy of all the files a program needs to run on the computer and gives instructions to the Operating System for how to display the program. It also sets up instructions for the CPU to follow when the program is running.

Installing Software

Most software today is available for download from the Internet. To install a program from the Internet, download the install program from the software company’s website or another trusted website. Your web browser may give you the option of automatically starting the install program. If it does not, you can open it in the folder to which it was downloaded (by default, this folder is most likely named “Downloads”).

Once the install program is open, it will give you step-by-step information for what is taking place or what options can be changed.

Each program will have different install options, but some of the things you may commonly see are:

• Information on what software you are installing

• Legal information associated with installing and running this software, called the End-User License Agreement, or E.U.L.A. Many E.U.L.A.s are long and full of complicated language, but you should do your best to understand what your rights and responsibilities are as a software user.

• It may ask you if you wish to install other software in addition to the software you intend to install. Most of the time, this bundled software is part of an advertising or marketing agreement. It’s okay to say no! The most important thing is to make sure that you understand what you’re agreeing to put on your computer.

Once you click through all of the options, you’ll see the installation in progress. When the installation is done, you will see a final screen that shows you if everything was installed OK.

Updating Software

Most of the time, the software that you install will not be the final version of software that is available. Software companies often release newer, improved versions of programs. If an update is available, you might see a notification on your desktop, or you might get a message from the program when you open it. Most programs also have the option for you to check for updates using a “Check for updates” button in the “Help” menu. It is important to keep your software applications updated to ensure they work properly and have updated security features.

Removing or Uninstalling Software

You can always remove programs that you’ve installed. On Windows computers, you can remove software by using the Remove Programs tool in the Control Panel. On a Mac, simply dragging the application to the trash and emptying it will remove the program. If you decide later that you want to use it again, simply redownload and install it like you did the first time!

Software Licensing

Many software programs require permission to use them on your own computer. When you purchase software you’re not actually buying the software itself but rather a license that grants you specific rights to use it. These licenses outline the terms and conditions under which you can install, use, and even share the software program. Different types of licenses exist; proprietary licenses restrict how the software can be used and modified while open-source licenses offer more freedom for users to adapt and share the software. Understanding software licensing is very important because using software without a proper license can be illegal and lead to serious consequences.