SOFTWARES
Software is the series of instructions that tells the hardware how to work. Software often called a computer program. Most software needs to be installed onto the hard disk before it can be used, but some can be loaded into memory directly from the storage media. The two categories of software are:
• System software
• Application software
System Software
System software consists of programs that control the operations of the computer and its devices. System software also serves as the interface between the user, the application software and hardware. The main types of system software are
• Operating System
• Device Drivers
• Utility programs
• Language Translators
Operating System
The operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer. Every general-purpose computer must have an operating system to run other programs. Operating systems perform basic tasks, such as:
• Recognizing input from the keyboard
• Sending output to the display screen
• Keeping track of files and directories on the disk
• Controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.
It is the first program loaded into memory when the computer is turned on and, in a sense, brings life to the computer hardware. Without Operating System, user cannot use word processing software, spreadsheet software, or any other application:
Windows, Mac OS and Linux are all examples of operating systems.
Device Drivers
A device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to the computer. There are device drivers for printers, monitors. CD-ROM readers diskette drives, and so on. When we buy an operating system, many device drivers are built into the product. However, if users later buy a new type of device that the operating system did not recognize, they will have to install the new device driver.
Utility programs
A program that performs a specific task related to the management of computer
functions, resources. or files, as password protection, memory management, virus protection, and file compression. Utility software plays a supporting role. Utility programs help manage, maintain and control computer resources. Some examples of utility programs include:
• Virus scanning software
• Backup software
• Scandisk
• Disk defragmenter
Language Translators / Processors
Language translators or processors are the software which are used to convert software. programming language source code into machine language object code that the computer understands. There are different types of translations to convert programming source code into machine language, which is made up of bits of binary data. The three major types of language translators are:
• Compilers
• Assemblers .
• Interpreters
Application Software
Application software refers to programs that perform specific tasks for users. Most application software is available as packaged software that can be purchased in retail stores or on the Web. Common types of application software include:
• Productivity Software
• Business Software
• Entertainment Software
• Education Software
Other types of software categories include:
• Open source software
• Shareware
• Freeware
Productivity Software
Productivity Software is a program helping users to solve their problems and work better to increase productivity. Some common types of productivity software include:
Word Processing Software: The most popular examples of this type of software are MS-Word. WordPad, Notepad and some other text editors.
Database Software: Examples are Oracle, MS Access, etc.
Spreadsheet Software: Excel, Lotus and Apple Numbers are some examples of spreadsheet software.
Multimedia Software:
Examples of this type of software include Real Player and Media Player.
Presentation Software: Microsoft PowerPoint is the best example of presentation software.
Business software:
Business software are used to perform variety of business tasks. Common types of business package include: Book-keeping programs, Accounting packages, Personal finance software
Entertainment software
Entertainment software are used for recreation and amusement purpose Most of these software include Computer Games. Video games typically also use other ways of providing interaction and information to the player. Other entertainment software includes
• Audio video players
• Movie makers
Educational software:
Educational software aims to teach and educate users, as well as help deliver certain evaluation as well as track progress through the material given. It is often used in teaching and self-learning.
Open Source Software:
Open-source software is computer software that is available to users free of cost in source code form with rights to study, change, and improve the software. Open source software are very often developed in collaborative manner. Few examples of open source software are:
Linux
Apache
Firefox
Squirrel Mail
Open Office
Shareware
Shareware is usually offered either with certain features only available after the license is purchased, or as a full version but for a limited trial period of time. Once the trial period has passed the program may stop running until a license is purchased.
Freeware
Freeware is computer software which is made available free of charge. Typically Freeware is distributed without source code. It usually carries a license that permits redistribution but may other restrictions, such as limitations on its commercial use. For example the license can say that the program may be freely copied, but never sold.
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