SOFTWARE

SOFTWARE
A computer is a programmable device.
Software is a set of instructions that tells the computer about the tasks to be performed and how
these tasks are to be performed. Program is a set of instructions, written in a language understood
by the computer, to perform a specific task. A set of programs and documents are collectively
called software. The hardware of the computer system cannot perform any task on its own.
Hardware is generally controlled by the software.The hardware needs to be instructed
about the task to be performed. Software instructs the computer about the task to be performed.
The hardware carries out these tasks. Different software can be loaded on the same hardware to
perform different kinds of tasks.

Software is usually divided into two major categories: System software

Application software.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
system software is a set of programs that handles all the basic internal working of a computer.
Moreover, it executes and controls all the working of different peripheral devices and other basic
tasks and software.

It acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and application program.

It can further be divided into three types:

Operating System, Language Processing and Utilities.

Operating System : An operating system is a set of instructions that
manages overall performance and functioning of the computer system by
controlling the resources such as CPU, memory, I/O devices and overall flow
of information within the system. It acts as an interface between the machine
and its users. Some examples are Linux, MS/PC-DOS, , Windows
95/98/NT/ME/ Millienium/VISTA, Android, , Apple iOS, Apple macOS.
Some important tasks performed by the operating system are:
1. Scheduling
It schedules the priority of each process using scheduling algorithms. It helps the CPU to decide
which process will be executed first.
2. Memory Management
The operating system keeps a record of the primary memory. Moreover, when any process requires
the memory, its allocation, and deallocation of the memory.
3. File Management
Besides memory, it also performs the function of allocating and deallocating the resources.
4. Security
Protects data and other software from unauthorized access through authentication.

Language Processors : It is a special type of system software that converts the source
code into machine code. The input given has to be in object code only hence, we use language
processors. Also, the machine code executes faster as compared to the source code.
Source Code
It is the code provided by the user. This code is in a high-level language (HLL). The computer does
not understand the HLL.
Object Code
The object code is the binary code. As the computer understands binary language only, therefore,
it is also called machine code.
Different Types of Language Processors are:
1. Assembler
It converts assembly language to machine language.
2. Interpreter
It is a type of system software that executes the program line by line.
3. Compiler
It is also a type of system software that executes the whole program at once.

System Utilities
A utility program performs a specialized task that enhances the computer’s operation or
safeguards data.
These types of system software are used for the proper and smooth functioning of the computer
system. They perform functions like removing outdated files, recover data which is accidentally
lost, finding information, arranging data and files in an orderly manner, compress disk drive, install
and uninstall programs, etc.
Different types of utility software are:
1. Antivirus Software
They are used to protect the system from viruses. Some examples are Quick Heal, McAfee, etc.
2. Compression Tools
They help compress large files. The files can be changed to the original form when we require it.
Examples are WinRAR, PeaZip, etc.
3. Disk Management Tools
They are used to manage data on the disks efficiently so that the system performance can enhance.
Examples are Disk Cleanup Tool, Backup Utility, etc.
4. Device Drivers
These types of system software are used for the operation of the peripheral devices. Each device
connected to the computer has its own driver. These drivers basically contain instructions that tell
the operating system how to operate the device.
Some drivers are pre-installed on the computer while some others are installed when a new device
is added. The audio device, video device, scanner, camera, etc. all require a driver. A driver tells
the operating system how to use the device

APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is a set of one or more programs designed to do a specific
task such as processing of student admission examination result, pay calculation,
payroll, general accounting, inventory control. Different organisations need
different application programs. The special purpose programs are also known as
“packages”.

Examples of Application Software

Paint, Windows Media Player, Microsoft Sudoku, WordPad, Web browsers, and media players are
examples of application software.

Features of Application Software

 • Close proximity to the user
• More interactive
• Generally written in a high-level language.
• Simple to use
• Larger in size and necessitating a lot of storage space.
Types of Application Software
1. General-purpose software
2. Customized software
General-Purpose Software
General-purpose software performs a large range of specific basic tasks. They fulfill all the general
tasks that a person needs to perform on the system. There are numerous applications that a user needs
to perform. Among them, some variety of applications that are frequently used comes under this
category.
These can be in independent stand-alone versions or in bundles that make up application suites. Some
examples of application suites can be WPS Office, MS Office, Apache OpenOffice, etc.
a)Word Processing Software
This software contains the features to create, edit, delete, access, format, and customize text files. In
addition, they have several features like thesauruses, Word Art, etc. to customize and make the files
more attractive and useful.
They have additional features for publishing, sending mails, etc. Furthermore, it basically helps to
create reports, letters, newsletters, manuals, books, etc.

Examples are MS-Word, WPS Writer, Open Office Writer, Word pad, etc.
b) Spreadsheets
This software contains the data in the form of rows and columns. The intersection of a row and column
is a cell. They store the data and have various formulas which in turn helps to analyze, calculate, and
draw conclusions from data. The business and financial sectors use this software more often.
They also contain additional features like graphs, charts, 3D graphs, tables, etc. for effective results.
Report presentation is thus quite easy considering these results.

Examples are MS_Excel, Google Sheets, LibreOffice Calc, etc.

c) Database Management Systems
A database is a collection of related data or information in an organized form. A database management
system is a tool that is used to store, search, extract, or delete information from a database. Moreover,
we use them so that the operations which we perform on the database, are in an organized manner
and safe.
Some database management tools help in handling records on the system like phone numbers, mailing
lists, catalogs, etc. Examples are MS Access, Filemaker, dBASE, etc.
While some others help to manage large and complex databases. Examples are SQL, Oracle, etc.
d) Desktop Publishing Software
They help in designing interactive animations and 3D images using texts and graphics. Moreover,
this software has many tools that help the user to produce different and innovative animations and
graphics. Their basic applications are logos, magazines, newspapers, business cards, etc.
Examples are Adobe InDesign, QuarkExpress, etc.
e) Web Browsers
Web Browser is a software which we use to access information on the web (World Wide Web).
Browsers allow users to search for information, read files, watch videos, download images, etc.
Examples are Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer, etc.
f) Presentation Software
This software helps the users to display their projects and information in the form of slides. Hence,
the slideshow is the basic feature of presentation software. Besides, those other features are graphs,
charts, adding audio, videos, transitions, etc.
Examples are PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, etc.
g) Video Editing Software
This software helps the user to edit the videos. They can add text, animations, sound, etc. as per their
requirement. They also have features to merge, split, or change the speed of the videos. Therefore,
they are useful in creating documentaries, advertisements, etc.
Examples are Adobe Premiere, Pinnacle Studio, etc.
h) Games
Games are one of the favorite software. They are used by almost all types of users. There is a large
variety of games available ranging from puzzles and mysteries to real-world animation games. There
are hundreds of features in this software. Hence, the programming of such software is also complex.
Examples are FIFA Football, Minesweeper, etc.
i) Some other categories of application software
• Media Players like windows media player, VLC, etc.
• Document Readers like Adobe Reader, DocX Viewer, etc.
• Cloud Storage like Google Drive etc.
• Photo Editing like Adobe Photoshop etc.
• Virtual Assistants like Siri, Google Assistant, etc.

Customized Software
Sometimes people give the order to create certain special software according to their own specific
requirements. Programmers generally develop such software on special demands. This software
excludes the extra features of application software. Therefore, only such features are present which
the user actually requires for his purpose.
This software is not available on the web. So, one cannot download or use them directly. Moreover,
once the programmer creates the software, he gives it to the client with certain terms and rights. Due
to these features, we can also name this software as tailor-made software.
For example, a beauty salon’s owner needs software to keep track of the bookings. Further, he requires
to fix appointments or keep track of his products, etc.

Difference Between System Software and Application Software

Software System Software Application Software

System software is a type of Application software is a type of program

software that acts as a link between that runs in answer to a user's request. It
Meaning
application software and the works on a platform provided by system
operating system. software.

Computer hardware is controlled by The user uses application software to do a

Usage
system software. specified task.

When a computer's operating Application software is installed based on

Installation
system is installed, the system the needs of the user.
 software is also installed.

User
Less or no user interaction High user interaction
interaction

The system software can run on its There is no way for application software
Dependency
own. to run on its own.

Windows 7, Windows 8, Windows Word processors, web browsers, and

Examples 8.1, and Windows 10 are examples media players are examples of application
of system software. software.

Open Source
“Open source describes the principles and methodologies to promote open access
to the production and design process for various goods, products, resources and
technical conclusions or advice. The term is most commonly applied to the source
code of software that is made available to the general public with either relaxed or
non-existent intellectual property restrictions. This allows users to create user-
generated software content through either incremental individual effort, or
collaboration.”
OSS – Advantages
Better for Coders – Open source software development is quite different from
conventional closed source software development. People start coding from the
point of already existing level of code. They are not required to waste their time
and energy to research on something, which has already been done by someone
else.
Better for Users – The user does not have to get into huge budgetary issue for
using applications. The user can get his applications customised without
getting into huge investments.
Faster development – The applications are developed very fast by taking
references from OSS developers working worldwide.
Future of Open Source – So where does it all end? How exactly will open source
shape our lives leading us to a better tomorrow? It is for certain that with
this level of growth and progress, we expect to see open source as the driving force
of the software industry in the next few years.
54Greater Freedom – OSS finds developers in users. Following the movement
54
54which
54 has started and following the guidelines they had set for building
54 OSS, it will continue its excellence in building better and better stuff for
everyone.
Open Standards – Also known as Open Formats, Open Standards are much
more than just a published specification for storing digital content, media or
data. It is a key to freedom.

Browser
Other than these, all the software that serves a specific purpose fall under the category
of Application Software.
However, there exists one more classification of the software. The software can also be
classified based on their availability and sharability.
This classification is as given below:
1. Freeware
Freeware software is available without any cost. Any user can download it from the
internet and use it without paying any fee. However, freeware does not provide any
liberty for modifying the software or charging a fee for its distribution. Examples are:
Adobe Reader
Audacity
ImgBurn
Recuva
Skype
Team Viewer
Yahoo Messenger

2. Shareware
It is a software that is freely distributed to users on a trial basis. It usually comes with a
time limit and when the time limit expires, the user is asked to pay for the continued
services. There are various types of shareware like Adware, Donationware, Nagware,
Freemium, and Demoware (Cripplewareand Trialware). Some examples of shareware
are:
Adobe Acrobat
Getright
PHP Debugger
Winzip

3. Open-source
These kinds of software are available to users with the source code which means that a
user can freely distribute and modify the software and add additional features to the
software. Open-Source software can either be free or chargeable. Some examples of
open-source software are:
Apache Web Server
GNU Compiler Collection
Moodle
Mozilla Firefox
Thunderbird

4. Software
They are also known as Closed-source software. These types of applications are usually
paid and have intellectual property rights or patents over the source code. The use of
these is very restricted and usually, the source code is preserved and kept as a secret