| Computer software is the combination of | | | | Packages available include Home Basic, Home |
| programmes and applications which interface | | | | Premium, Ultimate and Business. The main |
| with the physical components of the computer, | | | | improvements and selling points of this |
| the hardware, to enable the user to perform | | | | service package include state of the art user |
| specific functions and tasks. There are two | | | | interfaces (Aero - Authentic, Energetic, |
| basic types of software, known as system | | | | Reflective and Open), easier transfer of |
| software, which is responsible for the basic | | | | media between devices and computers, better |
| functions of the computer, and application | | | | security (virus protection, etc) and new |
| software, such as Word Processing programmes, | | | | multimedia programmes. For example, Windows |
| which enable the user to perform actual | | | | Media Player 11 is included in the package |
| specific tasks, e.g. typing. An operating | | | | and has undergone a major revamp; including |
| system is the software behind all of the | | | | user interfacing, new search capabilities, |
| system and application management; it is | | | | and the facility too hook up with external |
| responsible for organising and controlling | | | | devices such as the Xbox 360. However, many |
| how each of the systems interface with each | | | | consumers are fully aware of Microsoft's |
| other (basically the smooth running of every | | | | dominance in the computer industry and in |
| programme), for example, allocating the | | | | particular the software market, and are |
| appropriate amount of memory in accordance | | | | reluctant to shell out for the new programme |
| with which programmes are running and require | | | | where many of the new features are seen as |
| more power and input. Examples of operating | | | | luxuries rather than necessities, and on top |
| systems are Linux, and of course Microsoft | | | | of that Vista cannot be installed on any |
| Windows, which holds a monopoly on the | | | | machine - brand new machines must be |
| computer market for such systems. Without an | | | | purchased with the system already built in. |
| Operating system, computers are merely empty | | | | So potential customers will have to buy a |
| shells with little or no use. They will | | | | whole new PC setup just to be able to use |
| typically run their won application software, | | | | Microsoft Vista - not a popular choice |
| for example Microsoft Windows has packages | | | | amongst consumers in an industry where there |
| such as Microsoft Office, which deals with | | | | will doubtless be further improvements and |
| word processing, publishing, presentation | | | | new, better software waiting just around the |
| slides, databases, etc. Modern computers can | | | | corner. An advantage gained then, for rival |
| run several applications simultaneously | | | | Linux, whose majority of software CD's and |
| without crashing and becoming slow, depending | | | | packages can be accessed for free, so whilst |
| on the power and capabilities of the | | | | it is a lot more complex and less user |
| operating system. Software is constantly | | | | friendly than the likes of Microsoft and |
| being up dated and new versions being | | | | their Windows packages, yet it remains one of |
| released, so much so that current systems can | | | | the most reliable and up to date operating |
| become out of date within months - it is a | | | | systems out there. |
| very fast moving and fast evolving area of | | | | |
| industry. Microsoft have just released their | | | | Article Alley is one of the UK's top article |
| latest operating system to follow on from the | | | | sites, best for Computer Articles. |
| roaring success of Windows XP; Vista. | | | | |