Types Of Software

Types of Software - Key Notes

1. What is Software?

  • A set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.

  • Not physical but essential for computers.

  • Four main categories: Application Software, System Software, Development Software, Malware.

2. Application Software

  • Helps users perform specific tasks (e.g., creating documents, playing games).

  • Users don’t need to understand computer operations to use them.

  • Subcategories:

    • Productivity Applications (e.g., Word, Excel, Photoshop)

    • Entertainment Applications (e.g., video games, music/video players)

    • Business Applications (e.g., accounting, customer service tools)

    • Education/Reference Applications (e.g., Desmos, Wikipedia, Scratch)

3. System Software

  • Manages hardware and other software interactions.

  • Types:

    • Operating Systems (OS): Controls computer functions, provides an interface.
      Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.

    • Device Drivers: Helps the OS interact with hardware.

    • BIOS (Basic Input/Output System): Starts up the computer and hardware.

Operating System Components:

  • Kernel: Core part managing hardware-software interactions.

  • User Interface (UI):

    • CLI (Command Line Interface) – Uses text-based commands.

    • GUI (Graphical User Interface) – Uses icons, windows, and buttons.

4. Development Software

  • Helps programmers create and modify software.

  • Types:

    • Compiler: Translates code (Java, C) into machine language but doesn’t execute it.

    • Interpreter: Reads and executes code line by line (e.g., Python).

    • Integrated Development Environment (IDE): Combines a code editor, compiler, and debugger in one tool.

5. Malware (Malicious Software)

  • Designed to damage or gain unauthorized access.

  • Types:

    • Virus: Copies itself, spreads by modifying files.

    • Trojan Horse: Disguised as a normal program to trick users.

    • Spyware/Adware: Collects user data, redirects web traffic.

    • Worm: Similar to viruses but spreads without modifying files.

    • Backdoor: Grants unauthorized access to a system.