SOFTWARE

Whenever people think about computers, they are most likely thinking about the computer machine such as the television-like monitor screen, the keyboard to type on, the printer which produces copies of text-and-graphics material, and the computer housing called "the box" which contains the electronic parts and circuits (the processing unit) that receives/stores data and directs computer operations. The computer machine or hardware is naturally an attention-getter.

It's more difficult to realize, however, that the computer hardware can hardly be useful without
the program or system that tells what the computer machine should do. This is also called
the software.

There are two kinds of softwarsoftware:
1. The system software. This is the operating system that is found or bundled inside all computer machines.
2. The application software. This contains the system that commands the particular task or solves a particular problem.

In turn the application software may be:

(a) a custom software that is made for specific tasks often by large corporations, or
(b) a commercial software packaged for personal computers that helps with a variety of tasks such as writing papers, calculating numbers, drawing graphs, playing games, and so much more.


MICROSOFT WINDOWS

       Also referred to as a program, Microsoft Windows or Windows for short is an operating environment between the user and the computer operating system. Also called a shell, it is a layerthat creates the way the computer should work. Windows uses a colorful graphics interface ( called GUI-pronounced "gooee" ) that can be seen on the computer screen or monitor whenever the computer is turned on.
       The user  can work with on-screen pictures (icons) and sugesstions (menus) to arrive at the desire software. Windows 95 (now improved with Windows 2003, 2007)   is a software designed for Microsoft Windows. Actually, Windows is in itself a self-contained operating system which provides:

• User convenience—just click a file name to retrieve data or click from program to program as easy as changing channels in your TV screen
• A new look—fancy borders, smooth and streamlined text fonts
• Information center—Windows puts all communications activities (e-mail, downloads etc. in a single screen icon); adapts/configures the computer for the Internet.
• Plug and play—configures the computer with added components, such as for sound and video.