98 Chapter 4 Computer Software
4.5 Summary
Software is the collection of programs that make a computer a useful tool. Operating sys-
tems provide the “hidden programs” to control hardware devices, application execution,
and access to data. Programming software provides the language to create operating
systems and computer applications. Application software makes it possible for users to
carry out an ever-expanding array of tasks with their computers.
Multimedia development requires a wide selection of applications to capture and
prepare various media components. Media specialists such as graphic artists, sound
specialists, and video editors use increasingly powerful media-specific application pro-
grams to prepare digital ...