Software and it's types

Software 

Software is a set of instruction that tell the computer what to do and  how to do a task.

Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.

Software enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks. Without software, most computers would be useless. For example, without your Internet Browser software, you could not surf the Internet or read this page. Without an operating System, the browser could not run on your computer.

Types of software 

There are two types of software which are given below.

1. System Software

2. Application Software.  

1. System software 

System Software is a set of programs that control and manage the operations of computer hardware and application Programs.

System software is software designed to provide a platform for other software. Examples of system software include operating systems like macOS, Linux, Android and Microsoft Windows etc.

System software consist of programs that manage and support a computer system and its information processing activities. 

System software  Support the development of other application software and support the execution of other application 

Monitor the efficient use of various hardware resources.

Features of System Software

• System Software is closer to the system

• Generally written in a low-level language

• The system software is difficult to design and understand

• Fast in speed

• Less interactive

• Smaller in size

• Hard to manipulate

Types of System Software

1. Operating System

2. Device Driver

3. Utility Software

4. Language Processor

• Interpreter

•   Compiler

• assembler

1. Operating Systems 

Operating system is system software that act as interface between user and computer device. 

Operating system is an intermediary between hardware and application program. 

Without operating system Compute just like a dump metal. Operating system like soul in human body. 

Operating system is group of program that control the execution of application programs.

Responsible for allocation of resources and services, such as processor, memory, I/O devices and information.

2. Device Drivers

A device driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is attached to a computer or automaton.

Without driver, a hardware device would not be able to work with the computer. 

3.  Utility Software

Utility software is software designed to help analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer.

The Utility Software is system software that helps to maintain the proper and smooth functioning of a Computer System. It assists the Operating System to manage, organize, maintain, and optimize the functioning of the computer system.

Utility Software performs certain tasks like virus detection, installation, and uninstallation, data backup, deletion of unwanted files, etc. Some examples are antivirus software, file management tools, compression tools, disk management tools, etc.

4. Language processor

Language processor or translator is a type of system software that translates a source program into machine language(0 and 1).

There are three types of language translator or preprocessor.

• Interpreter 

• Compiler

• Assembler

2. Application Software

Application software is computing software designed to carry out a specific task. In information technology, application program or application software is a computer program designed to help people perform an activity.

Application software is a term which is used for a specific purpose. It is generally a Programs or collection of programs used by end users. It can be called an application or simply an app.

In fact all the software other than System Software and Programming software are application software.

Most application software is designed to run on three popular platforms: desktops, mobile devices, and browsers.

Examples Of Application Software

• Word processing software

• Database programs

• Entertainment software

• Business software

• Educational software

• Inventory Software

• Bank Account Software

• Computer-aided design(CAD) software

• Spreadsheet software etc.

Types of Application Software (w.r.t) Purpose

The are two major types of App software.

• General Purpose Application Software

• Special Purpose Application Software

General Purpose Application Software

General purpose application software is a type of application that can be used for a variety of tasks. It is not limited to one particular function. They provide large no of features for its users.  Examples of General purpose application software include: Word processors, Spreadsheet and Presentation software.

General purpose applications are available  bundled together to make up application suites.

Special purpose software

Special purpose application software is a type of software created to execute one specific task. 

It is limited to one limited function.