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3 Software Basics
SOFTWARE
Software is any set of instructions /programs
that tells the hardware to perform specific
tasks.
Software guides the hardware and tells it how
to accomplish each task.
There are three major categories of software
System Software
Application Software
Programming Software

 SYSTEM SOFTWARE (Operating System Software)

This is a program or collection of programs that controls the entire

operation of the computer.

System Software is the most fundamental of programs that run on
a computer.
System Software generally works in the background to create a
working environment for your PC.
The Operating System enables the computer to interpret your
keyboard and mouse input; display information on the computer's
monitor; store and retrieve information from the disk drives, and
work with other hardware components attached to the computer.
It presents an interface for users to communicate with the
computer.

Examples are: Microsoft Windows XP, Microsoft Windows 2000,

Linux and Mac OS X

 Application Software
An applications software program is a program designed to

carry out a specific task such as word processing, spreadsheets,

databases, desktop publishing, presentations, payroll, stock
control, video games, business, telecommunications etc.

Examples of applications software are MS Word, MS Excel,

Publisher, Lotus 123, MS Access, MS Power point, Adobe
aftereffects, Adobe Photoshop etc.

Programming Software
Programming software usually provides tools to assist a

programmer in writing computer programs, and software using

different programming languages in a more convenient way

Examples of programming software are Java, C, C++, Visual

Basic etc

Software Development Life Cycle

The design of Information Technology systems

can be a complex process that requires careful

planning and Management.
The process of systems development is a

cycle of analysis, design, programming,

testing, implementation and maintenance.

Software Installations in Computers:

Insert the CD / DVD of particular software that
is to be installed in the PCs drive.
Follow the set of instructions given step by step
in the PCs screen and install the software
successfully and remove the particular CD/DVD.
Uninstallation / Removal of Software in

Computers:
Some software can be uninstalled from the

operating systems

Control panel Add / Remove Program

Select the software and Press REMOVE.