Software

SOFTWARE

The term software refers to the computer programs that are needed for running or operating a computer system. A program is a sequence of step-by-step instruction to perform a particular task. Software can be classified as shown in figure.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

System software refers to programs designed to control the operation of a computer system. These programs assist in running application programs. System software can be classified into operating system, drivers, interpreters, compiler ,and assemblers as shown in above figure.

OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system is the master control program that runs a computer. It controls the flow of signals from central processing unit to the various parts of computer. When the computer is switched on,the operating system is first program loaded to the memory. Some popular operating systems are Windows, andriod, linux, and MAC OS.

DRIVERS

A driver is computer program that enables a computer to interact with another hardware device such as a printer, a pen drive, and so on.

COMPILERS

A compiler is a program that translates a high-level computer language program into a machine language program. The compiler first reads the whole program and then at one go translates it into machine language. It reports program errors to the user along with the line numbers where the error occurred. The translated program called the object program or object code. This object program is saved permanently for future use.

INTERPRETERS

An interpreter is a program that translates one statement of a high-level language program into machine code, and then executes it. It then does the same for the next statement and proceeds in this way until all the statements in the program have been translated and executed. An interpreter is a smaller program than compiler .The object code produced by the interpreter is not saved. If the same instruction is needed later, the process is repeated.

ASSEMBLERS

An assembler is a program that translates an assembly language program into a machine language program.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application software is designed to help users do certain types of work .It can be classified into two categories: package and utilities.

PACKAGES

A package is a computer application consisting of one or more programs created to do a particular type of work. Packages include the following.

·        Word processors such as WordPad and Microsoft Word.

·        Graphics and presentation software such as Microsoft PowerPoint.

·        Database management systems such as Microsoft Access, MySQL, and Oracle.

·        Accounting packages such as Tally.

·        Spreadsheets such as Microsoft Excel.

UTILITIES

A utility is a program designed to do maintenance work on the system or on system components. Utilities include the following.

·        Backup software such as Amanda and Box Backup.

·        Antivirus software such as McAfee ,Quick Heal, or Norton

·        Disk defragmenters

·        Disk compression utilities.