Computer Studies:Software

What is Software

• Software is the general name given to all the programs (set of instructions) that a computer needs to perform different tasks.

• Software can be classified into two major categories:

  • System software - allows the hardware to run properly, enables application software to run and manages and supports the resources and operations of a computer system.

  • Application software - programs that allow a user to carry out specific tasks or solve particular problems. Word processing software such as Microsoft Word, and graphics packages are examples of application software.

System Software

System software acts as a buffer, or cushion, between the computer hardware and application software. The figure below shows a conceptual arrangement of hardware, system software and application software.

There are four main categories of system software: a computer’s operating system (OS), utility programs, device drivers and language translators.

Operating system (OS)

• An operating system (OS) is the software that performs all the computer’s basic tasks such as file management, memory management, process management, handling of input and output, and controlling peripheral devices such as disk drives and printers.

• All PCs, laptops, tablets, servers and smart devices such as smartphones, smart TVs and smart watches require an OS. Without OS software, the computer cannot function.

• In most mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets, the OS may be installed in the device in firmware, which consists of ROM chips or flash memory chips that store instructions permanently.

• The term booting refers to the process of loading OS software into a computer’s main memory from disk (PCs, laptops, servers) or firmware (mobile devices).

Types of Operating Systems

• Microsoft Windows operating systems such as Windows 10 & Windows 11.

• Apple operating systems such as macOS (for Apple’s desktop and laptop line of computers) and iOS (Apple’s mobile operating system exclusively for its smartphones).

• Linux, a family of freely distributable operating systems.

• Android, an OS created by Google for use on mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. It is the OS, for example, that all Samsung smartphones and tablets run on.

Utility Programs

Utility programs are system software that provide useful services, such as performing common tasks and ‘housekeeping’ routines like the following:

• Backup: This utility allows you to make a duplicate copy of every file on your hard disk, which you can then store on an external hard drive, flash drive or to the cloud.

• Disk repair: A disk repair utility scans a hard disk for bad sectors (defective areas) and either makes repairs to these sectors or marks the defective areas so that the OS will not store any data in that location.

• Virus protection: Anti-virus software programs are also utility programs.

Device Drivers

• A device driver is a software program that enables a computer to interact with hardware devices that have been attached.

• A device driver acts as a translator between the hardware device and the programs or operating systems that use it.

• There are device drivers for printers, displays, keyboards and mice, cameras, speakers, and so on.

• Without the required device driver, the corresponding hardware device will fail to work.

Language Translators

• A language translator is a software program, such as a compiler, assembler or interpreter, that can translate programs written in a particular programming language into another programming language without losing the functional or logical structure of the original code.

• An example of a language translator is a compiler that translates a program into machine language, which is a set of instructions that the computer can directly understand and execute.

Application Software

Application software can be categorised as follows:

• General-purpose software: Software that is not written for any specific business or organisation but can be used or adapted to suit specific needs. For example, Microsoft Word or Excel.

• Specialised software: Software that has been written for a particular purpose rather than for a broad application area. For example, accounting programs such as QuickBooks or a payroll program.

• Customised software: General-purpose software that has been modified to better suit the needs of an organisation or individual.

• Custom-written software: Software that is specifically written, or tailored, to meet the specific needs of an organisation or individual.Application software can be categorised as follows:

  • General-purpose software: Software that is not written for any specific business or organisation but can be used or adapted to suit specific needs. For example, Microsoft Word or Excel.

  • Specialised software: Software that has been written for a particular purpose rather than for a broad application area. For example, accounting programs such as QuickBooks or a payroll program.

  • Customised software: General-purpose software that has been modified to better suit the needs of an organisation or individual.

  • Custom-written software: Software that is specifically written, or tailored, to meet the specific needs of an organisation or individual.