The BlackBerry PlayBook

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November 06,2012
The BlackBerry Play Book is the first design and entrance into the Tablet Computer industry by Research In Motion (RIM). It is long awaited innovation expected by RIM Fans who naturally are addicted to the purchase and use of RIM devices despite of its short fall sometimes back.

In the eyes of many, it is a temporary setback going by the giant strides and achievements of the Company in the Smartphone industry at least the ability to maintain such dominance for about a decade with its attendant qualities.

The essence of this discourse is to review how much of these expectations were met by the release of the BlackBerry Play Book, which was officially launched on April 19th, 2011. Of course there are already big players in the industry before this release like Apple ipad. So users have enough platform and basis for comparison.

The BlackBerry Play Book Operating system is based on QNX Neutrino acquired by Research In Motion. It was first released in April 19, 2011. A revised edition of its Operating System was released in February, 2012. As a result of the “rocky start to life” witnessed by the BlackBerry PlayBook, a number of adjustment was made after it’s launched. There were a number of applications that was apparently absent in the new BlackBerry PlayBook such as standalone email, Calendar and third-party applications.

The BlackBerry PlayBook has to rely on the BlackBerry Smartphone through BlackBerry Bridge for this functionality. Perhaps the aim for this by RIM is that BlackBerry devices devotees will have no option than to possess both devices. However this was contrary to expectations from the sales report at launch and the immediate period that ensued.
The new Operating System 2.0 serves as a system software upgrade to correct inherent shortcomings of the BlackBerry PlayBook. With the release of this Operating System, the third-party applications such as the Android applications can now be downloaded from the BlackBerry application world Store.

The Operating System 2.0 encompasses an integration of an email, Calendar and contacts applications. It however does not integrate BlackBerry Messenger application. The BlackBerry Bridge application Software via the BlackBerry Smartphone still has to be employed whenever there is the need to use the Messenger. This is expected to be improved upon during subsequent updates.

The BlackBerry PlayBook has 3MP front camera and 5MP at the rear. The video recording capacity for both is 1080p and a micro HDMI video output. It has a high resolution 7inch screen display(1024 x 600 px,WSVGA),0.38inches thick,7.6 inches high and 5.1 inches wide. It has micro HDMI and USB port, three pin charging unit. Texas OMAP 4430 Duo core 1GHZ CPU, 1GB RAM. It weighs 425g which make it very handy as compared to other Tablets of the same class.

In terms of Data protection, The BlackBerry PlayBook stands out as the most secured as it operate on the same level of data encryption as the BlackBerry Smartphone. This made it the first Tablet to receive FIPS 140-2 Certification.

Research In Motion is of the hope that the market share of its Tablet will do better with the passage of time as management result to go back to the drawing board. The expectations before the lunched of the Tablet though were not achieved as commented by some users relative to its competitors such as the Apple ipad2. To some reviewers, RIM stands the chance of making any difference expected if only given the time and the readiness of management to make necessary adjustments going by history haven enjoy such dominance in the Smartphone market for that length of time.

Feel free to give your comments in this regard.

The BlackBerry Messenger (Meaning and How it Works)

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september 30,2012
The BlackBerry Messenger is software developed by Research In Motion(now BlackBerry) which make instant messaging, voice notes, images and video possible by one BlackBerry Smartphone user to another user. The software may not be present in some models of BlackBerry phones. However, the good thing about it is that it can be downloaded from the device manufacturer website (Application Store) into the BlackBerry phone or device concern.

The BlackBerry Messenger is propriety software of BlackBerry. Its encrypted platform for communication among BlackBerry devices makes it the world most reliable means of communication in terms of confidentiality. This is one of the driving factors for BlackBerry Smartphone market dominance for nearly a decade.

This messaging could be between two users or group of BlackBerry Smartphone users who wish to share messages, photos, music, calendars etc. Group messaging (invite to conference) is made possible with the latest 0.5 version of BlackBerry Messenger software. This newest version can be downloaded from the BlackBerry Application Store.

How BlackBerry Messenger Works

In order for the BlackBerry Messenger feature to work, there are certain factors that most be in place.
1. The BlackBerry Messenger Software most be present, if the need be the latest version at both ends. That is for those wish to use the platform.
2. Open conversation and invite contact. If the recipient name is already stored on BlackBerry messenger. Send a request via the BlackBerry PIN or an email.
3. The recipient of the Ping has to accept the request for the conversation to sail through. If you are in the receiving end, click on the trackball, then click on open and accept. If you don’t want to receive the Ping for whatever reason click on decline.
4. To send your message, click on the contact, select conversation. Then type your message, click on the enter key for the message to be sent.

There is a need for a valid BlackBerry Data plan for BlackBerry instant messaging to be free. What do you know about BlackBerry Messenger, feel free to comment or give your observations.

What is BlackBerry Ping? (Definition and How to Ping BlackBerry)

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september 22,2012
The meaning of BlackBerry Ping is most often asked by those who are not conversant with the device. BlackBerry Ping is a term use to refer to the mode of drawing the attention of another Blackberry user as to their availability. This could be for the purpose of instant Messaging, chat through the BlackBerry Messenger, voice note, exchange of video and images.

The BlackBerry Ping facility is one of the features that make the BlackBerry Smartphone unique. The multi-task characteristics of the operating system environment of a BlackBerry Smartphone are interwoven or interdependent. For example the BlackBerry PIN is required in order to Ping. The PIN will be useless if not connected to the various functions it facilitates such as the BlackBerry Messenger.

How to Ping with BlackBerry Smartphone

The following are are the simple steps required to Ping a BlackBerry device:

1. The recipient name most be stored on BlackBerry Messenger.
2. Open a conversation, locate and click on the recipient name.
3. Hit the Menu button.
4. Click on the option requesting to Ping contact. It will then show that the recipient has been pinged.

The BlackBerry user will receive the Ping as a text Message. The recipient has to accept the Ping for the conversation to sail through. Usually the Ping will be received even if the phone is in silence. The phone may vibrate or ring, it depends on how the user customises it.

Feel free to comment on your experience with BlackBerry Ping or how to Ping a BlackBerry Smartphone .

What is BlackBerry PIN?

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september 22,2012
What is BlackBerry PIN is a common question by those who are not conversant with the device. The word PIN is an acronym for personal Identification Number. Relative to BlackBerry device, BlackBerry PIN is an eight digit hexagonal number by which a BlackBerry Smartphone and user is identified. Each PIN is unique to a BlackBerry Phone and usually it cannot be changed.

The BlackBerry PIN is used to draw the attention or relate with another BlackBerry user for instant messaging, chats, voice notes, videos and images. The PIN is tracked by the BlackBerry Enterprise Server and The BlackBerry Internet Service. It is with the instrumentality of the BlackBerry PIN and its identification with the Enterprise server that make it possible for email to be received in BlackBerry Smartphone.

BlackBerry Smartphone users can send and receive PIN to PIN messages different from the conventional SMS text messaging, therefore it is not charged for such. This is one of the peculiarities of the BlackBerry phone network.

Up to ten supported email addresses can be accessed by the BlackBerry email services program. These include services from Gmail, yahoo mail, AOL etc. The BlackBerry PIN through the use of BlackBerry PUSH services automatically direct the delivery of emails to BlackBerry device once they arrive at the user inbox.

The BlackBerry PIN functionality relative to other Smart phones is only peculiar to BlackBerry software and any device that is compactable with BlackBerry operating System Software.

The BlackBerry PIN can be kept secret if one so desire. Although there are cases when some individual complain about BlackBerry PIN hackers. Findings revealed that often it could be as a result one’s carelessness.

Feel free to comment on your findings on BlackBerry PIN. No one has a monopoly of knowledge and information. You can also subscribe to our RSS feeds for continuous update.
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What is BlackBerry Smartphone ?

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september 22,2012
The BlackBerry Smartphone is a Phone that both serves as a personal digital Assistant(PDA) with the characteristics of regular phone.The BlackBerry Smartphone for close to a decade maintains dominance in the Smartphone market. The first BlackBerry phone Model (850) made its appearance in the market in the year 1999, manufactured by Research in Motion (RIM) now known as BlackBerry .

The first model of BlackBerry was a single colour screen interface (Monochrome) with a scroll wheel located in the right edge axis of phone which made it possible to navigate through to the different settings of the phone.

However remarkable changes has take place from what then was a simple two pager phone to a more sophisticated BlackBerry Smartphone device in software, hardware design , operating system and market share. Four years later, after that the first BlackBerry phone debut, BlackBerry Smartphone gain popularity and huge market share dominance because of its kind of software superiority within the phone and how it operates across the network.

The BlackBerry Smartphone main tool for market penetration apart from other features was its prowess in push email, Internet, wireless information services and the Blackberry Messenger. The encrypted email messages, voice notes, images etc. sent via the BlackBerry Smartphone platform or software could not be unencrypted because it firm control over the software giving it the credence as the most secured instrument for both corporate and individual confidentiality.

Data encryption is a content protection feature of BlackBerry devices. However for this to work it has to be activated. It is a personal choice to determine the extent of protection one wish to install in the device. The phonebook, email messages, Bluetooth etc. can be encrypted. As a protective measure, the pass word and the PIN should be kept confidential as this is the access key to various data storage points in the BlackBerry Smartphone.

The email facility has been extended to other phones models such as some of the Nokia Symbian, Nokia 6820, 9500, The Palm Trio etc (known as BlackBerry email Clients). These phones can relate with BlackBerry Smartphone through the BlackBerry Enterprise servers. The remote advantage of this is more market share for the Research in Motion ‘’GSM magic’’, as it was no longer only BlackBerry devices affair thereby adding more confidence in usage and purchase.

The BlackBerry Central processing unit (CPU) is top class especially for the latest models like BlackBerry Bold 9900/9930, Torch 9810, 9850 and 9860 which all uses Qualcomm Snapdragon MSM8260 at a clock speed of 1.2 GHZ. This is a remarkable development as the speed of all applications is directly proportional to the speed of the CPU.

The BlackBerry operating system is the beauty of the BlackBerry Smartphone. The superiority of any device with a Smart feature is the Operating System. Because this serves as the framework on which every operational software is built. The BlackBerry Operating System is the propriety software developed by BlackBerry for its handheld mobile devices.

The BlackBerry Operating System software has witnessed a phenomenal growth from a simple 1.0 OS for its first two way pager to a more sophisticated BlackBerry 10 operating system. BlackBerry Bold 9790/9900/9930 operates on the 7.0 platform. Also BlackBerry Curve 9220/ 9350/9360/9370/9380 and 9320. BlackBerry 7.1 is an upgrade of the 7.0 version.

The BlackBerry operating system support third party application software but has to be digitally signed by the developer for attribution. With the newest version of BlackBerry operating system, third party software applications like android application player can run on the BlackBerry Smartphone and its latest Tablet in the market unmodified. This is just few among other applications that can be used to manage large data with respect to organisations that operate large scale client data base. Well, this is optional it all depend on individual organisation choices.

For BlackBerry LTD wizardry in its software design which has been usually the distinguishing factor for market dominance in the market for devices with Smart features, the BlackBerry pride of place without prejudice was taken over by Apple iphone according to reports by 2010 relative to market share. The market share of BlackBerry Smartphone dropped. Since then other Smartphone manufacturers such as Samsung, LG and Motorola have made significant statement by gaining increased market share at the expense of the BlackBerry Smartphone.

Though the hope of regaining dominance look blink with the launch of Samsung Smartphone series, Motorola, Android, Windows Phones, and the Apple iphone 5 recent unveiling into the Smartphone market, the terrain looks farther than what will bring immediate recovery for BlackBerry pride of place.

For BlackBerry management and users of BlackBerry Smartphone Series the hope is not lost. Recent reports by BGR in the third week of August 2012, shows a comeback strategy already in place starting from the introduction of BES 10 and BlackBerry 10 devices into the market in first quarter of 2013. The BlackBerry 10 will support current BlackBerry devices including the new BlackBerry Play Book Tablet according to BlackBerry management.

The BlackBerry 10 devices was initially slated to be launched in the last quarter of 2012, but according to the CEO of BlackBerry Thorsten Heins the change in the date is to ensure that quality is not compromised on the platter of trying to keep pace with making appearance in the market and stability.

BlackBerry 10 has been launched along side with BlackBerry Z10 and BlackBerry Q10 unveiled on January 30th, 2013 . This is expected to put BlackBerry on the path of regaining its lost glory and market share. Thorstein Heins debunked speculations that the Firm will be bought over by Microsoft Corporation being optimistic that his Firm will make a successful comeback. Well, I am optimistic. The strategy that gave them such huge market dominance for close to a decade can be experimented again.

Feel free to make comment on BlackBerry Smartphone in terms of latest development. Are you optimistic or do you have any contrary view?

Meaning of Computer Hardware (Definition)

September 14,2012
Computer hardware is the framework or the platform on which the computer software is built. It is that tangible part of the computer that we can see for example the hard disk and floppy disk. Just as the human body have different parts with different functions but all combine to form a whole. The same with the computer system. The computer hardware system has input and output devices, storage unit, Memory, Central processing unit, Control Unit, Arithmetic Logic unit, Power Supply Unit, the Motherboard and the Peripherals. It is when all these different parts function properly that the computer system is optimised.

The Computer Motherboard

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This could also be referred to as the circuit board or the main board. As the name implies the computer motherboard serves as the connecting points for virtually every other components of the computer. Any discourse on this subject matter without mentioning the motherboard is not complete. It houses the Memory (the brain) of the computer, the Ram, Rom, C MOS battery, BIOS etc. It has expansion slots such as the PCI, AGP, ISA, PCI-e, PCI-x etc. This provides for more attachments if the need be for additional functions. All the interconnectivity is done on the motherboard attached to the case of the computer.
The motherboard specification have to be compatible with the kind of CPU it uses. There are different manufactures of CPU such as Intel, IBM, AMD and Motorola etc. the same has to do with other parts such as the power supply pack. This is one primary factor to consider when purchasing spare parts .The issue of compatibility most always be considered.

The Computer Housing (casing)

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This is a vital part of the computer hardware though it is not most of the time mentioned. The Motherboard is attached to the casing (screwed to it) and components like the Floppy drive have their slots.

The Central Processing Unit (CPU)

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The central processing unit of computer hardware is analogous to the human brain. It houses the control unit, the arithmetic logic unit, and the cache memory (storage unit). The entire system is controlled from this point. All the instruction the computer receives are interpreted and given to other units for execution from this point. The control unit extracts instruction from the main memory and interpret it for execution .It maintains a control path for every unit connected to the computer. The CPU because of its size is also referred to as the Microprocessor and interchangeably called the Processor.
A very essential part of the CPU is the Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU), it performs the computational and the logical operations of the computer system such as multiplication, addition, subtraction, division and logical comparison of data extracted from the memory (storage) unit. It has the ability to set appropriate indicators for each of the data so extracted. The ALU has it reserve area called registers where these functions are performed at a very fast speed.
The storage unit (cache memory) which can also be referred to as the registers is a temporary storage unit before data are processed. This is a high speed cache memory because of its limited space it has auxiliary units where data not yet ready to be processed are stored. Such data are usually reloaded when needed for processing. By implication, there is a continuous communication between the Storage Unit, Control Unit and Arithmetic and Logic Unit which in turn controls other components of the PC. The speed of the Processor will determine the speed of the entire computer system. It is usually measured in hertz via the clock unit in the CPU. A very high clock speed means a high CPU speed.

The RAM

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The RAM (Random Access Memory) of a computer is a storage unit that work directly with the Microprocessor. Anytime a program is launched, the Random access memory extracts information or data from the Hard drive for execution. Any data extraction stored in the Hard drive met for use at anytime on the computer system is carried out in the RAM. The Random Access Memory is very fragile and temporary storage unit; at any slight power outage all information or data in it would be lost. However it usage is necessitated on its speed which the Hard drive cannot cope with relative to the speed of the processor. There are basically two types of Random Access Memory, the Dynamic RAM and the Static RAM. The SRAM is faster but DRAM is commonly used because the former is very expensive. However both of them are very fragile. The RAM is also called the main memory alongside with the ROM.

The ROM

The ROM is an acronym for Read only memory. The ROM usually contains the manufacturer information termed ‘’read only’’ which cannot be changed. The ROM boot up the computer anytime it is switched on. The content of ROM remains unlike the RAM when there is a power outage.

The Hard Drive

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The computer hard drive is also known as the Hard Disk is that part of Computer Hardware that is used to store large volume of data. Modern hard disk has the capacity of storing over five hundred Gig of data. Unlike the temporary storage system of the computer memory the hard disk does not lose its data as a result of a power outage or when the system is switched off. Data can always be retrieved anytime when needed. The hard disk is attached to the motherboard of the system and it is not usually removed.
Removable Data Storage Devices:

1. The Floppy and Compact Disc Drive: These are computer hardware devices with storage facilities that can be removed from the computer. That is the floppy disk and the compact disk can be replaced or changed for ones with higher capacity. However their storage capacity is low as compared with the hard disk.
2. USB Flash Drive: This is also a removable storage device which can store millions of bites. Some can also serve as MP3 player. The system has a number of slots where it can be connected.
3. Memory Card: This is a very common removable data storage facility which can be connected via a data card reader to the computer. In recent times there are memory cards with over ten Gig storage capacities. It is however advisable to use ones with average storage capacity as most makes are subject to breakage and virus infection. This could lead to loss of valuable data if not back up.

The Power Supply Unit

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This is a very important unit in the computer hardware system; it is also referred to as the power pack of the system. The power pack is detachable, it is the first point of call in terms of power flow and its type and capacitance will go a long way to determine how well a computer units function with respect to power requirement. The compatibility of the power unit with the motherboard is of utmost importance when considering replacement or spare parts. An expert advice should be sorted for when considering the kind of power back up to employ.

Monitor

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The monitor is an output unit of the computer hardware responsible for display of the computer operations. The monitor has a close similarity with the TV. It has a screen which in order to function is connected to the computer motherboard with a data cable. Monitors come in different sizes and resolutions. Most commonly used in recent times are the ones with flat screen and with very high resolutions. The computer display adapter determines to a large extent the number of colours the display supports and how fast the monitor refreshes when in use.

The Keyboard

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The input unit responsible for inputting data or information into the computer system with letters, numbers, symbols, signs and buttons is known as the keyboard. The keyboard enables the user to interact with the computer system. A standard keyboard has the Functional keys such as F1, F2…..F12, the alphanumeric section and the numeric cursor keypad.

The Mouse

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The mouse is an input facility of the computer hardware externally connected to the computer. It makes navigation with respect to computer usage flexible and easy. The Mouse has two major buttons one on the left and the other on the right. The button on the left is called the primary mouse button. While the one on the right is called the secondary mouse button. When the mouse pointer is navigated to the desired point on the monitor and clicked, the required program, data or file will open. The mouse is usually placed on the mouse pad especially for uneven surfaces. For optimum performance the mouse buttons should always point towards the monitor.

The Speakers

The speaker is an output device in the computer hardware. It main function is to generate sound from the computer. The quality of sound related recording or activity on the PC whether audio or video is felt most when quality speakers are available and connected.

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Meaning of Computer Software (Definition)

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september 06,2012
The computer software is the masterpiece of the entire PC. It is the control post that determines how the hardware will function in order to achieve the desired outcome. The command is all encompassing; it is inclusive of the total operations of the Computer.
Computer software is arrived at through a programming language derived and embedded in the source code of the PC. It is from this point that a set of system program translate the commands into an executable format (language) that the computer can understand and make available for use. It can be seen as the interface between the hardware and the computer user. It can be sub-divided into two categories. These are System Software and Application Software.

System Software

The system software is programs created to manage the entire computer resources. The control the input and output devices of the PC. The system software has a number of components such as the operating system software, utility software and the programming software. In fact this underlies the basis of the system software. The computer is completely useless without the operating system. Let highlight and discuss this in a considerable detail.

Operating System Software

The operating system software is a set of programs that enable the computer to receive executable instruction such as the storage of data, manage input and output devices and serve as a bridge between hardware and the application software. Examples of Operating systems are:
DOS
UNIX
XENIX
MICROSOFT WINDOWS
MAC OSX
LINKER SOFTWARE
BIOS SOFTWARE
COMPLILER SOFTWARE
LINUX
ANDROID

The operating system has a number of operating modes:

1. Single-User operating system: These are programs that allow only a single task to be executed at a time also by one single user on the PC. Example is the MS-DOS.
2. Real-time processing: This is a program that is designed to execute a given task within a set time. This type of program is mostly use by a manufacturing outfit or factories when output is measured and expected (programmed) relative to input within a set time. With this system, machines, engines and other components productivity are determined. Feed back in this process are therefore used to modify and optimised performances in compliance with set goals.
3. Multi-tasking and Multi-user operating systems: This system allows multiple tasks to be carried out at the same time and by more than one user. For example printing and downloading files from different sites at the same time. E.g. UNIX, XENIX etc.
4. Multi-access and Network operating systems: This allow more than one computer system connected together with different users operating under same system program software or single unit. This is achieved through local area network representing terminals and communication cables .E.g. NOVEL NetWare, ETHERNET etc.

Utility Software

These are those computer software programs that bring about optimum performances of the system. It serves as a check on unwanted intrusion into smooth running of the Computer software system by cleansing, analysing, maintaining and configuring the various processes for the desired outcome. Examples of Utility software are disk cleaners, virus scanners, disk drive partition utilities, backup utilities, sidekick etc.

Programming Software

This is the software use for designing and transforming the computer source code into an executable form (object code). The Computer depends on a set of coded instructions to carry out specific tasks intelligently and producing desired results as tailored for different expectations. This is what the programming software is met for.
This set the platform on which other computer depends on to function properly. Computer programming is a sophisticated process which requires knowledge of system algorithms, compilers, interpreters etc. Programming is done with high level language such as the COBOL, FORTRAN etc. The computer software programmer has the obligation of constant researches in this field so as to keep informed on latest development in this regard.

Application Software

The application software are programs designed to help computer users perform defined and specific task .E.g. Accounting software, graphic software, media player etc.
Different fields of human endeavour such as Medicine, Military, Engineering, Economics, Library Science, Architecture etc have specific application software which they used to analyse and simplify their activities.

Application software can broadly be categorised into two. The horizontal application and the vertical application. The horizontal application has a wider and general usage like the Microsoft word and Microsoft excel. Why the vertical application is narrowed to a specific niche like the accounting software. Examples of application software are as follows:


• Word Processing Application Software: This is the document processing software that make possible for typing memos, letters, curriculum vitae, reports, spelling check, search for terms, store and retrieve documents etc. Examples of this software are Microsoft word, Word star, Wordperfect, Multimate etc
• Data base Software: This is the software that makes data base operations possible. A data base is an organised compilation of structured data, which allow a systematic storage and retrieval system. Examples of data base software are oracle, clippers, paradox, MS access etc.
• Multimedia Software: This software makes it possible to create, play and manage video and audio files. Examples are Real player and Media player.
• Spreadsheet Software: This software is used for activities involving calculations in rows and columns. It is used for the plotting of graph and other mathematical related functions. Examples are Microsoft Excel, lotus 1-2-3 etc.
• Presentation Software: This is the software that is used for formatting, inserting and editing text involving graphics, drawings, images etc. Example of this software is the Microsoft Power point.

Application software can be grouped into a singular suit (Application suite) which consist of applications performing similar or inter related functions. Example is Microsoft Office and Openoffice.org .

Computer Software is a vast topic. Each of these groupings has their sub-divisions that need in-depth knowledge to apply as a software developer. So the knowledge of computer configuration and applications goes beyond mere switching on and off. It comprises of behind the contain elements that may appear a mystery but really has been simplified with recent development and discoveries.

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