Computer software | types of computer software

 Computer software and operating system

Concept of software

A set of programs written for a computer to perform a particular task is called software. The logical components or set of procedures to routines or instructions are called software. The program is a sequence of instructions. Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a device.

Types of software

1. System software
2. Application software

System software

System software is system that basically makes the computer work. It lets you communicate between the other software and the hardware. The software required to execute users program is called system program.

The function performed by system software are:

• Supports development of other application software

• Supports execution of other application software Monitors and manages effective use of various hardware resources such as CPU,memory, peripherals etc..Communicates and controls different peripheral devices such as printer, disk, tape etc.

The system software can be divided into different types.

• Operating system

• Translator(language processor)

• Utility program

Operating system 

Operating System can be defined as an interface between user and the hardware. It provides an environment to the user so that, the user can perform its task in convenient and efficient way. It is responsible for the execution of all the processes, Resource Allocation, CPU management, File Management and many other tasks. The purpose of an operating system is to provide an environment in which a user can execute programs in convenient and efficient manner.Examples of OS are Windows 7, Windows 8 etc.

Language Processors/ Translators

A language translator is system software that converts statement written in one language to statement in another language such as from high level or assembly to machine. language. Therefore, language processor is defined as "a programming language into a form that can be understood, interpreted and executed by a computer system". The language processor can be divided into three types.

• Compiler

A compiler is a program which translates a program at a time written in high level language into a machine language program that can be understood by a computer.

• Interpreter 

 Interpreter is a program which translates the statement of a high Level language into machine codes. It translates one statement at a time.

• Assembler

A program which translates an assembly language program into at machine language is called an assembler.

 • Utility software

Utility programs are a set of programs that help users in system maintenance tasks and in performing tasks of routine nature. These utility programs are the part of operating system which enhances the performances of the OS and the system to its optimum. Some of the examples of utility software are Antivirus program, Backup utility, Disk checker, Data compression software, Disk compression, Disk cleaner, disk partitioner, disk. defragmentation etc.

Some of the functions performed by utility programs are:

1. A file compression (or data compression) utility cab be used to reduce the size of the file so that they can consume less disk space. 
2. A backup utility can help you to copy group of files from your hard disk to another storage medium such as tape, CD-ROM 
3. Disk management utility allows you to divide a hard disk into multiple partitions, so one large disk can work like several smaller ones.
4. Disk defragmenter is utility program that rearranges fragmented pieces of data so that your files are stored in contiguous sector.

Application software

Application software is user-oriented software that is used to solve the particular problem of the user and make the user task easier. Application software is a computer program that performs a specific function, be it educational, personal, or business. It is also known. as an end-user program or a productivity program. For example, payroll processing software, banking software, computer games etc.

Application software can be

• Tailored software or tailor-made or custom software:
•  It is a software developed according to the need of a particular user or organization.
• These are called unique because an individual program can be developed to suit ones own requirements. o Example: Hotel reservation system

Packaged software

• Some applications are common for all. These are ready to use software packages and are available from hardware and/or software vendors. 
• All word processing, database, graphics, animation, web designing software are packaged software.

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Santosh Chapagain
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