Introduction to Software
Sets of programs that are used to communicate with
computer are called software. Or the
programs that we make in the computer are called software (that we can see but
not touch). Languages and Packages like MS Words, MS Excel, Basic & COBOL
etc. Computer does nothing unless it is given instruction to perform.
Software
has two types:
1) System Software
2) Application Software
1.System Software
System Software consists of
the programs that control over all operations of the computer system.
System Software has following types:
Ø Operating System
Ø Translators
Ø System Utilities
Operating System:
A Software that controls
the hardware ‘OR’ A Software that provides such an environment to user in which
he operates computer easily. It is responsible for the flow of data between
different components of computers
Translators:
To execute programs from
high level language to computer code (The binary pattern ‘0’ and ‘1’), some
system programs are used called translators.
These
are of following types:
i.
Interpreters
ii.
Compilers
iii.
Assemblers
System Utilities:
Utilities
are system software’s. They provide useful services by performing common tasks
such as sorting, merging and copying.
2. Application Software
Software
designed to do a specific task is called application software.
It
has two categories:
1) General Software
2) Standard Software
General Software:
It
consists of different languages.
Language:
All
the computers programs and instructions are written in computer language. It is
such software in which the programmer makes the programming.
Types
of language:
v
Low level
language
v
High level
language
v
Middle level
language
Standard Software:
Package:
Package
is such a software in which programming is already made. User just operates
this software. In other words we can say that package is a pre-made program.
It has following categories:
1) Word Processing
2) Spread Sheet
3) Database
4) Graphics
Device Driver Software
PC has different devices attached to it like as input,
output, storage and some other components. Each device has a specific software
which is installed to drive or operate it is called device driver software.
