What is a computer program? Creation, use, types and purpose of computer programs. What are computer programs and mobile applications for?

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The user's main tool for working with a computer is a program. It is this that allows a person to interact with a computer that operates with numbers (ones and zeros).

Introduction

All processes that occur on a computer - be it moving the mouse cursor across the screen, listening to music, watching videos, playing games, using the Internet or typing text - would be impossible without using various programs. Moreover, most of the internal components of a computer simply cannot work without special programs, and without their use the computer would be an ordinary useless piece of hardware.

So what is a computer program? Essentially it is a set of instructions called code that is executed computer technology. The code itself consists of special teams and algorithms written in a specific programming language. The main purpose of the program is to obtain some data, then process it using its own algorithm and produce a result that can either be seen, for example, by what is happening on the screen, or not seen at all if this is not required.

Collectively, those programs that are already on your computer are called software or for short BY. Programs can also be named applications or software, from the English word “software”.

There is absolutely no need for the average computer user to understand what language and how the program was written. It is much more important to know that software can be of different types and have completely different purposes.

In general, for personal computers and in particular for Windows systems, exists great amount programs aimed at different types works With the help of some you can process graphics and text, others will help bring order to your system or hard drive, others are designed for working on the Internet, others are responsible for the operation of the internal components of the system, and so on. All this software diversity is usually divided into two large groups: application software and system software.

Application software

This type of program includes creative applications and work tools designed for the creation and processing of information by the user himself. Essentially, with this class of programs you work on a computer.

Any unified classification application programs no, due to the wide variety of their types, so let's look at only the main and most popular categories of applications.

Internet and networks. This type of software is designed to work in global network Internet or local networks. It can be attributed to various browsers(web browsers), file downloaders, FTP clients, programs for working with by email, Internet pagers and others.

Office applications and text. Programs designed primarily for working with various types of electronic documents (text, spreadsheets, presentations). To this popular group include entire office suites and editors, translators, text and speech recognizers, programs for viewing documents in various formats and reading e-books, as well as converters and transcoders.

Multimedia. Applications designed to work with audio and video files. These include all kinds of players, programs for recording files on optical media, audio/video editors and editing programs, converters and encoders between various formats and others.

Graphics and design. From the name it is clear that this type of software is intended for creating and processing various types images. And here there are types of editors, both professional and quite simple, many types of viewers for different graphic formats, converters and transcoders, as well as programs for design and modeling.

Education and science. Educational and educational multimedia applications are among the most popular software products today. Among them you will find interactive tutorials, dictionaries, reference books, trainings, keyboard trainers, scientific books, textbooks, tests and many other educational materials on almost any topic.

Games and entertainment. This section probably does not need any special comments. Numerous computer gaming applications, ranging from simple solitaire games to real masterpieces of three-dimensional graphics with amazing special effects and gigantic budgets, are designed to diversify the leisure time of fans of electronic entertainment.

Safety. Very important type programs, without which almost no modern computer connected to the network can do. Their main goal is to protect your computer from malware and attackers trying to get unauthorized access to your PC in order to steal confidential data. These include antivirus applications, antispyware, firewalls ( firewalls), data encryption programs, password managers, as well as comprehensive security packages.

System software

This is an extensive set of programs that manage internal components computer (processor, RAM, input/output devices, etc.) and ensuring their interaction with application (user) programs. Simply put, system programs are designed to provide normal operation computer, its settings and maintenance.

The most important system program can confidently be called operating system. It is she who is the main intermediary between the computer hardware and all other applications.

No less important for the normal operation of the computer are drivers and firmware- special microprograms that provide correct operation both internal computer components, and external peripheral devices.

The most numerous class of system software are utilities- a huge number of useful (and sometimes not so useful) small programs designed for testing or monitoring software and the hardware of your computer, as well as improving its performance.

The selection and use of utilities should be approached with caution, especially for novice users, since many of them can make serious changes to “vital” parts of the operating system, which in turn can lead to unstable work computer and the occurrence of all sorts of errors. Although the right utility can really make your life a lot easier in some situations.

Ditto system programs applies basic system input/output (BIOS) and system self-test (POST), responsible for bootstrap computer and subsequent launch of the operating system.

Types of distribution and commercial status of programs

Probably, almost every user understands that there are paid and free programs. But probably not everyone knows that to distribute software, its authors and developers came up with several different ways at once.

Free programs (freeware).

Perhaps many users are initially quite skeptical about free software, believing that in general they are small auxiliary programs or utilities created by independent programmers. But in fact, very serious projects from well-known manufacturers can also be free.

Moreover, most OpenSource programs (applications with open source) can be used free of charge, among which are operating system Linux, and the most powerful graphics GIMP editor, and the most popular office suite OpenOffice.org, as well as many other equally useful applications.

Thus, as practice shows, among free software you can find a replacement for almost all commercial programs, although with certain reservations.

This type of software distribution appeared relatively recently, but quickly became popular with both users and developers. The thing is that, on the one hand, consumers can use the applications for free, and on the other, the authors still receive money for their work, but only from advertisers.

As a rule, during the installation process of this type of program, you will be asked to install additional software on your computer, for example, some kind of browser add-on or computer testing utility. In most cases, you can refuse this, you just need to be more careful and not miss the right dialog box.

In other cases, the program window may contain a banner image, each time you click on it you will be taken to the advertiser’s website. Although of course you don’t have to click on it.

Also, you may encounter that after installing the application, your start page in your browser will change. That is, when you launch your browser, the first thing you will see is a page with advertising. Although this can be easily fixed.

Despite all the attractiveness of this type of program, treat them with caution, since adware can not only direct you to malicious sites, but also steal your confidential data.

Shareware programs (shareware andtrial).

This is probably the most popular way to distribute commercial software products.

Initially, programs of this type can be used for free. True, in this case, developers can either limit functionality product or time of use. After the expiration of the period allotted for testing the program, or another “trial” period (usually about 30 days), the application stops running, displaying a message that it is time for you to purchase a license for its further use.

In some cases, after the trial period has expired, you will be able to continue using the program, but it will lose some of its capabilities, turning into a less functional free version.

Situations are also possible when the application continues to remain fully operational, but at the same time from time to time it will annoyingly remind you that it’s time to pay. For example, this happens in popular WinRar archiver and file manager TotalCommander.

If you decide to buy the application you like, then after transferring the required amount, you will be sent in exchange either digital code, which will need to be entered in a special field, or key file, which must be copied to the specified location. After this, the program will become registered, and all functional restrictions will be removed.

Commercial programs.

Nowadays, it is quite rare to find programs, and even software packages, that you will not be allowed to use for free for a certain period. After all, no one wants to buy a pig in a poke. Even products such as the Adobe Photoshop graphic editor or system computer-aided design Autocad, which costs several thousand dollars, has “trial” periods.

Probably the only applications for which you will have to shell out money right away are computer games. Although many of them still have free demo versions.

Upgrade kits (upgrade).

Most successful commercial software projects has been developing and improving for many years, which is why an application or application package may have many different versions. By purchasing any program, you acquire the rights to use only it current version at the time of purchase and all updates for it. If you later want to use more new version application, you will have to pay again.

True, at the same time, shell out money for full version programs are completely optional. In most cases, you can purchase what is called an upgrade kit that installs on top of the old version and costs 30-50% less.

Forms of program distribution

Finally, let's look at the forms in which developers usually distribute their software.

Boxed versions.

In this case, the program distribution is written to a beautifully designed optical disk, which together with the Talmud technical documentation Packed in a large colorful box. Purchasing software in this form is only justified if you are purchasing expensive design or multimedia packages. Buy it regular programs for home or utility in boxed versions - the most expensive and irrational option, unless you want to buy the application as a gift for someone.

As a rule, boxed versions are sold in specialized computer stores and supermarkets.

OEM versions.

In essence, this is an ordinary CD or DVD with a program recorded on it and packaged in a paper envelope. At the same time, the program itself can cost you several times less than the boxed version, although there is one “but”. You can buy the OEM version of the application only with a new computer, or in some cases, when purchasing individual components, for example, motherboard or processor. It is especially profitable to buy an operating system in OEM versions. Keep this in mind when purchasing a new computer.

Slim versions.

This form of program distribution is purely Russian know-how. Due to the low demand for colorful, but at the same time expensive boxed versions, many developers began to release their products in the most ascetic design - a CD packed in a plastic box with a colored cover. As a rule, inexpensive home programs, utility kits, and computer games are distributed in this form.

Electronic versions.

Today, this is the most popular and profitable form of purchasing software products. You download the distribution kit of the desired application from the developer’s website at any time and install it on your computer.

In this case, most likely, you will not have to pay money right away. You will have time to get to know the program thoroughly and buy it only if you are completely satisfied with its functionality. Otherwise, you can simply delete the product you don’t like and download another one.

One more an undeniable advantage purchasing programs from in electronic format is the price. In any case, it will be lower than that of the boxed or even slim version.

Also keep in mind that on the Internet there are many huge electronic software stores, the assortment of which cannot be compared with a regular computer supermarket.

Conclusion

For beginners and inexperienced users, at first it is quite difficult to navigate and even more so to find the necessary and useful applications among the variety offered by software authors and developers. To make it easier for you to find the right software product, we will give you some tips.

Free or shareware small programs and utilities in the greatest number contained on numerous software portals, which are not difficult to find on the Internet. At the same time, any self-respecting site that distributes software always sorts it by type. To narrow down your search, choose the right program category, for example, don’t look for a media player in the “Text” section. If you carefully read the article, then you already know that most likely all players will be placed in the “Multimedia” category.

Don't neglect brief description programs, since from it you can learn not only the basic functionality of the application, but also the minimum system requirements, as well as the size of the downloaded distribution, which may be important for people with a low-speed Internet connection.

Trial versions of popular commercial products or their distributions that allow you to use applications in the “trial” period should be searched directly on the developer’s websites or large file-sharing resources.

Today we will talk about software(programs). Programs for personal computer are often called "application programs", and programs for mobile devices are called " mobile applications» . You've probably heard that to perform certain tasks you need special computer programs . That is, without the desired program you won't even be able to type the text. And it is true.

Program or Application is a type of software that allows perform specific tasks. When you open the program, it is running , until you close it. As a rule, when working at a computer, you will use several programs simultaneously, that is, a text editor can be opened at once, file manager, internet browser, this process is called - multitasking. And the OS coordinates the work of these programs.

Today programs can be downloaded on the Internet. There are many free programs, which can be used to solve assigned problems. Of course, there are also paid software products, the functionality of which can be obtained after payment. So, if you want to type texts in the MS Word text editor and work with spreadsheets MS Excel, then you have to buy software Microsoft Office.

Clue: Microsoft Office tools are available for free at Google Drive, Yandex.Disk, [email protected].

Technologies are developing rapidly, new devices (smartphones, tablets) are appearing and many programs are becoming available for and even for modern technologies. TVs with supportSmartTV.

Types of programs for personal PC

There are countless types of personal computer software available, and they fall into many categories. All programs differ in functionality, for example, full featured (Microsoft Word ), has great functionality, undead Notebook, included with the Windows operating system.

Let's look at the most common types of software products:

Text editors: allow you to create and edit texts, tables and many other types of documents. The most famous text editor is Microsoft Word.

Graphic editor: allow you to create and edit graphic image(photos, pictures, drawings) using a variety of tools, styles and templates. The most famous graphics editor is Photoshop.

Web Browsers: this is the tool you use to access global Internet. Most computers come with a web browser, but you can download another one. Examples: Internet Explorer , Firefox, Google Chrome , Yandex-browser And Safari.

Games: There are many different games that you can play on your computer. These could be simple games such as " Solitaire" or modern action games that require a lot computing powerfrom computer hardware. Not all computers can handle such games.

Media players: if you want to listen music or watch movies on your computer, you will need a player program. Preinstalled for MS Windows based computers Windows Media Player and for Apple computers This iTunes.

This simple applications, which you can place on your desktop (if you're using a Mac or Windows PC latest generation). There are many various types widgets: calendars, calculators, cards, news headlines, notes, clocks and much more.

These are just a few of the categories of software you can use on your computer.

Installing programs on your computer

To work with the program, you need it install on computer. The process of installing programs follows a similar scenario; your task is to follow the instructions of the installation manager.

If the software was purchased from a store, just insert installation disk into the drive and follow the onscreen instructions. If the software downloaded from the Internet, there will be a file with it readme(For example, readme.txt), which includes installation instructions and other information.

Advice: Use caution when downloading software from the Internet as it may contain viruses or other malware . Programs purchased or distributed in exchange for a subscription do not contain viruses; programs downloaded on the Internet from dubious sources may contain malicious code. if you have Antivirus, we strongly recommend that you check the downloaded software before installing it.

Opening files using programs

Programs are developed to perform assigned tasks and work with certain file types. For example, Microsoft Word can create and edit Word documents (type .doc .docx). If you don't have text editor MS Word, you will not be able to open Word documents in Notepad. For example, if you have a file with the extension psd– this is the working file type Photoshop programs, without this program it is useless.

There are two main ways to open a file:

Find the file on your computer, hover your mouse cursor and double-click with the left button. This method will allow you to open the file using the program default. This means that the operating system, based on the file type, determines what program created the file and what program should be run to open such files. Of course, if this program is installed on your computer.

Open the program, and then using the menu item “File” - “Open”, open the file. As a rule, all programs have a menu, and the first menu item is the “File” item. Through this menu item you can open, create, save and much more.

Also, knowing the main types of files, you can decide for yourself which program can open a particular file. For example, a photograph in the format .jpg, you can open in standard graphic editor Paint or in Photoshop, only the functionality of these programs is very different. It's like driving a VAZ or BMW car. So judge what you can do with a photograph, having different instruments(programs) at hand.

Mobile applications

Mobile applications for smartphones And tablet computers , open up many new opportunities. Download the right application, you can use your smartphone as a navigator, bank client or e-book. You can read barcodes from goods or payment receipts and pay for them immediately. There are applications that allow you to measure distance, determine the horizon level and direction of movement. And there are thousands of such applications.

Compared to traditional apps, mobile apps relatively cheap. Many of them cost only 30 rubles, while others cost nothing at all. free. By connecting your mobile device to the Internet, you can download applications directly to your mobile device. Or you can download the application to your computer and then transfer it to your mobile device via cable or Bluetooth.

The main thing is that you must understand that the final result depends on what program you use.

Belongs to the category of intangible assets.

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Recording the source code of programs using programming languages makes it easier for humans to understand and edit. This, in particular, is helped by comments, which are allowed in the syntax of most languages. To be executed on a computer, the finished program text is converted (compiled) into machine code.
Some programming languages make it possible to bypass the need for pre-compilation of the program and translate it into machine code instructions directly during execution. This process is called dynamic compilation, and it allows for greater program portability across different hardware and software platforms while maintaining many of the benefits of compilation.
Programs can be created in text form and visually. In the first case source is typed manually, in the second, the functionality of the program is set using elements of the graphical user interface, and the program text is generated automatically and can be either manually modified or completely hidden from the programmer.

Storage and execution

Until the computer user explicitly or implicitly issues a request to execute a computer program, it is typically stored in non-volatile memory. When such a request is received, the program, through another computer program called the operating system, is loaded into random access memory, from where it can be directly executed CPU. The CPU then executes the program, instruction by instruction, until it completes. A running program is called a process. The program ends either when it is reached last instruction(usually transferring control to the operating system) either by error, software or hardware.

Concurrent execution

Many operating systems support a multitasking mechanism, which allows you to create the effect of several computer programs running simultaneously on one computer. Operating systems can run multiple programs using the operating system manager, a software mechanism for switching processes running on the processor. Although only one program is running at a time, if switched frequently enough, the user can interact with all programs while they are running. Modern multiprocessor computers or computers with multi-core processors support simultaneous execution of several programs in hardware.
Fragments of code from the same computer program can be executed simultaneously using threads. There are multi-threaded processors that are specifically optimized to run multiple threads.

Self-modifying programs

A computer program that runs is said to be distinct from the data it processes. However, this distinction becomes blurred when a computer program modifies itself. The modified computer program is then executed as part of original program. Self-modification of code is possible in programs written in machine code, assembly language, Lisp, C, Cobol, PL/1 and Prolog.

Using programs

Most computer users use programs designed to perform specific application tasks, such as document preparation and execution, mathematical calculations, image processing, etc. Relevant software called application programs or application software. Component Management computing system and the formation of the environment for the functioning of application programs takes upon itself system software, the most important component of which is the operating system.

Legal aspects

According to Art. 1261 of the Civil Code of the Russian Federation, a computer program is a set of data and commands presented in an objective form, intended for the operation of computers and other computer devices in order to obtain a certain result, including preparatory materials obtained during the development of a computer program and the audiovisual displays generated by it.
Programs with publicly available source code are called open source.
Computer programs are subject to copyright in most countries (including Ukraine and Russia). In some countries, computer programs may be protected by patents. Patenting of computer programs was promoted by the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Rights intellectual property, which established minimum requirements to a protected range of intellectual property rights and actually allowed the patenting of programs. The TRIPS Agreement is mandatory for implementation on the territory of Ukraine and Russia as WTO member states.
Thus, the program can be protected both as a “literary work” and as an “invention”. To determine the legal protection regime in the first case, the “code text” is used, in the other - the characteristics used for inventions proposed for patenting (that is, it is necessary to prove “innovation”, “originality” and “non-obviousness”, as well as the possibility of solving the existing technical problem and commercial suitability). At the same time, there is a problem of legal differentiation of computer programs from proprietary digital content and proprietary software.
The exclusive right to computer programs and databases arises automatically from the moment of its creation and is valid for the entire life of the author and seventy years, counting from January 1 of the year following the year of the author’s death (or the death of the last of the co-authors).
Current legislation Russian Federation there is no provision for patenting computer programs as such. These intellectual property objects are protected by copyright, which arises automatically from the moment of their creation and does not require mandatory state registration. However, computer programs and databases can be registered with Rospatent at the request of the copyright holder.

Nowadays, probably everyone knows. After all, PCs and laptops are available in almost every home. However, let's give a precise definition. A program is a set of instructions intended to be executed by a computer. Synonyms for this word are “application”, “software”. The collection of all programs installed on an electronic device is called software.
Operating system structure
So, we found out what a program is. The operation of all applications is controlled by an operating system that has an easy-to-use structure. Any computer is, first of all, a device designed for storing and processing various types of necessary for the user files. To make it easier to find information, special directories, also called directories or folders, are created. So:
1. A file is an area in computer memory in which some information is stored. These can be texts, music, videos and, of course, programs. Each file has its own name, consisting of two parts. This makes it easier for the user to find information. The first is the name itself, the second is the extension indicating the file type. One to three characters can be used to indicate the purpose of the file.
2. A folder is a special place on a disk in which files are collected, information about their size, time last update etc. The directory may contain other directories with files. Thus, a kind of “tree” is obtained that makes working with information most convenient.
Types of Applications Used on Computers
On modern electronic devices ah the most can be installed different applications. The following types of programs are mainly used:

How are programs created?
It will be useful for all owners of electronic devices to learn not only what a program is, but also how it is created. The process of developing applications is called programming, and the people who create them are called programmers. Due to the popularity of electronic devices, which can use a wide variety of software, this profession is in great demand nowadays. When creating programs, the most different languages programming. In most of them, the source texts consist of special instructions describing a specific algorithm.
Most popular operating system
In the majority modern computers Windows OS is used. It was created by Microsoft Corporation specialists and is focused primarily on the use of the most understandable to the average user. According to the Netmarketshare resource for 2013, this OS is installed on 90% of modern computers.
Two families of this convenient system were used at different times. The first was Windows 9x; currently Windows NT is used. Today, the penultimate version of this family is the most popular - Windows 7. If a user purchases a computer or laptop with an already installed OS, he will have to work with it in the future.
The most popular programs for Windows 7
There are simply a huge number of programs developed for Windows OS. And it is extremely difficult to say which of them are the most popular among users. One of the most modern and frequently used applications on this moment is, of course, Skype. Created this program was not too long ago - in 2003 and almost immediately won the hearts of users. Today it is available on almost every computer.
Another application most commonly used at the moment is ISQ. In our country, this is what is most often used for communication via the Internet. This is apparently due to the fact that working with Skype requires quite high speed connections. Most Russian users uses mobile communications, characterized in this regard by sufficient slowness.
Skype and ISQ are the most popular programs for intended for communication. Apart from these, the most commonly used Flash Player- an application designed for watching movies and listening to music. Without this program, it is also impossible to view various kinds of banners with which the Internet is currently simply flooded.
Pirated programs
Popularity of the software in modern world could not but cause a wave of creation of fakes and illegal copies. Since “pirates” have developed many methods of decentralized distribution similar product, finding and punishing participants in this illegal business is extremely difficult. After all, in fact, the responsibility for downloading and using pirated copies falls on a huge army of ordinary users.
So, what is a program and, most importantly, what is it for, you now understand. A huge number of applications have been developed to make working on a computer convenient and enjoyable. Of course, uninterrupted operation can only be ensured by a licensed product of this type.

Computer program
Computer program- a sequence of instructions intended for execution by the control device of a computer. A program is one of the software components. Depending on the context, the term in question may also refer to the source code of the program. Computer programs, as an object of copyright and other rights, belong to the category of intangible assets.

A program is a collection of data and commands presented in an objective form, intended for the operation of a computer and other computer devices in order to obtain a certain result, including preparatory materials obtained during the development of a computer program, and the audiovisual displays generated by it.

Creating programs

Most often, the program image is stored as an executable module (a separate file or a group of files). From this image, usually located on disk, executable program in RAM can be built by a software bootloader.

Recording the source code of programs using programming languages makes it easier for humans to understand and edit. This, in particular, is helped by comments, which are allowed in the syntax of most languages. To be executed on a computer, the finished program text is converted (compiled) into machine code.

Some programming languages make it possible to bypass the need for pre-compilation of the program and translate it into machine code instructions directly during execution. This process is called dynamic compilation and it allows for greater program portability between different hardware and software platforms while maintaining many of the benefits of compilation.

Legal aspects

Programs with publicly available source code are called open source.

Computer programs are subject to copyright in most countries. In some countries, computer programs may be protected by patents. Author's and some others [ which?] intellectual property rights allow you to restrict access to the source code of programs.

see also

Notes

Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

See what “Computer program” is in other dictionaries:

What is a computer program? Creation, use, types and purpose of computer programs. What are computer programs and mobile applications for?

Introduction

Application software

System software

Types of distribution and commercial status of programs

Forms of program distribution

Conclusion

Types of programs for personal PC

Installing programs on your computer

Opening files using programs

Mobile applications

Encyclopedic YouTube

Storage and execution

Concurrent execution

Self-modifying programs

Using programs

Legal aspects

Operating system structure

Types of Applications Used on Computers

How are programs created?

Most popular operating system

The most popular programs for Windows 7

Pirated programs

Creating programs

Legal aspects

see also

Notes

See what “Computer program” is in other dictionaries:

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