Computer Software, in general terms, refers to the set of instructions along with other attributes like data and documentation whose core function is to execute any task. Based on their functionality, computer software is broadly classified into two categories which are System Software and Application Software. Although the term software is a very general term for the people, however, the majority of people do not have a clear understanding of software functioning. Thus here we are going to provide all the basic details about computer software which include their core functions and working mechanisms, along with major details of computer software which is mandatory to be inbuilt into a computer system.
Categorization of Computer software
The first mandatory information you need to have while getting details of Computer Software is its classification. It comprises of system software that manages the computer’s functioning and is an intangible core component. Another type is application software, whose function is to enhance or automate basic human tasks like productivity, management, and many others. While system software is inbuilt into the computer and without them, a computer cannot function. There is no mandate to keep application software, and you can easily install and remove them from the system.
What is a System Software
To get a more clear picture of the system software, let us first understand how the instructions which we have give in simple language are received by a machine. A Computer comprises a processor which can understand or receive instructions in only and only one form, i.e., machine language or binary code (0 or 1). Thus for that, there is a requirement for an interface through which instructions given by us can be converted into machine codes. Thus in order to convert machine code and all the tasks related to the core functioning of the computer, a system software is a mandate.
In order to understand a system software, let us take an example of a major one, i.e., an Operating System. An operating system control all the functioning of any hardware or other software in the computer. Through the term “Operating System,” one can easily understand that various other application software depends on system software to complete their functionality. Apart from the operating system, major system software are the compiler, interpreter, device driver, and others. Other attributes related to system software are listed below:
- Basic mandatory requirement to use any computer.
- It is not an easy task to design a system software, due to which very few are present in comparison to application software.
- Requires to be written in a very primitive programming language, preferably in a low-level language.
- The processing or functioning of system software needs to be fast, which in case of slowness, might affect computer performance.
Major System software are discussed further in this article
Operating System:
An operating system can be considered as a direct contact between a user and computer hardware. Its core function is to control all other hardware and software. Although considered as a single system software, it is a group of other software which combinedly executes all the instruction given by the user and, based on that, generate a suitable output. It is very important for the user to understand the functioning of Operating System while getting details of Computer Software. Following are some of the commonly used operating systems available for the majority of computers users:
- Windows
- Apple iOS or MacOS
- Linux
- Unix
- Ubuntu
- Android
Drivers:
A device driver is an interface between the operating system and other hardware components. For each and every hardware component in a computer, there is a driver which controls and automates its functioning. Another distinction of the driver is that, unlike major system software, a device driver can be written in a high-level language. In order for any hardware component to work properly and be incompatible with the operating system, a driver needs to be kept in the latest version. Not only for the hardware, but some of the application software also has a requirement for the driver in order to communicate with the computer operating system.
The most common drivers which are mandatory to be present in a system are listed below:
- BIOS (Basic Input Output System).
- Motherboard Drivers
- Keyboard and Mouse Drivers
- Storage Drivers.
Language Processor:
A Language Processors are programs whose function is to convert a high-level language into a low-level language, preferably into machine code. There are three type of language processor which are Assembler, Compiler, and Interpreter.
Utility Software:
Utility software is a type of system software whose core functions are directly related to system performance. This software can be designed to either analyze, configure, maintain, or even optimize your computer performance. Various utilities are listed below based on their categories:
System Utility Software
- Antivirus
- Network Utilities Software
- Registry cleaners
- System profilers and Monitors
- Diagnostic Programs
- Debuggers
- Package Managers
Storage Management Utilities Software
- Disk checkers and Compressors
- Disk Formatters
- Disk Partition Editors
- Space Analyzers
- Disk Defragmenter
- Backup Software
File Utilities Software
- File Archivers, Compression, and Managers
- Disk cleaners
- File Managers
Application Software:
Another important details of computer software is the Application Software. The main purpose of designing any application is to fulfil a need for any particular function in order to imbrute any human task or processing. The major category of application software includes Productivity software, inventory management software, database software, and many others. Unlike system software, application software is less complex to be designed and can be developed in any high-level language. Following are some of the common major Application Software.
Productivity Software:
With the help of productivity software, users can produce information insights based on the given data and can show them in a presentable way. Common productivity software includes MS Office applications like word processors (MS Word), spreadsheets (MS Excel), Databases (MS Access), Presentation Programs (MS PowerPoint), and many others. Below are some of the common productivity software’s:
- Database software
- Graphics Suite
- Formula Editor
- Email client
Office Suite
An office suite is a bundle of productivity software which are focused on enhancing user productivity while working in a professional environment. One of the major Office suites currently available for the user is the MS Office which offers a variety of programs.
Payroll Software
The computer has now become an integral component of each and every process, including the financial ones. Varieties of payroll software are available for users in order to automate financial transactions. Some of the commonly known payroll software includes
- QuickBooks
- Sage
- TurboTax
Database Management Software
Data management is a major concern while handling any computation process. In order to handle large amounts of data, different applications are available for the users, termed Database Management Software. Some of the common Database software are listed below:
- MY SQL
- Datagrip
- Microsoft SQL Server Management system
- Navicat
- Oracle SQL Developer
- Orbada
- Toad
Inventory Management Software
Online Shopping or E-commerce platform has become another priority for user to visit the internet. While selling online, there is a requirement for the user to manage their inventory or at least keep track of it. Thus for that, various inventory management software has been developed, which according to user preference, show a track record of all their products sold or available in the stock. Below are some of the basic feature which every Inventory Management Software must have:
- Reorder Point
- Service Management
- Asset Tracking
- Product Identification
- Inventory Optimization
Following are some of the common inventory management software:
- Katana
- Zoho Inventory
- Upserve
- Sprocket
- Ordoro
- Square
Conclusion
From the information discussed above, we hope that now you have all the details of computer software. System software is inbuilt into any computer and one cannot change or remove them easily. However, when choosing an application software, users have a variety of available options that they can prefer based on their requirements. You can also refer to the details mentioned above in order to find the right application based on your purpose and system specification. Now, if you still have any unresolved queries, then you can refer to the number given below or connect with us through the live chat option.