8.1 KiB
8.1 KiB
Week 3: Software, Working with Files, Getting Started with Apps
Hours: 2 (1 lecture)
Learning Objectives
- Distinguish between system software and application software
- Explain the role of an operating system
- Navigate a file system: create, rename, move, copy, and delete files and folders
- Understand file types and extensions
- Install and update application software
Key Concepts
What is Software?
Software = instructions that tell hardware what to do. Two main categories:
System Software
- Operating System (OS): Manages hardware, runs applications, provides user interface
- Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS, iOS, Android
- Utility Software: Maintenance tools (disk cleanup, antivirus, backup)
- Device Drivers: Translators between OS and specific hardware
Application Software
- Productivity: Word processors, spreadsheets, presentation tools
- Communication: Email clients, video conferencing, messaging
- Creative: Photo/video editing, music production
- Browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge, Safari
- Specialized: Accounting, medical records, CAD
💡 Analogy: The OS is like a building manager — it keeps the lights on, manages the rooms, and lets tenants (applications) move in and do their work. Without the building manager, the tenants can't function.
Open Source vs Proprietary
| Open Source | Proprietary | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Usually free | Usually paid (or subscription) |
| Code | Public, modifiable | Closed, protected |
| Examples | Linux, LibreOffice, Firefox, VLC | Windows, MS Office, Photoshop |
| Support | Community-driven | Vendor support |
💡 Discussion starter: "Is free software actually free? What's the trade-off?" Leads to conversation about ads, data collection, community maintenance.
The File System
Files and Folders (Directories)
- A file is a named collection of data (document, photo, program)
- A folder (directory) is a container for organizing files
- Folders can contain other folders → hierarchical tree structure
File Paths
- Windows:
C:\Users\Student\Documents\essay.docx - Mac/Linux:
/Users/Student/Documents/essay.docx - Components: Drive → Folders → Filename.Extension
File Extensions Common extensions students should recognize:
| Extension | Type | Opens With |
|---|---|---|
| .docx | Word document | Microsoft Word |
| .xlsx | Spreadsheet | Microsoft Excel |
| .pptx | Presentation | Microsoft PowerPoint |
| Portable document | Adobe Reader, browser | |
| .txt | Plain text | Notepad, any text editor |
| .jpg / .png | Image | Photos app, browser |
| .mp3 / .mp4 | Audio / Video | Media player |
| .zip | Compressed archive | File Explorer, 7-Zip |
| .exe | Windows program | Windows |
| .html | Web page | Browser |
⚠️ Security tip: Be cautious with
.exe,.bat,.scrfiles from unknown sources — these can run programs on your computer.
File Operations
- Create: New file or folder
- Save / Save As: Save current work; Save As = new name or location
- Copy vs Move: Copy = duplicate; Move = relocate (original disappears)
- Rename: Change the name (be careful not to change the extension)
- Delete: Sends to Recycle Bin / Trash (recoverable until emptied)
- Search: Find files by name, date, type, or contents
Cloud Storage
- OneDrive, Google Drive, iCloud, Dropbox
- Files sync across devices
- Collaboration features (shared folders, simultaneous editing)
- Trade-off: convenience vs privacy, requires internet
Installing Software
- App stores: Microsoft Store, Mac App Store, Google Play
- Web downloads: From vendor websites (verify the source!)
- Updates: Keep software current for security and features
- Uninstalling: Use the system's uninstall feature, not just deleting the icon
💡 Demo idea: Walk through installing a free application (like VLC or 7-Zip). Show the full flow: download → verify source → install → find in Start menu → uninstall.
Diagram Ideas
- Software Layer Cake — Bottom: Hardware. Middle: Operating System. Top: Application Software. Shows how apps sit on top of the OS which sits on top of hardware.
- File System Tree — Visual tree starting from C:\ showing Users → StudentName → Documents/Pictures/Downloads with example files in each.
- File Extension Cheat Sheet — Visual grid: icon + extension + "what it is" + "opens with."
- Cloud vs Local Storage — Side-by-side comparison showing where files actually live.
Slide Concepts
| Slide | Content |
|---|---|
| 1 | Title: "Software: The Instructions" |
| 2 | System Software vs Application Software — two-column with examples |
| 3 | The Operating System — screenshot of Windows/Mac desktops with labeled parts (taskbar, desktop, start menu, file explorer) |
| 4 | Open Source vs Proprietary — comparison table |
| 5 | The File System — tree diagram |
| 6 | File Extensions — visual cheat sheet |
| 7 | File Operations Demo — screenshots of copy, move, rename, delete |
| 8 | Cloud Storage — logos + features |
| 9 | Installing Software Safely — do's and don'ts |
| 10 | Activity preview: organize a messy folder |
Vocabulary
| Term | Definition |
|---|---|
| Software | Instructions/programs that tell computer hardware what to do |
| System Software | Software that manages hardware and provides a platform for applications (OS, drivers, utilities) |
| Application Software | Programs designed for end users to perform specific tasks |
| Operating System (OS) | System software that manages hardware resources and provides services for applications |
| Device Driver | Software that allows the OS to communicate with a specific hardware device |
| Utility Software | System tools for maintenance tasks (antivirus, disk cleanup, backup) |
| Open Source | Software whose source code is publicly available and can be modified |
| Proprietary Software | Software owned by a company; source code is not publicly available |
| File | A named collection of related data stored on a computer |
| Folder / Directory | A container used to organize files in a hierarchical structure |
| File Extension | The suffix after the dot in a filename (e.g., .docx, .pdf) indicating file type |
| File Path | The full address of a file in the file system (e.g., C:\Users\Documents\file.txt) |
| Cloud Storage | Remote servers accessed via the internet for storing and syncing files |
| Install | To set up software on a computer so it's ready to use |
| Uninstall | To remove software from a computer |
| Update / Patch | New version of software that fixes bugs, adds features, or improves security |
| Recycle Bin / Trash | Temporary holding area for deleted files before permanent removal |
| Compression / Zip | Reducing file size by encoding data more efficiently; .zip is a common format |
Activities & Assignments
In-Class
- Desktop Scavenger Hunt: Students identify parts of the OS interface (taskbar, system tray, file explorer, etc.) on their own computers.
- File Organization Challenge: Give students a "messy" folder (downloadable zip) with 20+ files poorly named and unorganized. They create a logical folder structure and organize everything. Grade on structure and naming conventions.
- Extension Matching Game: Flash an extension on screen — students shout out what type of file it is and what program opens it.
Homework
- OS Comparison (1 page): Compare two operating systems (e.g., Windows vs macOS, or Android vs iOS). Cover: target audience, cost, app availability, pros/cons.
- File System Map: Screenshot or draw the folder structure of their Documents folder. Identify at least 5 different file types and explain what each extension means.
Discussion Questions
- Why do we need an operating system? Why can't applications just talk to hardware directly?
- When would you choose open source software over proprietary (or vice versa)?
- You download a file called
free-movie.mp4.exe— what should you do and why? - What happens to your files if a cloud storage company goes out of business?