Lenovo PC 300GL Understanding Your Personal Computer 6267, 6277, 6287 - Page 47

Software, Software Layers

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Chapter 7. Software Software includes a variety of instructions, programs, utility programs, and tools that enable your computer to do what you want it to do. Software Layers Several layers of software work together to make your computer work. System programs are the basic layer of software built into every computer. They include the POST, BIOS, and Configuration/Setup Utility programs. Power-on self-test (POST) is a set of tests and procedures performed every time you turn on your computer. Basic input/output system (BIOS) is a layer of software that translates instructions from other layers of software into electrical signals that the computer hardware can understand. Except for a short message on your screen when you turn your computer on, you rarely have much direct involvement with BIOS. You can use the Configuration/Setup Utility Program to set up your computer for different features and options. Other software used by your computer includes: device drivers, which support a specific type of hardware device; and Advanced Power Management (APM), which allows the computer to conserve energy, or allows the computer to turn on when it is unattended. An operating system is the layer of software that manages all computer operations by directing the flow of information to and from the various parts of the computer. The operating system interprets instructions from you and your application programs and directs these instructions to the BIOS. Your computer needs an operating system to run application programs. Application programs are the highest layer of software. An application program allows you to do specific work, such as word processing, desktop publishing, or financial accounting. These are the programs you use to get work done on your computer. Some application programs, called tools or utility programs, are designed for very specific tasks such as configuring the computer, using a feature, or testing the computer. And, of course, there are games to keep you entertained. Your software might have been preinstalled for you, or you might have to install it yourself. If not preinstalled, your software package usually contains program diskettes, CDs, and instruction manuals. Refer to the information provided with your software for installation and operating instructions. © Copyright IBM Corp. 1998 39

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Chapter 7.
Software
Software includes a variety of instructions, programs, utility programs, and tools that enable
your computer to do what you want it to do.
Software Layers
Several layers of software work together to make your computer work.
System programs
are the basic layer of software built into every computer.
They include the
POST, BIOS, and Configuration/Setup Utility programs.
Power-on self-test (POST)
is a set of
tests and procedures performed every time you turn on your computer.
Basic input/output
system (BIOS)
is a layer of software that translates instructions from other layers of software
into electrical signals that the computer hardware can understand.
Except for a short
message on your screen when you turn your computer on, you rarely have much direct
involvement with BIOS.
You can use the Configuration/Setup Utility Program to set up
your computer for different features and options.
Other software used by your computer includes:
device drivers
, which support a specific
type of hardware device; and
Advanced Power Management (APM)
, which allows the
computer to conserve energy, or allows the computer to turn on when it is unattended.
An
operating system
is the layer of software that manages all computer operations by
directing the flow of information to and from the various parts of the computer.
The
operating system interprets instructions from you and your application programs and
directs these instructions to the BIOS.
Your computer needs an operating system to
run
application programs.
Application programs
are the highest layer of software.
An application program allows you
to do specific work, such as word processing, desktop publishing, or financial accounting.
These are the programs you use to get work done on your computer.
Some application
programs, called
tools
or
utility programs
, are designed for very specific tasks such as
configuring the computer, using a feature, or testing the computer.
And, of course, there
are games to keep you entertained.
Your software might have been preinstalled for you, or you might have to install it yourself.
If not preinstalled, your software package usually contains program diskettes, CDs, and
instruction manuals.
Refer to the information provided with your software for installation
and operating instructions.
Copyright IBM Corp. 1998
39