System software and application software are the two main types of software. System software includes operating systems, utility programs, and device drivers that manage computer hardware and provide services to other programs. Application software performs specific tasks for users like word processing, web browsing, or games. Software can be acquired by writing it in-house, hiring external consultants, purchasing off-the-shelf packages, or leasing packages with annual fees for use and automatic upgrades. Buying an existing package is generally cheaper than custom software but lacks flexibility, while writing software internally keeps information confidential but has higher development costs.

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2. What is term software….?
Software:
o “A set of instructions given to the computer to solve a problem is
called software.”
o “Software is a single/collection of programs that perform a particular
task.”
o Software is also called program.
o Different software are used to solve different problems.
Types of software:
There are two types of software on the basis of their functionality.
 System software.
 Application software.
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3.  System software:
“System software is computer software designed to operate the
computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application
software.”
system software also provide
Services to user and application
Programs.
Examples:
1. Operating systems.
2. Utility programs.
3. Device drivers.
1. Operating system:
An operating system (OS) is a collection of software that manages
computer hardware and provide common service for programs.
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4. 2. Utility programs:
“Utility program is a system software that allows a user to analyze,
configure and maintain the computer.”
It performs a specific task related to the management of computer.
3. Device driver:
“A device driver is a computer program that operates or controls a
particular type of device that is attached to a computer.”
Application software:
• “Application software includes programs that do real work for user.”
• “Application software is created to perform specific task for a user.”
It is also known as ‘application package’.
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5. Application software is used to perform various
application on the computer.
Examples of application software:
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6.  How to acquire software……?
There are several options:
 The software may be written by the end-user.
 A specialist department within the organization may design,
write, test and document it.
 External consultants may be called into write and test the
software.
 An off-the-shelf package may be bought and possible
customized.
 Software may be leased, with the user paying an annual fee for
the right to use the product.
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7.  End-user-written software:
• Normally only for very small project where the end-user is a computer
specialist.
• The software is likely to be developed quite quickly in response to a
specific need.
 Writing software in-house:
• Many organization have own specialist for software maintenance and
development.
• Any confidential information or ideas are kept within the organization.
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8.  External consultants:
• For a major project, going to an external software house may be the
only solution.
• The job may be ‘put out to tender’, with several companies submitting.
• Cost is important but a consultant with several successful systems
already installed may be worth the extra money.
 Buying a package:
• Cheaper than custom-written software.
• Immediately available and already tested.
• Documentation is usually available.
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9.  Other methods of acquisition:
Leasing:
• Packages can be leased rather than purchased outright.
• Benefits-automatic upgrades and less initial expense.
Modifying existing package:
• A package may be bought and modified.
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