Chapter Introduction

Software can is used as a broad term to describe anything that isn’t hardware, but in fact software is simply a set of instructions that allow a computer to perform a task.^[1] Application software is software a user interacts with in order to perform a useful task.^[2] Anything from word processors to video games can be considered application software. There are many types of software, system software is responsible for managing resources and hardware and will be covered in chapter 2.

On campus you will need access to a word processor to complete written assignments. Handwritten work is not acceptable at the University of Manitoba. Word processing software such as Microsoft Word can be packaged along with other application software into software suites. Microsoft Office includes word processing, spread sheet, database, and many other applications. Office software is commonly used in business, and is a core component of Comp 1260 assignments. In the case that you do not want to purchase Microsoft Office, there are many freeware alternatives available such as Open Office. If you do not own a computer, you are free to use the open area computer labs around campus which contain all the software you will need to complete your homework.