Type of Software

Software: Instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system. A set of instructions that directs a computer’s hardware to perform a task is called a program, or software program

Software are mainaly divided into two types but  Categories of Software are four:

• System Software: System software refers to set of programs that facilitate the optional use of the hardware systems by coordinatingthem. It consists of programs that start up the computer and perform some utility functions such as checking and getting the computer ready for use. They are usually written to accomplish loading, execution, storage, andretrieval of files from/into the computer.  
  These software products comprise of programs written in low-level languages, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as the interface between the hardware and the end users.


• Application Software Application Software is a computer program designed to help people perform a certain type of task. An application thus differs from an operating system (which runs a computer), a utility (which performs maintenance or general-purpose tasks), or a language translator (with which computer programs are created). Depending on the work for which it was designed, an application can manipulate text, numbers, graphics, or a combination of these elements. Some application packages offer considerable computing power by focusing on a single task, such as word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and a database program
  For example
  Word processing:  NotePad (text editor), WordPad, Word perfect, WordStar, Microsoft
  Budgeting: accounting Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft excel
  Databases Database: 3,4 oracle, Microsoft excel, Corel Paradox, dBase, SQL, M-Access
  Graphics CorelDraw: Adobe Photoshop, Jasc Paint Shop Pro, Instant Artist, Print Artist
  Spreadsheets: Microsoft Excel and Access, Corel Quattro Pro, Sun StarCalc
  Book publishing:  PageMaker, Microsoft publisher


• Programming software: Programming software is a set of tools to aid developers in writing helps the programmer in developing other software. The various tools available are compilers, linkers, debuggers, interpreters and text editors.


• Malicious software: Malicious software is intentionally developed to damage computers and/or disrupt other software. Harm is often caused unbeknownst to users who inadvertently installed malware since tis type of software usually acts in secret.

  Examples of malware are:

  • Spyware
  • Computer viruses
  • Trojan horses
  • Worms
  • Adware

Type of System sofware

• Operating system: An Operating System (OS) is a software that acts as an interface between computer hardware components and the user. Every computer system must have at least one operating system to run other programs. Applications like Browsers, MS Office, Notepad Games, etc., need some environment to run and perform its tasks.

  The OS helps you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. It is not possible for the user to use any computer or mobile device without having an operating system.

• Device driver: Device drivers are small computer programs that allow operating systems to read pieces of hardware connected to your computer. There are countless kinds of device drivers for dozens of different pieces of computer hardware. However, for a computer to have basic functionality there are a few select drivers that all computers must have.
• Firmware: Enables device control and identification.
• Translator: Translates high-level languages to low-level machine codes.
• Utility: Ensures optimum functionality of devices and applications.