This document defines and provides examples of different types of software:
1. System software or operating system (OS) software is designed to operate and control computer hardware and provide a platform to run other application software like Windows 7, Linux, Mac OS, and Linux Mint.
2. Utility software helps analyze, configure, optimize or maintain a computer and its infrastructure. Examples include backup software to copy disk information and restore files, and antivirus utilities to scan for computer viruses.
3. Application software causes computers to perform useful tasks for users beyond basic operations. Examples include Microsoft Office 2007. It contrasts with system software which manages capabilities but does not directly perform user-benefitting tasks.