Software

MUNTAZIR KHAN
Introduction of Software
 Software is a code or the set of instructions that tells computer or hardware how to
operate.
 Software is usually generic but it can also be custom built. 
 Generic software is open to the market and its specifications are designed by the
programmer.
 Mainly designed for a broad customer market. Customized software is software
whose specifications are designed according to a particular firm or organization.
  It is not an open for all. Mainly designed for specific business purpose.
Classification of Software
 Software is mainly classified into seven categories – System software, Application
software, Engineering/scientific software, embedded software, Product line
software, Web applications, and Artificial intelligence software.
1. System Software
 It directly interacts with computer hardware. It primarily concerned with the
efficient management of the computer system. It is used to develop new system
programs and using bootstrapping we can make them portable. It is machine
dependent. The system software is further classified into three categories – The
operating system which acts as an interface between the user and the hardware
and provides different services to users. The second one is system support
software which manages the hardware more efficiently. The other is System
development software which supports programming development environment to
the user.
2. Application Software
 It is designed to solve user problems as per the user’s requirements. Application
software can be generic or customized. Application software is further classified
into two categories – One is general purpose software which is used for much
number of tasks and provides many features. Another is special purpose software
which is designed for a specific purpose only. For example, User’s programs. The
focus is on the application not on the computer system. It is primarily concerned
with the solution of some problems using the computer as a tool.
3. Engineering/Scientific Software

 It deals with processing requirements in a specific application. This software are

specially used for drawing, modeling, drafting, load calculations and analysis of
engineering and statistical data for interpretation and decision making. For
example, CAD (Computer Aided Design), CAM (Computer Aided
Manufacturing), and CAE (Computer Aided Engineering). These software are
used in the field of mechanical, electrical, drafting, engineering and Analysis.
They run on mainframes, general purpose workstation, and PCs (Personal
computers).
4. Embedded Software
 This software is embedded into hardware as a part of larger systems to control its
various functions. This type of software is embedded in the ROM (Read Only
Memory) of the systems. For example, Keypad control software embedded in a
microwave oven or washing machine where there is a need to take input analyze
and decide and take action which allows the product to perform in the desired
manner. These software’s are also called intelligent software because of its
performance.
5. Product Line Software
 This type of software refers to software engineering methods, tools, and
techniques for creating a collection of similar software systems from a shared set
of software assets using a common means of production. It is a set of a software
product that shares common features but are each different in some way. For
example, they may be developed for a specific customer or for embedded
software (Word document, spreadsheet, computer graphics, personal and business
applications)
6. Web Applications
 It is an application that is accessed via web browsers over a network such as an
internet or an intranet. it is also a computer software application that is coded in a
browser support language and reliable on a common web browser to render the
application executable.
7. Artificial Intelligence Software

 This software makes the use of non-numerical algorithms that use the data
generated in the system to solve complex problems that are not amenable to
problem solving procedures and require specific analysis and interpretation of the
problem to solve it. For example, Artificial neural networks, robotics, expert
systems, and computer games.