Software and Its Types

SOFTWARE AND ITS TYPES
Software is another name for programs. Basically it is a single program or a group of programs.
Computer software is programming code executed on a computer processor. The code can be
machine-level code, or code written for an operating system. An operating system is software
intended to provide a predictable and dependable layer for other programmers to build other
software on, which are known as applications. It also provides a dependable layer for hardware
manufacturers. This standardization creates an efficient environment for programmers to create
smaller programs, which can be run by millions of computers. Software can also be thought of as
an expression that contrasts with hardware. The physical components of a computer are the
hardware; the digital programs running on the hardware are the software. Software can also be
updated or replaced much easier than hardware. Additionally, software can be distributed to a
number of hardware receivers. Basically, software is the computer logic computer users interact
with. Program Program is nothing but a set of or a group of step by step instructions. Such
several programs integrated together to make a software. Generally instructions are made of
functions. Types of software Basically there are two types of software as shown below.
1. System Software
2. Application Software
1. System software
This software is usually engaged in background processes. This software sync the work of
hardware and other types of programs. It acts as a middle layer between hardware and user
applications. System software are also known as background software as most of them runs at
background to support foreground process. It acts as an interface between a computer user,
computer hardware and application software. There are four types system software as follow.
a) Operating System
b) Utilities
c) Device drivers
d) Language translators.
a) Operating System
Operating system is a software that coordinate computer resources. It also acts as an interface
between user and computer hardware and application software. Operating system handle many
of technical details related to using computer. It is a well-known example of system software.
This software interacts with the hardware and provides the capability for running various types
of 3 programs. Desktop uses operating systems like Windows, Linux and Mac OS, whereas
Android and Windows are commonly used operating systems for mobiles. There are different
types of operating systems like real time, distribute, embedded, etc., It is necessary to consider
the hardware specifications before deciding the operating system. Some Examples of operating
system are given below. Linux, UNIX, Microsoft windows XP etc.
b) Utilities
This utility concept is somewhat same as like tool kit and tool box that came with your newly
purchased bike. Though we are not mechanic, these tools are given for the purpose of conducting
periodic maintenance of bike to maintain its efficiency and performance. Utilities functions in
the same manner for your computer to make more efficient. Utilities are also known as service
programs. Generally utilities are used to perform specific tasks related managing computer
resources. These programs are designed specifically for managing the computer device and its
resources. It includes programs like communication tools and disk formatter. They are more
focused on the operations of computer infrastructure. For example – Virus scanner is a kind of
common utility programs which provides protection to the system from unwanted guests like
Trojans and viruses. Some utilities are given below that came with Windows XP are given
below. Disk defragment, backup, disk cleanup etc.
c) Device Drivers
As we know there are different types of devices connected to a computer system which includes
some input devices (for example.. keyboard, mouse, scanner etc.), some output devices (for
example. monitor, printer, speaker etc.) and other devices like pen drive, mobiles etc. Then one
question arises that how can computer distinguish these devices while functioning them. And
answer is because of these device drivers. Whenever you connect device (printer, mouse etc.) to
computer system, computer system has a special program associated with it. This program is
called a device driver. Device drivers works with operating system. And because of this there is
communication between that device and rest of computer system. Every time when you connect
new device to computer system, it searches for its device drivers in operating system and if
found, operating system install it and device work properly. And if device drivers are not in
operating system then it gives you message for providing it.
d) Language translators
Language translators translate programming code or programming instructions into machine

code so that computer can understand and process it.
2. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
System Software are more concerned about the background programs of the computer system.
However, an application software performs some specific task on a system. There are numerous
types of application software. They deal mainly with solving out some specific computing types
of problems. They work for fulfillment of specific needs only. These types of software are also
known as apps in short Application software are also known as end user software as these
software used by end users to complete their task.
There are two types of application software as follows.
a) Basic application software
b) Specialized application software
a) Basic application software
Basic application software are also known as general purpose applications and productivity
applications. Example - Microsoft office 2007
b) Specialized application
software Specialized application software are also known as special purpose application
software. Example - graphics programs, audio and video editor programs There are Different
kinds of application software such as commercial software, scientific software, financial
packages, Games, multimedia software. Categories of Application software The Application
software is divided into two main categories
 Custom-built software
 Packaged software
 Custom-built software
The software that is developed for a particular customer or organization is called custom-built software.
It is also known as customized software. For example, software developed to maintain the records of
students of a particular collage is an example of custom-built software
 Packaged Software
The software that is developed for sale to the general public is called packaged software. Packaged
software is used to solve some common problem of many people or users Some examples of packaged
software are;
 Word processor such as MS-Word

 Spreadsheet such as MS-Excel
 Database software such as MS-Access
 Graphic software such as Adobe Photoshop and CorelDraw
 Communication Software such as Internet Explorer

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SOFTWARE AND ITS TYPES

Language translators translate programming code or programming instructions into machine

There are two types of application software as follows.

a) Basic application software

b) Specialized application software

a) Basic application software

 Word processor such as MS-Word

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