SOFTWARE
Software
means computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically
is software, in contrast to storage devices and display devices which are
called hardware. Software is a collection of computer programs and related data
that provides the instructions for telling a computer what to do and how to do
it. A computer program (also software, or just a program) is a sequence of
instructions written to perform a specified task with a computer. In contrast to hardware, software "cannot
be touched". Computer hardware, which includes the physical
interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the
software.
CATEGORIES OF SOFTWARE:
Software is often divided into two categories.
1. System
Software
2. Application
Software
1.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
includes the operating system and all the utilities that enable the computer to
function. The system software of a computer consists of a collection of
operative programs whose purpose is to make the use of the computer more
effective. A computer without some kind of system software would be very
inefficient and most likely impossible to operate. The production of system
programs is a complex task requiring extensive knowledge and specialized
training in computer science.
System
software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware, to
provide basic functionality, and to provide a platform for running application
software. System software includes device drivers, operating systems, servers,
utilities, and window systems. allow a user to interact with the computer and
its peripherals (associated equipment).
System
software can be subdivided in to three categories:
i.
Operating
System
ii.
Operating
Environment
iii.
Utilities
i.
OPERATING
SYSTEM: A computer Operating system
enables it to carry out its disk filing and other operational tasks. We can put
most of these tasks under four heading:
1. Disk
operations which are to do with storing programs and data on disk
2. Network
operation which enable a number of computers to be linked to each other and to
share facilities such as hard disks and printer.
3. Multitasking
which enables the computer to handle several tasks at the same time such as
running a spreadsheet, a word processing and power point.
4. Multi-user
operations which allow a number of people to use the computer and its software
at the same time by connecting it to other PCs.
ii.
OPERATING
ENVIRONMENT: There are two types of operating
environment.
1) Command
Line Interface (CLI)
2) Graphical
User Interface (GUI)
1. Command Line Interface:
A command line operating system provides
a command prompt to the user for typing different commands to interact with the
computer. The user needs to memorize commands to perform different tasks. It is
difficult as compared to GUI operating system. DOS has not got a “user
friendly” environment. Their commands are awkward to memorize and use. People
find the text based display unfriendly and difficult to use instead one that
was graphics based.
2. Graphical User
Interface: A GUI operating system provides a
graphical user interface to establish user communication with the computer. The
user does not require memorizing commands to perform various tasks such as
copying a file, opening a document. A user uses graphical objects such as
icons, windows ,button etc. to perform different tasks. Windows is an operating
environment created by Microsoft. It provides users of PC with GUI (Graphical
User Interface). GUI is an environment based on pictures, buttons, and menu
options on the screen rather than on type commands such as old DOS. For
example, if the user has to open the Microsoft Word for writing, then he/she
just has to double click the icon on the desktop and the program will start.
Windows application programs are populated with entities such as icons
(pictures that represent data files, programs or folders), dialog boxes (frames
that display information and/or ask you questions) and windows (frames in which
programs and data are displayed).
iii.
UTILITIES:
The third category of system software is utilities. These provide the following
facilities:
·
Carrying out tasks
which are beyond the capabilities of operating system
·
Carrying out operating
system tasks in a more efficient and easier way.
Examples of utilities include windows explorer and
programs that we run from control panel for setting the time and date,
installing new hardware such as modem, scanner, printer, changing mouse
settings, changing display settings, wordpad, paint, calculator etc.
2. APPLICATIONS
SOFTWARE includes programs that do real work for users. For example,
word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems fall under the
category of applications software. It is a set of programs that allows the
computer to perform a specific data processing job for the user. An application
is a program or group of programs designed for end users. Applications software
is also called end-user programs. This is the software that enables us to do
the things that we bought our computer for such as typing a letter, preparing
payroll, playing games, writing music or creating animated display. The kinds
of application packages that are available include the following:
Record keeping software
Spreadsheet software
Wordprocessing software
Business graphics and presentation
software
Communication software
Drawing and Computer Aided design
software
Games
Music production
Painting and animation software
Medical software
INTEGRATED PACKAGE:
Application software is normally supplied as a
package. Some packages can perform more than one of these tasks. For example,
Microsoft office 2007 that will carry out word processing, record keeping,
spread sheet work and business graphics. These are called integrated packages
because they integrate or bring together these varied tasks.
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