Software is a set of guidelines, facts, or applications that run programs on computers and carry out certain functions. It is the component that varies, whereas hardware is the actual part of a computer.
What is a software program?
Software is simply a set of commands or instructions that tell a computer what to perform in a computer system. Put differently, software is a computer program that offers a collection of instructions to carry out user inputs and guide the machine on what actions to take.
Types of Software
There are two main types of software
1. System software
2. Application Software
3. Programming Software
In this Blog, we will discuss the types and uses of different software
1 System software
It controls the behavior of computer hardware and offers fundamental functionality, acting as an essential layer between the user and hardware. Also known as low-level software, it is first initialized and loaded into the system’s memory, serving as an intermediary and providing a platform for other software to operate in.
Sub-Types of System Software
There are two types of system software
Operating System
Operating systems (OS) are essential pieces of system software that manage resources and offer services to other programs in computing devices. They provide users access to a graphical user interface (GUI) for folder and file management. There are many different kinds of operating systems, such as embedded, distributed, real-time, internet, mobile, multiuser, and single-user. The requirements of the hardware determine which OS is best.
Some Examples are
- Android
- CentOS
- iOS
- Linux
- Mac OS
- MS Windows
- Ubuntu
- Unix
Device Drivers
Software applications known as device drivers help the operating system (OS) and linked hardware devices communicate with one another. By serving as interpreters, they let the operating system communicate with a variety of hardware elements, including network adapters, printers, graphics cards, and storage devices. They take care of things like data transmission and reception, hardware initialization, and device-specific function management.
Some Examples are
BIOS Driver
Display Drivers
Motherboard Drivers
Printer Drivers
ROM Drivers
Sound card Driver
USB Drivers
Application Software
Application software, sometimes referred to as productivity software or end-user software, helps users with a variety of tasks, including graphic creation, note-taking, and internet research. They serve specialized functions and are situated above system software. Presentations and browsers are two examples. Mobile applications and other non-essential software are also included. Flutter and Meteor are two examples.
Sub-Types of Application Software
Word Processors
Word processors are programs used to create, edit, and format text documents. They provide formatting choices, grammar and spell checking, and more. Letters, reports, articles, and professional papers are all written using them. They permit group work as well.
Examples are: MS Word, Google Docs, and Apple Work-Pages
Database Software
The application Software used to create and manage databases is Database Software. They help the organizations that work and store data.
Examples are Clipper. MySQL, FileMaker, FoxPro
Multimedia Software
It is a program that can generate, record, and playback audio, video, and picture files. They’re employed in picture editing, graphics, animation, and video editing.
Examples are: Adobe Photoshop, Inkscape, VLC Media Player, Picasa
Web Browsers
Web Browser application software is used to browse the internet. Some examples are Google Chrome, Internet Explorer, Opera, and Safari.
Freeware
Freeware is software that users can use without any cost and download it anytime. The owner of the program may impose restrictions on distribution and modification. Since the source code is not easily accessible, the software is regarded as closed source.
Shareware is commercial software that consumers may download for free, but eventually has to be paid for ongoing support. Supported by voluntary donations, it might be completely functioning, restricted, or paid for.
Examples are Adobe Acrobat, Skype Fireball, and WinZip
Open source
Software that is provided with its source code, enabling distribution and modification while maintaining original rights, is known as open-source software (OSS). Programmers modify it to regulate the behavior of their programs. OSS usually comes with a license that permits distribution control and customization.
Examples are: WordPress, GNU GIMP, and Mozilla Firefox
Programming Software
A tool used to write computer code that allows the software to function is called programming software. Despite the common language in the field of computer technology, it comprises interpreters, debuggers, assemblers, and compilers, all of which help programmers create other software.
Examples are Java, Python, Eclipse JavaScript
Important Components of Programming Software
Compilers
A compiler effectively reads the whole high-level software language and translates it into a machine-language equivalent.
Debuggers
The purpose of a debugger is to find and fix bugs in code, test other programs, and offer both full and partial simulation modes to stop errors in software or systems.
Linkers
A linker, sometimes called a link editor, is a system software that joins object modules into a single file. It ties a module into the system library and gathers and maintains code and data. The program’s compilation process is finished by linking, which happens during the compile and load periods.
Malware
Malware is a harmful program or piece of code that invades, corrupts, or makes systems unusable. It frequently seizes control of equipment and causes interference identical to the flu. Examples are viruses, worms, Trojan viruses, spyware, adware, and ransomware.
Distribution of Software
Commercial software
consists of proprietary apps created by businesses or people and released with limitations on use. Because of its extensive feature set, expert support, and frequent upgrades for compatibility, security, and stability, big software businesses frequently utilize it.
Examples are Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative, and Autodesk
Open-source software (OSS)
is a model that encourages cooperation, creativity, transparency, and adaptability by making source code publicly available, editable, and distributable. Examples of software that profit from a sizable development community are WordPress, Mozilla Firefox, and the Linux Kernel.
Shareware
Without having to pay for a license, consumers may test out shareware, a free software distribution model. The restricted features typically entice customers to pay for further functionality. Direct downloads, repositories, and internet markets are some of the ways that shareware may be shared.
