Software is an important component of a computing system that is not present in a physical format. It consists of a set of instructions or code programs that guide hardware to perform a specific task. All the non-physical programs of software run on the computer itself.Â
In this article, we will learn everything about system software, its types, applications, and benefits.Â
What is a Software?
Software is a non-physical collection of instructions, programs, and data that are used to carry out specific activities on machines. It consists of instructions that guide the computer’s physical components about what to do and how to do it.Â
Software is source code written in human-readable format, which is translated into binary machine code to be understandable for computers. The machine understands only binary language.Â
Key Takeaways of SoftwareÂ
- Software refers to the collection of programs, data, and instructions that enable computers to instruct hardware to perform specific tasks.
- There are three types of software i,e. System software, application software, and programming software.
- Software is an intangible part of the computer which consists of code written in programming languages.
- Application software is user-centric, while system software handles, operates, and extends the capabilities of a computer system.
Types of Software
There are three major types of Software that we are going to learn about in this article.Â
- System SoftwareÂ
- Application SoftwareÂ
1. System Software
The System software is the main software program that runs on a computer machine. It starts on your computer when you start booting your computer. It is used to activate the hardware and control its functioning on the system. The application programs work under the system software.Â
They are designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of a computer. It acts as a bridge between the hardware and application software on a computer.Â
System software is fundamental to a computer’s operation, providing the necessary environment for application software to run and manage resources effectively.
Also, check, How to become a software engineer?,
Working of Software Applications
Software applications work by providing instructions to a computer hardware in the form of programs or code. These instructions are generally present in binary form which can be executed and interpreted easily by hardware components.Â
The machine code passed is processed by the Central Processing Unit (CPU) which reads the instructions on the software and processes them one by one. The given program is either compiled in runtime or interpreted directly during the execution on CPU.
Software is initially written in human readable form depending on the specific language the code is either compiled or passed in runtime. It facilitates the interaction between the application software and the hardware through system calls or API Calls. The source code consists of instructions, data, programs and applications.
- Instructions: The basic command given to the computer processor to execute.
- Scripts: Scripts are a sequence of instructions used to automate tasks.
- Programs: Collection of instructions and data to perform specific functions.
- Applications: A type of program designed to execute a specific task or goal of the end users.Â
- Data: Information that is processed or manipulated by the software.
Also, check, What is Software Development Life Cycle?
Types of System Software
Each type of system software plays a crucial role in making the hardware function smoothly and efficiently, allowing users to interact with their systems and perform various tasks without worrying about the underlying hardware complexities.
Operating System Software (OS)
An operating system software is the most essential part of a computer which acts as an interface between the user and hardware. It manages system resources, memory, and other processing power of the devices.Â
The major objective of the OS is to manage computer hardware and software resources. They must provide a friendly user interface and support the execution of the application software. Windows, macOS, Linux are some of the widely used Operating Software.Â
- Utility Programs: This system software are designed to manage, maintain, and optmise computer systems. These programs are not directly related to the primary functions of the computer systems. Their main tasks are to perform system maintenance, error checking, and security optimization.
- Firmware: Firmware is a specialized type of system software embedded directly in the hardware components. They are used to control, monitor, and manage data processing functionality in the hardware devices. For example, BIOS (Basic Input/Output System), IoT device controllers, Embedded Systems, etc.
- Device Drivers: The main purpose of the device driver is to enable communication between the operating system and the hardware device. It translates the OX commands into hardware-specific instructions for the device to understand.
Features of System Software
Some major features of the system software are mentioned in the below pointers.
- Resource Management: Manages hardware resources such as CPU, memory, and storage.
- Multitasking: Allows multiple programs to run simultaneously.
- Security: Provides security features like user authentication, data encryption, and firewall protection.
- User Interface: Offers graphical (GUI) or command-line (CLI) interfaces for user interaction.
- Device Management: Manages input/output devices like keyboards, monitors, and printers.
Application Software
Application software helps to perform user-specific tasks on the computer. They are used to solve specific tasks or solve particular problems on the computer. It is designed for the end users and does not execute the functions of the computer. A computer does not need an application software to run its operations.Â
Application software can be a single program or a collection of many programs, such as Adobe Photoshop, Microsoft Office Suite, etc. Let us check some of the major types of application software below.
Types of Application Software
Check some of the major types of application software below.Â
- Productivity Software: Examples include Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
- Multimedia Software: Examples include VLC Media Player and Adobe Photoshop.
- WebÂ
- Educational Software: These Application software are used for educational purposes and contain tutorials and explicit knowledge of certain topics. Examples include Duolingo and MATLAB.
- Enterprise Software: This software is developed for business solutions and functional tasks. It is used in large companies where the software execution is complex. Examples include ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) and CRM (Customer Relationship Management) software.
Features of Application Software
Some of the major features of the application software are mentioned in the pointers below.
- User-Centric: Developed for end-users to accomplish specific tasks.
- Interactive: Provides a user-friendly interface.
- Task-Oriented: Tailored for specific functionalities.
- Flexibility: Can be customized for different user needs.
- Integration: Often integrates with other software for enhanced functionality.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software
Get some of the major differences between the system software and application software below.
| Aspect | System Software | Application Software |
| Purpose | Manages system resources and hardware. | Helps users perform specific tasks. |
| Examples | Operating systems, device drivers, utility programs. | Microsoft Word, Photoshop, web browsers. |
| Interaction | Runs in the background without user input. | Requires direct user interaction. |
| Dependency | Essential for system operation. | Runs on top of system software. |
| Complexity | More complex and generalized. | Less complex and task-specific. |
How is Software Distributed?
Software is distributed in many ways but the two different ways are the most important. It can be downloaded using USB drives from the website to the third-party system or storage media. It can also be accessed with a browser directly from the open cloud server without any need for downloading.Â
Software quality assurance (SOA) and software security require overall security testing throughout the software development lifecycle. There are many tests during the development of software such as unit testing, system tests, and User acceptance testing which can help to identify and fix defects as early as possible.
What are Open Source Softwares?
Open Source software is applications that allow users to use software that can be used freely, modify, and distribute the software. Some of the common open-source software includes a license from MIT, GNU, and Apache License. However, the security features in open-source software are limited and can be compromised.Â
Proprietary software is patented and distributed online under a restrictive license that limits the use, control, and modification of the software applications. Any damage to the application can be reported easily.
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Software Programs and Types FAQ
Q1. What is the difference between a software and a program?
Ans: A program is a single set of instructions written in a programming language to perform a specific task. While, aSoftware is a collection of programs and data that work together to accomplish broader functionalities.
Q2. What is an example of Software?
Ans: An example of software is Microsoft Excel, which is an application software designed for data analysis and spreadsheet management.
Q3. Which software is used to control the operations of a computer?
Ans: System software, specifically the Operating System (e.g., Windows, Linux), is used to control the operations of a computer by managing hardware and software resources.
Q4. Which software is designed to solve a specific problem or to do a specific task?
Ans: Application Software is designed to solve specific problems or perform specific tasks. Example includes a weather forecasting app that solves the problem of providing accurate weather updates.
