Software And Its Types

Chapter-2: Software and its types

Software(S/W): Programs are a series of instructions that a computer can interpret and execute on hardware. A collection of programs are called software.


Types of softwares:

1. System software
2. Application software

System software

System software is a set of one or more programs designed to control the operation and extend the processing capability of a computer system, Examples of system software’s are operating system,;language translator, utility programs etc.

1. Operating system(OS)
   1. It is an integrated set of programs that controls the resources (CPU, memory, I/O devices etc.) of a computer system and provides its user with an interface that is easier to use.
   2. Some popular operating systems are UNIX/LINUX, MS-DOS, and Windows 95/98/2000/XP/NT/Vista/7 etc.
2. Translator Software

These translates the instruction prepared by programmers into a form that can be interpreted and executed by a computer system i.e. they convert assembly language and High-level languages into machine language.
Example: Assembler, Interpreter and compiler.

3. Utility programs

Utility is a program that performs a very specific task, usually related to managing system resources. Some tasks commonly performed by utility programs includes formatting of hard disk, taking backup of files stores on hard disk, data compression and antivirus software.

Application Software

Application software (also called end-user software programs) induces programs that do real world task for users. Some commonly known application softwares are:

• Word processing software(MS-WORD)
• Spreadsheet software(MS-EXCEL)
• Database software(MS-ACCESS)
• Graphic software
• Education software
• Entertainment software