Internet services and computer processing are two very important aspects of daily life for most people. If these processes don’t function properly or too slowly, it can greatly hinder your ability to complete daily tasks. Therefore, it is important to understand some basic core functions of all computers, so that troubleshooting errors and slow speeds is possible. One of the basic elements of computer processing is your software and its relationship to your computer system.
Your computer is made up of hardware and software. The hardware is the physical pieces and parts, both inside and outside of your computer. Your software is the display, the controlling and moving force that enables your computer to do, well, everything. Everything that displays on your monitor and allows you to make changes, create projects, and perform tasks is software.
There are many ways that software is necessary and beneficial. The majority of the software on your computer (especially that which came with your computer) is probably necessary for your hardware to function, and for you to perform tasks. It is possible though, that “good” software can go bad or not be right for your computer.
For example, every piece of hardware in your computer system needs software, usually called a driver, in order for it to operate and work with the rest of your computer system. Sometimes, hardware (like your printer or modem) performs poorly or not at all because the software has become corrupted or is out of date. This is most likely the case, especially since software is constantly being improved over time. It is also the easiest and least expensive issue to fix. For these reasons, the first suggestion to fix a problem is almost always to reinstall or upgrade the software program or the software driver of the hardware that is giving you trouble.
Another way that software can be problematic is if it is not compatible with your current system software, like your operating system. As software improves, changes are made in the way they run and display that were not even invented when your computer was built. Often, adaptations can be made, but constant upgrades are almost inevitable when it comes to computer systems. Compatibility issues are usually quite simple to identify. You will get an error message or some other clear indication that the software will not work. Sometimes, on websites offering software downloads, you will be notified before you download that your computer is not compatible, or you will see a list of versions of that software in order to choose the one that will work with your computer.
Software can also cause your computer to function poorly if it is too advanced for your hardware, and vice versa. New and improved software often takes up more space and uses more system resources than there primitive predecessors. This means that slower, older hardware can have trouble keeping up. On the other hand, newer computers are constantly being built with nearly a hundred times more speed or capacity than those of 5 or so years ago, which means that software is constantly having to be upgraded that will be able to take advantage of that speed and space, otherwise, the improvements cannot be used!
Understanding what software you have, and how it works with your computer is the first step to keeping your computer up-to-date. Knowing how to find, upgrade, and install software will help you troubleshoot your computer and save money.
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Written by Hannah Miller, Online Marketing Representative and Customer Service, Copper.net.
Copper.net is a nationwide Internet services provider that is all-American owned and operated. Call today, 1-800-336-3318 or sign up online at www.copper.net! Check out my blog for more articles!