Definition and Categories of Software
Introduction
Software is the collection of computer programs that provide instructions telling a computer what to do and how to do it. It is collection of programs, algorithm, document and procedure.
Types/Categories of Software are:
• Application software
• System software
• Utility software
• Web based software
• Mobile applications
Differences between Application and System software
The Differences between application and system software are:
| Application software | System software |
|---|---|
| 1. Application software is built for specific tasks. | 1. System software maintains the system resources. |
| 2. Application software is used by user to perform specific task. | 2. System software is used for operating computer hardware. |
| 3. Application software’s are installed according to user’s requirements. | 3. System software’s are installed automatically. |
| 4. It is usually expensive. | 4. It is cheaper. |
| 5. A computer runs without application software | 5. Computer can not open without system software |
| 6. Examples: word processor, web browser, media player etc. | 6. Examples: Windows, device drivers, compiler, assembler, debugger etc. |
Types of system software are:
Utility programs/software:
It is a computer software designed to help in the management and tuning of operating systems, computer hardware and application software. Nowadays, many operating systems have utility programs built directly into the operating system itself. Example of utility software’s include Disk Drivers, Application Launchers and Virus Scanners.
Language translators:
It converts the programming instructions written in human convenient form into machine language codes that computers understand and process. There are three basic kinds of translator programs: assembler, compiler and interpeter.
Device drivers:
Driver is a software, provided by a hardware maker that tells the computer’s operating system how to work with the hardware. They usually come with pre-installed in Computer operating system.
Operating system:
An operating system is a computer program that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices.