2. COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer Software or just software is a general term used to describe
the role that computer programs, procedures and documentation play in
a computer system.
Relationship to computer hardware
Software is a general term for the various kind of programs used to operate
computers and related devices. The term hardware describes the physical aspects of
computers and related devices.
Types of software
System software
Application software
3. SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software help run the computer hardware and computer system. It
includes combination of the following types of software:
1. Devices Drivers – It is a computer program allowing higher – level computer
programs to interact with the hardware devices.
2. Operating systems (OS) – It is an interface between hardware and user; it is
responsible for management and coordination of activities and sharing of
resources of the computer.
3. Utility software – It is a computer software designed to manage and tune
the computer hardware, OS or application software by performing a single
task or small range of task.
4. EXAMPLE OF UTILITY SOFTWARE
A. Disk storage is a general category of computer storage mechanisms, in which data is
recorded on planar, round and rotating surfaces.
B. System profilers provide detailed information about the software installed and hardware
attached to the computer.
C. Anti-virus utilities scan for computer viruses.
D. Text Editors directly modify the text or data of a file.
E. Data Compression Utilities output shorter stream or a smaller file when provided with a
stream or file.
F. Network Managers check the computer’s network, log events and check data transfer.
5. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software allow end users to accomplish one or more specific tasks.
1. Industrial automation
Automation is the use of control systems, reducing the need for human intervention.
In the scope of industrialization, automation is a step beyond mechanization. Whereas
mechanization provided human operators with machinery to assist them with physical
requirements of work, automation greatly reduces the need for human sensory and
mental requirements as well.
Automation plays an increasingly important role in the global economy and in daily
experiences.
6. 2. Business Software – it is generally any software program
that helps a business increase productivity or measure
the productivity.
The small business market generally consists of home accounting
software, and office suites such as Microsoft Office.
The medium size business has a broader range of software applications,
ranging from accounting, human resources software, shopping cart
software etc.
The last segment covers enterprise level software application, such as
those in the fields of enterprise resource planning, enterprise content
management (ECM), business process managenment.
7. 3. Computer Games
It is an electronic game that involves interaction with a user interface to generate visual
feedback on a video device. The electronic systems used to play video games are known
as platforms i.e., personal computers and video game consoles.
4. Telecommunications
It is an assisted transmission over a distance for the purpose of communication. It
typically involves the use of electronic devices such as the telephone, television, radio or
computer.
5. Medical software
It includes many medical devices that monitor or control patients which are controlled by
software.
8. 6. Educational software – It is a computer software whose primary
purpose is teaching or self – learning.
A. Courseware
It is a term that combines the words ‘course’ with ‘software’. It is described as an additional
educational material intended as kit for teachers or trainer or as a tutorial for students,
usually packaged for use with a computer.
B. Edutainment
It describes an intentional merger of computer games and educational software into a
single product. It is an educational software which is primarily about entertainment, but
tends to educate as well.
C. Reference software
Applications like Wikipedia can be termed as educational reference software.
