Software refers to computer instructions or data that can be stored electronically. There are two main categories of software: operating systems and application software. An operating system is the most important program that runs on a computer and allows other programs to function. Common operating system types include graphical user interfaces, multi-user systems, multiprocessing, multitasking, and multithreading. Application software performs specific end-user tasks like word processing, games, and spreadsheets and relies on the operating system to function. The relationship between operating systems and application software is analogous to a layered structure with application software sitting above operating systems.

1. Software

2. Software
It means computer
instructions or data. Anything
that can be stored
electronically is software.

3. Difference of a Software Engineer
from a Programmer
While a programmer
creates the codes that
make a program run, a
software engineer creates the
designs the programmer
implements.

4. Categories of Software
Software is often divided into
two categories :
Operating System
 Application Software

5. Operating System
The Operating System is the
most important program that
runs on a computer. Every
general-purpose computer
must have an operating
system to run other programs.

6. Operating System
Without a
computer operating
system, a computer
and software
programs would be
useless.

7. Operating System

8. Operating System Types
 GUI –Graphical User
Interface
 Multi-user
 Multiprocessing
 Multitasking
 Multithreading

9. Graphical User Interface
A GUI Operating System
contains graphics and icons
and is commonly navigated by
using a computer mouse.
Example :
System7.x,Windows98,

10. Multi-user
A multi-user operating system
allows for multiple users to
use the same computer at the
same time and different times.
Example :Linux, Windows
2000,

11. Multiprocessing
An operating system capable
of supporting and utilizing
more than one computer
processor.
Example :Linux, Windows
2000,

12. Multitasking
An operating system that is
capable of allowing multiple
software processes to run at
the same time.
Example :Unix, Windows
2000

13. Multithreading
Operating systems that allow
different parts of a software
program to run concurrently.
Example :Linux, Windows
2000,
Unix

14. Operating System

15. Basic Tasks of an Operating
System
Recognizing input from the
keyboard
Sending output to the display
screen
Keeping track of files and
directories on the disk
Controlling peripheral devices

16. Applications Software
It is also called end-
user programs.
It includes programs that do
real work for users.
It is the general designation
of computer programs for
performing user tasks.

17. Applications Software
Figuratively
speaking, applications
software sits on top of
systems software
because it is unable
to run without the
operating system

18. A layer structure
showing where
the operating system
software and application
software are situated while
running on a
typical desktop computer
Operating System and Application
Software

19. Programs of an Applications
Software
Database
Programs
Games
Web Browsers
 Word
Processing
Spreadsheets

20. Categories of an Application
Software
 Vertical Application-designed
for a particular type of
organization.
 Horizontal Application- are the
most popular and widespread in
departments or companies.

21. Conclusion
The operating system itself can be
considered application software when
performing simple calculating, measuring,
rendering, and word processing tasks that
not used to control hardware via command-
line interface or graphical user interface.
This does not include application software
bundled within operating systems such as
a software calculator or text editor.

22. Questions
1. It means computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored
electronically is called _______.
a. Software b. Hardware c. Peopleware
2. Who creates the codes that make a program run?
a. Software Engineer b. Programmer c. Hardware
Engineer
3. These are software applications except ,
a. Web Browser b. Mac c. Word
Processing
4. Is the most important program that runs on a computer.
a. Operating System b. Application Software c. Computer
5. It contains graphics and icons and is commonly navigated by using a
computer mouse.
a. Graphical User Interface (GUI ) Operating System
b. Multiprocessing
c. Horizontal Application