Computer software


Software is an essential part of computer which we cannot see or touch. Computer cannot work without software. A set of programs designed to carry out a specific task is called software.Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function. A program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.

Software may be classified into two types:

  • System Software
  • Application Software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer itself. System software is generally prepared by the computer manufacturers. These software products comprise of programs written in low-level languages, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as the interface between the hardware and the end users.This software is a program which contributes to the control and performance of the computer system is known as system software. System software is group up programme which operate all the hardware devices and run application programs.

There are many system software which perform various tasks:

  • Operating system software
  • Assemblers
  • Compilers
  • Interpreters
  • Utilities

OPERATING SYSTEM SOFTWARE

It is a group of instruction that’s used to manage the resources and overall operations of a computer. It tells the computer how to perform the functions of loading, storing and executing an application and how transfer data. Today most of the computers use operating system that has a graphical user interface (GUI) that provides pictorial command such as icon symbols to help the user.

There are many types of operating system following below:

  • Window 98
  • Window 2000
  • Window XP
  • Window Vista
  • Window 7
  • UNIX
  • DOS

LANGUAGE TRANSLATORS

They are used to translate the programming language codes to machine language codes.

Assembler: It converts programs written in assembly language to machine language programs.

Interpreter: It converts the high level language programme to machine language.

Compiler: It converts high level language programs to machine language.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

A set of programmes design to help people for perform certain type of work.Application software may consist of a single program, It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called a software package, which work together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet package. It consist instructions that tell a computer how to produce information. Some of the more commonly used packages are:

  • Word Processing
  • Electronic spreadsheet
  • Database
  • Presentation
  • Graphics design
  • Video editing