Transformer toys are fascinating By twisting one part, folding up another part, and deftly maneuvering several other levers and gears transformers morph into something totally different-act on figures transform into animals; dragons and other exotic animals transform into robots, bets, tanks, motorcycles. or helicopter.

In a sense, computers have a transformer-like quality, too. For example. a computer can transform from one kind of machine to another-from a drafting station to a typesetting machine, from a flight simulator to a calculator. from a filing system to a video editing studio A computer's versatility is possible because of software-the set of instructions that tells a computer how to perform a specific type of task. But how does software work) What can it do? How do you add it to your computer? The answers to those questions are the focus of this unit.

Section A begins with a look at the components of a typical software package and explains how these components work together Section B focuses on a computer's most important system software-its operating system Section C presents an overview of software applications. including document production, spreadsheets, data management, graphics. music, video editing, and games. Section D wraps up with important practical information about installing software, uninstalling software and software copyrights.

When you complete this section, you should be able to.

Describe the software components of a typical software package, including executable files support modules, and data modules

Trace the development of a computer program from its inception as a set of high-level language instructions through its translation into machine language

Describe the differences between system software and application software

Describe the way an operating system manages each computer resource

Identify operating systems for personal computers, PDAs, and servers

Explain the key features and uses for word processing, desktop publishing, and Web authoring software

Describe the major features of spreadsheet software

Describe the key features of database software

List the types of software that are available for graphics, music, education and reference, entertainment, and business

Explain how to install and uninstall software, whether it is supplied on CDs or as a Web download

Describe the rights granted by copyright law, a typical commercial software license, a shareware license, a freeware license, an open source license. and public domain software