TYPES OF SOFTWARE

DEFINITION
• SOFTWARES - Software are the programs
that make a computer run. They are sets of
instructions which tell the computer what
to do to come up with the desired result.
 Concept
• The Hardware needs Software to be useful;
the Software needs Hardware to be useful.

• When the user needs something to be done

by the computer, he/she gives instructions in
the form of Software to computer Hardware.

• These instructions need to be written in a

language that is readily understood by the
computer.
 Machine Language
• Binary language is called the machine language.

• Machine language, though readily understood by

microprocessors, is very difficult to write in for
human programmers.

• Language translators were invented to overcome

this problem.
 SOFTWARE

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 System Software
- Programs that work automatically once you open or
boot your computer.
- Their task include loading and running programs,
checking and protecting computers, and controlling
hardware.
- It is the control software that operates the hardware and
allows the application to run.
 Operating System (OS)
• Performs its work invisibly to control the internal functions
of a computer, e.g. maintaining files on the disk drive,
managing the screen, controlling which tasks the computer
performs and in what order.
• It interacts directly with the computer Hardware.
• Other Software normally does not directly interact with
the Hardware, but through the OS.
 Examples
• Windows XP – home and business
• Windows 2000 – business network use
• Mac Operating System – GUI, graphics
• OS/2 Warp – commercial work
• UNIX – general purpose, mainframe
• Linux – alternative to Windows
• Dos – command driven
 Operating Systems
• Operating Systems run in the
background without the users
being aware of it.
• It controls the inputs, outputs,
interrupts, and storage of files as
requested by the applications
software.
LINUX
DOS
 Language Translators
• Human programmers write programs in a
language that is easy to understand for them.

• They use language translators to convert that

program into machine language – a language
that is easy to understand for the UPS.
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
• Are programs installed in the computer. It
enables the user to do different tasks.
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
• Used for a specific purpose or application.
– Word processing;
– Numerical analysis and storage;
– Recording of data;
– Designing and graphics;
– Image processing;
– Presentations;
– Desk top publishing;
– Web design.
 WORD PROCESSORS
• Used in creating letters, memos, reports and
other write-ups.

Examples: Word star

MS Word
WordPerfect
MS Word
 Utility Programs
• Virus checking and cleaning.
• Security using identification and passwords.
• File and hard disk management for efficiency and
storage.
• Customising the computer to the users requirements,
i.e. short cut menus from mouse click.
• Setting peripheral devices to the users requirements,
i.e. setting the monitor resolution.
 Utilities
Computer programs that perform a particular
function related to computer system
management and maintenance

Examples:
1. Anti-virus Software
2. Data compression Software
3. Disk optimization Software
4. Disk backup Software
5. Disk cleaner