What is Computer Software and Its Types

Computer is a machine that does not possess any intelligence of its own. A computer without instructions is like a car without a driver. It requires a set of instructions given by us to work on. These sets of instructions are called programs. These programs are written in computer languages. Software is the collection of programs that are stored and run on computer hardware and help users to work on the computer. Software is that part of a computer which cannot be touched or seen.

Software is of two types: System Software and Application software.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE:

System software is defined as a collection of programs that controls the overall operation and internal working of the computer system. It reads data from input devices and transfers the processed information to output devices. System Software is of two main types

1) Operating System.

2) Utility Programs.

OPERATING SYSTEM:

Operating system is needed to operate a computer. An operating system controls the overall activities of a computer. It acts as a link between the user and the hardware and enables them to work together.

The operating system so also required to run software like MS Word, Paint, MS Excel etc. MS DOS, Windows XP, Windows 7, UNIX, LINUX Mac OS are examples of some popular operating systems.

FUNCTIONS OF OPERATING SYSTEMS:

The main functions of an operating system are:

• Device Management (Input / Output):- An operating system controls the working of all input and output devices.
• Memory Management:- An operating system assigns memory to various programs whenever required. It also frees the memory when it is not in use.
• Runs Software:- An operating system runs the applications software like Paint, MS Word, and MS Power Point etc.
• Processor Management:- An operating system manages the working of the processor by allocating various jobs to it.
• File Management:- An operating system keeps track of information regarding creating, deletion, transfers, copy and storage of files in an organized way.
• Security:- It provides security by means of passwords to prevent misuse of a computer.

UTILITY PROGRAMS:

Utility programs perform specific tasks usually related to managing a computer, its devices or its programs. These programs assist in the smooth functioning of the computer system and help computer to perform better. Some utilities help you to avoid virus attack, some in taking backup of data, to recover data that has been accidentally erased and so on. These include antivirus, backup disk repair, file management security and network programs. You can buy various utility programs from licensed computer stores. Some utility programs are also available free of cost on the Internet.

• Anti-Virus Utility:- They provide protection to your computer against virus attacks. They include tools to recover lost files and protect your machine against system failure.
• Back Up:-This is a process of recovering data, in case of damage or accidental loss. Occasionally, a hard disk may fail, resulting in the loss of all files stored in it. Hence, an intelligent user keeps his files on back up storage devices, so that the original files can be restored at the times of such failures.
• Compression:- It is a process that shrinks files, so that less disk space is occupied. These files cannot be read directly and must be decompressed to their actual form before use.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE:

These are sets of programs, developed y programmers in order to perform specific types of jobs; like beautifying the documents, making calculations, arranging data in an organized way, making airline or railway reservation system etc. computer languages are used to make these types of software. These are also called general purpose software.

WORD PROCESSING SOFTWARE:

A word processor helps us to create professional looking documents quickly and efficiently. It provides many features to change the text in a desired manner. You can easily add, delete, rearrange. Ex: MS Word, WordPad etc.

ELECTRONIC SPREADSHEET:

A spreadsheet program helps you to perform calculations and display the data in the form of a chart to analyze in a better way. It is used for creating documents to manage and organize numerical data. Ex: MS Excel, Lotus 123 etc.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (DBMS)

Each one of us uses database in our daily routine unknowingly. For example, managing telephone diary, phone directories, payroll information etc. Database software helps us to arrange and store a large amount of information in an organized way. You can easily create, add, find, update, sort, search, print and retrieve the information stored in a database. Ex: MS Access, FoxPro, Oracle etc.

DESKTOP PUBLISHING SOFTWARE:

This application helps you to combine both text and graphic features to design professional documents like newsletters, printed forms, advertisements, books, posters, magazines etc.

GRAPHICS, MULTIMEDIA AND PRESENTATION SOFTWARE

It is a known fact that pictorial representation provides a better way to understand the concepts. This has become possible with the aid of various graphics, multimedia and presentation software.

Graphics Software: 

It is used to create images such as charts, graphs, photographs, logos, cartoons and much more. Ex: Photoshop, Auto Cad, Dreamweaver etc.

Multimedia Software:

It is used to create video, animation, sound, graphics and text with a high degree of interaction. Ex: Games software, Windows Media Players etc.

Presentation Software: 

This software we used to present an idea or concept. This software helps you to create and display slides on a computer for business and educational purposes. It lets you create slides, charts, animation and video clips. Ex: Power Point, Flash etc.