2. COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer software, or just software, is a general
term primarily used for digitally stored data such as
computer programs and other kinds of information
read and written by computers. Today, this includes
data that has not traditionally been associated with
computers, such as film, tapes and records. The
term was coined in order to contrast to the old term
hardware (meaning physical devices). In contrast to
hardware, software is intangible, meaning it "cannot
be touched". Software is also sometimes used in a
more narrow sense, meaning application software
only.
3. TYPES OF
SOFTWARE
Practical computer systems divide
software systems into three major
classes system software,
programming software and
application software, although the
distinction is arbitrary, and often
blurred.
4. SYSTEM SOFTWARE
System software is computer
software designed to operate
the computer hardware and to
provide and maintain a platform
for running application software.
5. TYPES OF SYSTEM
SOFTWARE PROGRAMS
System software helps use the operating system and
computer system. It includes diagnostic tools, compilers,
servers, windowing systems, utilities, language
translator, data communication programs, data
management programs and more. The purpose of
system software is to insulate the applications
programmer as much as possible from the details of the
particular computer complex being used, especially
memory and other hardware features, and such
accessory devices as communications, printers, readers,
displays, keyboards, etc.
6. Specific kinds of system
software include:
• Loaders
• Linkers
• Utility software
• Desktop environment / Graphical user interface
• Shells
• BIOS
• Hypervisors
• Boot loaders
If system software is stored on non-
volatile memory such as integrated
circuits, it is usually termed firmware.
7. 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. The tools include:
• compilers
• debuggers
• interpreters
• linkers
• text editors
An Integrated development environment (IDE) is a single
application that attempts to manage all these functions.
8. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software, also known as applications or apps, is
computer software designed to help the user to perform singular or
multiple related specific tasks. Examples include Enterprise
software, Accounting software, Office suites, Graphics software and
media players.
Application software is contrasted with system software and
middleware, which manage and integrate a computer's capabilities,
but typically do not directly apply them in the performance of tasks
that benefit the user. A simple, if imperfect analogy in the world of
hardware would be the relationship of an electric light bulb (an
application) to an electric power generation plant (a system). The
power plant merely generates electricity, not itself of any real use
until harnessed to an application like the electric light that performs
a service that benefits the user.
9. Application software
classification• An application suite consists of multiple applications bundled
together. They usually have related functions, features and user
interfaces, and may be able to interact with each other, e.g. open
each other's files. Business applications often come in suites, e.g.
Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org, and iWork, which bundle together
a word processor, a spreadsheet, etc.; but suites exist for other
purposes, e.g. graphics or music.
• Enterprise software addresses the needs of organization processes
and data flow, often in a large distributed environment. (Examples
include Financial, Customer Relationship Management, and Supply
Chain Management). Note that Departmental Software is a sub-
type of Enterprise Software with a focus on smaller organizations or
groups within a large organization. (Examples include Travel
Expense Management, and IT Helpdesk)
• Enterprise infrastructure software provides common capabilities
needed to support enterprise software systems. (Examples include
Databases, Email servers, and Network and Security Management)
• Information worker software addresses the needs of individuals to
create and manage information, often for individual projects within
a department, in contrast to enterprise management. Examples
include time management, resource management, documentation
tools, analytical, and collaborative. Word processors, spreadsheets,
email and blog clients, personal information system, and individual
media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks
10. • Content access software is software used primarily to access content without
editing, but may include software that allows for content editing. Such software
addresses the needs of individuals and groups to consume digital
entertainment and published digital content. (Examples include Media
Players, Web Browsers, Help browsers, and Games)
• Educational software is related to content access software, but has the content
and/or features adapted for use in by educators or students. For example, it
may deliver evaluations (tests), track progress through material, or include
collaborative capabilities.
• Simulation software are computer software for simulation of physical or abstract
systems for either research, training or entertainment purposes.
• Media development software addresses the needs of individuals who generate
print and electronic media for others to consume, most often in a commercial
or educational setting. This includes Graphic Art software, Desktop Publishing
software, Multimedia Development software, HTML editors, Digital Animation
editors, Digital Audio and Video composition, and many others.
• Product engineering software is used in developing hardware and software
products. This includes computer aided design (CAD), computer aided
engineering (CAE), computer language editing and compiling tools, Integrated
Development Environments, and Application Programmer Interfaces
