Text D: Buying and installing software

When you install software, the new software files are placed in the appropriate folders on your computer’s hard disk, and then your computer performs any software or hardware configurations that are necessary to make sure the program is ready to run. The executablefiles and data files for the software are placed in the folder you specify. Some supportprograms for the software, however, might be stored in different folders, such as Windows/ System. Windows software typically contains a setup program that guides you through the installation process.

To install application software from a distributionCD, simply place the CD in the drive and wait for the setup program to begin. The installation process is slightly different for application software that you download. Usually all the files needed for the new software are consolidated into one large file, which is compressed to decrease its size and reduce the download time. This large, downloaded file must be reconstituted, or unzipped, into the original collection of files as a step in the installation process. A self-installing executablefile automatically unzips the downloaded file and starts the setup program. A self-executing zip file automatically unzips the software’s files, but does not automatically start the set up program.

Free software updates include new versions, patches, and service packs that contain code to fix bugs and security vulnerabilities. Some updates require a validation code.

A copyright is a form of legal protection that grants the author of an original “work” the right to copy, distribute, sell, and modify that work, except under special circumstances described by copyright laws. A software license is a legal contract that defines the ways in which you may use a computer program. Licenses for commercial, shareware, freeware, open source, and public domain software provide consumers with different sets of rights pertaining to copying and distribution.

Agree or disagree with the following statements.

1. The files for downloaded software are usually zipped into one large compressed file.

2. System requirements specify the operating system and minimum hardware capacities required for software to work correctly.

3. Linux is an example of freeware.

4. Shareware is not copyrighted, making it available for use without restriction.

5. A software patch is a small collection of program code that replaces part of the software you currently have installed.

Find the words with an opposite meaning in the text.

1) to zip; 2) to stop; 3) commercial software; 4) to collect; 5) to increase; 6) to fail a program; 7) to buy; 8) to install; 9) to compress

Fill in the correct words from the active vocabulary.

1. Computer … consists of many files that contain user-executable programs, support programs and data files.

2. A compiler converts … instructions into a new file containing machine language instructions.

3. In recent years, antivirus software has become a popular category of .

4. The core part of OS called … provides the most essential operating system services, such as memory management and file access.

5. … software stores data as a series of records, which are composed of fields that hold data.

6. To combat piracy, many software publishers require users to type in a … to complete an installation.

Read the sentences translating the Russian fragments into English.

1. Software publishers regularly (обновляют) their software to add new (свойства), fix bugs, and improve its security.

2. (Пакет обновления) is a set of patches that исправляет problems and security vulnerabilities.

3. (Общедоступное ПО) may be freely copied, distributed, even sold but you are not allowed to apply for a (авторское право) on it.

4. (Условно-бесплатное ПО) includes a license that (позволяет) you to use software for a trial period but if you choose to use it, you must pay a registration fee.

5. (Бесплатное ПО) permits you to use it, copy it, give it away but does not allow you to sell it or (вносить изменения) it.

6. (Открытое ПО) is available for programmers who want to (вносить поправки) and improve it.

Answer the questions.

1. How do you install software from distribution media?

2. Is the installation process different for downloaded software?

3. What is a software update?

4. What is a software license? Do you buy the software or licensing it?

5. Can you rent the software? Can you sell the software?

SPEAKING PRACTICE

Speak on the topics.

1. Explain the difference between a compiler and an interpreter. Describe the differences between system software and application software.

2. Describe the way an operating system manages each computer resource. Identify operating systems for personal computers, PDAs and servers.

3. List the key features and uses for document production software, spreadsheet and database software.

4. Explain how to install software, whether it’s supplied on CDs or as a Web download. Describe the rights granted by copyright law.