Software Overview

Software provides the instructions that tell hardware what to do. The same computer system can be used for word processing, gaming, accounting, or Web surfing by installing and using new software. Software comes in various types, including operating systems, application programs, and utility programs.

Operating systems provide standard methods for saving, retrieving, changing, printing, and transmitting information. The most common operating systems today are various versions of Microsoft Windows. The 2003 version of the A+ Certification Exam focuses on all recent 32-bit desktop versions of Windows (Windows 9x and Me, Windows NT 4.0 Workstation, Windows 2000 Professional, and Windows XP). Because operating systems provide the "glue" that connects hardware devices and applications, they are written to work on specified combinations of CPUs and hardware.

Operating system commands come in two major types: internal and external. Internal commands are those built into the operating system when it starts the computer. External commands require that you run a particular program that is included with the operating system.

Application programs are used to create, store, modify and view information you create, also called data . Because an operating system provides standard methods for using storage, printing, and network devices to work with information, applications must be written to comply with the requirements of an operating system and its associated CPUs. A+ Certification does not require any knowledge of application programs, but to provide the best technical support, you should learn the basics of the major applications your company supports, such as Microsoft Office, Corel WordPerfect Office, Adobe Photoshop, and many others.

Certifications are available for major operating systems and applications, and seeking certifications in these areas can further improve your chances of being hired and promoted.

Utility programs are used to keep a computer in good working condition or to set up new devices. In the operating system chapters, you'll learn how to use the major utilities that are included with Windows.

Because these utilities have limited capabilities, you might also want to invest in other utility programs, such as Symantec's Norton System Works or PowerQuest's Drive Image or Partition Magic, for use in your day-to-day work; however, only standard Windows utilities, such as ScanDisk, Fdisk, Disk Management, Defrag, and others, are covered on the A+ Certification Exam.