Types of Computer Software

Computer software is programming code executed on a computer processor. The code can be machine-level code or code written for an operating system. The set of computer programs, booting, procedure and associated documentation related to the effective operation of a computer system are termed as computer software. A computer is just a machine that processes information stored in the form of numbers. A computer can store data and long series of instructions which command the computer, what operation is to be performed from the data. Such series of instruction is called computer program. Computer programs are collectively known as computer software. A computer software packing is a group of programs that solve a specific problem or perform a specific type of job. For example, a word processing packing may contain programs for text editing, text formatting, drawing graphics, spelling checking etc. Hence, a multipurpose computer system like a personal computer in he home has several packages, one each for every type of job it can perform.

Relationship between hardware and software

In order to produce useful output , the hardware and software must work together. So there is a special relationship between hardware and software . Both are complementary to each other. No work can be done with the computer hardware on its own and computer software cannot be utilized without supporting hardware. So hardware is necessary but software is vital. Production of software is difficult and expensive. Hardware is onetime expenses whereas software is continuing expenses. Thus, there is an unavoidable relationship between Hardware and Software.

Types of computer Software

In today's computers, thousands types of computer software are used. Although the range of software available used today is very vast and varied, most common types of computer software can be divided into two major categories.

1.System Software

2.Application Software

1.System Software

System software is a collection of programs and most important types of computer software designed to operate and manage the actual operation of the computer equipment. They are general programs written to assets the user in using Application Software. An operating system of computer system by performing tasks such as controlling all the operation, moving data into and out of the computer and all the other steps is executing the application programs. The programs included in a system software package are called system programs. The programmers who prepare system software are referred to as system programmers. Basically system software supports the following functions:

1.  To create link between hardware and software.
2. To maintain the hardware and resources.
3. To help to run other programs.
4. To work as translator between user and computer hardware.
5. To communicate with various hardware devices.
6. To develop and edit other types of software .

Types of system software

System software are further classified into the following types.

a. System management software

The software which is used to control update and manage entire operation of computer system for well functioning is called system management software. Operating system software, Utility programs are the system management software. System management software are further classified in to the following sub types. They are:

i. Operating System Software

An operating system is an integrated set of specialized program that is used to manage the resources and overall operations of the computer. It acts as the mediator between  hardware and the computer application programs. It makes a computer easier to use. Working as an intermediary between hardware and users. 

Operating system software manages all the resources of a computer system. Windows 95/98/NT/XP, UNIX, LINUX, Novell Netware, MS-DOS, etc are the popular operating system software.

Utility Software 

Utility software are also known as service programs. They perform routine tasks services such as editing text or program, debugging program to correct logical mistake, sorting records into a particular sequence for processing merging several sorted file into a large updated file , transferring data from one input/output device to another , printing a file , hold  backing storage, printing the content of the main memory. Thus, utility programs assist users in system maintenance tasks. Some frequently used utility software are:

Disk defragmenter:

Disk defragmentater is a system tool which allows to defragment (make together) the fragmented (scattered) data, files and restore into the whole file or full document which increase the system performance and access speed of data.

Disk cleans up:

Disk cleans up is another important system tool that helps to keep windows operating system smooth as it should be. It inspects the hard disk of PC and looks for unnecessary files that can be safely deleted allowing freeing up the valuable disk space.

Scandisk:

Scandisk is another important tool that allows making the disk up to data for data storage and retrieval system. It is one of the software security measures which works as an utility tool in order to scan, detect and repair  the errors in the disk. The scandisk checks the specified disk for bad sectors and other related problems and makes possible repairing.

Data Backup:

Data backup is one of the important tools that allow making the reserve or extra copy of data, file programs, documents etc. which can  be restored later in its original location when they are deleted or not available. The backup system is very important and necessary to prevent data, software and programs  from loss, damage and virus attack.

b. System Development Software

The software which is used to write and translate program code in order to design and produce other necessary software in computer is known as system development software. Programming languages, language processors are the system development software.

i. Language Processors

The program or software which translates the instructions written in human  convenient form to machine language code is called Language Processor or translating Program. The program translated by the language processors is understood by the hardware of computer system. Examples of Language Processors are Compiler, Assembler and Interpreter.

Compiler

A compiler is a language processor program that translates the program written in high level language into its equivalent machine language program. The program written in high level language is called source program and the program translated into machine level language is called object program. The compiler translates whole program (source program) at once rather than a single statement into machine language instruction.

Interpreter

An interpreter is a language processor used to translate high level language into its equivalent machine language program one statement at a time. Interpreter takes one statement of high level language to convert into machine language program and then immediately executes the resulting machine language instructions before taking the next statement for translation. The interpreter detects the syntax error in a program and  brings to the attention of the programmer as soon as the program statement is interpreted. This allows user to correct programs quickly.

Assembler

An assembler is a language processor program that converts an assembly language program into its equivalent machine language program. An input to the assembler is the assembly language program and its output is the machine language program. The assembler translates each assembly language instructions into an equivalent machine language instruction.

ii. Programming languages

Computers carry out the task by receiving instructions from a programming language. In the most basic terms, programming languages are chains of commands that are issued and followed. Each language is a series of  computations and algorithms that help, create and control the behavior of machines. There are thousands of different computer programming languages out there , and more are being created each year. Computer programming languages are used to create operating systems, applications software and websites. Some examples of programming languages include QBASIC, Python, Java, C++ etc. These languages are used to read and learn about computer programming that are used to find out what careers are available in the field of programming .

 2.Application Software

Application software are the sets of one or more programs and important types of computer software designed to carry out the operation for a specified application directly to the users. It helps the user work faster, more efficiently and more productively. Application software may be written by a large software houses which distribute such  product widely to address general class problems or may be written by an individual to address any particular user where as the system software is an interface between user and machine. The major difference between system software and application software is listed  below.

Types of application software

Application software are further classified in to the following sub types. They are :

a. Tailored or Special purpose Software

Tailored software is the software specially designed to meet the specific requirements of an organization or individual. As a tailor measures the dimension of a person for sewing his cloths, tailored software is written on the demand of individual need and serves only one user or organization. For example : Result Processing of SEE,  payroll software, sales ledger, etc. The data and nature of processing of data seems similar but actually they are different in many ways. They can fulfill needs of any organization, offices, corporate etc to maintain their transactions, databases, employee records etc. Tailored software are written in high level language such as BASIC, PASCAL, FORTRAN ,C, C++ etc for different purposes.

Advantages of Customized or tailor Software

• Customized software is created to have  a simple interface with other software, thus providing a fully integrated system.
• They are easier and more perceptive to use and does not contain unnecessary installations.
• Custom software can be changed and modified over time according to changes in business requirements. 
• They are expandable and connectable to different web services, SDK(Software Development Kit) and other external applications.
• A great benefit that is obtained with personalized business applications is an efficient and reliable technical support plans.

Disadvantages of Customized or tailor Software

• For the needs of large companies , the cost of customized development can be greater than packaged software.
• If the software is not programmed under certain standards and well tested these software can present frequent errors.
• The software needs frequent change and modification for the similar organizations.

b. Packaged or general purpose software

Packaged software is a generalized set of programs that allows the computer to perform the specific data processing job for the users These programs are user friendly and designed to work on more than one environment . Packaged software may be purchased from the software vendors. These software are commonly used by us to fulfill our common and general requirements. For example MS Access, MS word, Adobe Photoshop, Notepad etc. These are generally provided us by spending some money. They are packages which contains various apps that are used to fulfill our needs. Examples of Packaged software are Word-Processing Software, Spreadsheet Software, Database Software, etc.

Advantages of package software:

• There are very small amount of virus threat invading custom-made application.
• Business can restrict access and protect their network.
• Regular updates from the developer for security purposes.
• Easy to access always because they are properly documented.
• Efficient , quick and easy to follow instruction.

Disadvantages of package software

• Can't  access the system memory and whole network.
• Developing application software is highly cost.
• The risk of developers can affect budget and revenue flow.

#Thankyou!

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