Week No.

Software and Types

What is software?
Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute
specific tasks. It is the opposite of hardware, which describes the physical aspects of a
computer. Software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that
run on a device. It can be thought of as the variable part of a computer, while hardware is the
invariable part.
The two main categories of software are application software and system software. An
application is software that fulfills a specific need or performs tasks. System software is
designed to run a computer's hardware and provides a platform for applications to run on top
of.
Other types of software include the following:
 Programming software, which provides the programming tools software developers
need.
 Middleware, which sits between system software and applications.
 Driver software, which operates computer devices and peripherals.
Early software was written for specific computers and sold with the hardware it ran on. In the
1980s, software began to be sold on floppy disks and, later, CDs and DVDs. Today, most
software is purchased and directly downloaded over the internet. Software can be found on
vendor and application service provider websites.
Examples and types of software
Among the various categories of software, the most common types include the following:
 Application software. The most frequently used software is application software, which
is a computer software package that performs a specific function for a user or, in some
cases, for another application. An application can be self-contained, or it can be a group
of programs that run the application for the user. Examples of modern
applications include office suites, graphics software, databases, database management
programs, web browsers, word processors, software development tools, image editors
and communication platforms.
 System software. These software programs are designed to run a computer's
application programs and hardware. System software coordinates the activities and
functions of the hardware and software. In addition, it controls the operations of the
computer hardware and provides an environment or platform for all the other types of
software to work in. An operating system (OS) is the best example of system software; it
manages all the other computer programs. Other examples of system software
include firmware, computer language translators and system utilities.

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  Driver software. Also known as device drivers, this software is often considered a type
of system software. Device drivers control the devices and peripherals connected to a
computer, helping them perform their specific tasks. Every device that's connected to a
computer needs at least one device driver to function. Examples include software that
comes with any nonstandard hardware, including special game controllers, as well as
the software that enables standard hardware, such as USB storage devices, keyboards,
headphones and printers.
 Middleware. The term middleware describes software that mediates between
application and system software or between two different kinds of application software.
For example, middleware lets Microsoft Windows talk to Excel and Word. It's used to
send a remote work request from an application in a computer that has one kind of OS
to an application in a computer with a different OS. It also lets newer applications work
with legacy ones.
 Programming software. Computer programmers use programming software to write
code. Programming software and programming languages, such as Java or Python, let
developers develop, write, test and debug other software programs. Examples of
programming software include assemblers, compilers, debuggers and interpreters.
How does software work?
All software provides the directions and data computers need to work and meet users' needs.
However, the two different types -- application software and system software -- work in
distinctly different ways.
Application software
Application software consists of many programs that perform specific functions for end users,
such as writing reports and navigating websites. Applications also perform tasks for other
applications. Applications on a computer can't run on their own; they require a computer's OS
along with other supporting system software programs to work.
These desktop applications are installed on a user's computer and use the computer memory to
carry out tasks. They take up space on the computer's hard drive and don't need an internet
connection to work. However, desktop applications must adhere to the requirements of the
hardware devices they run on.
Web applications, on the other hand, do require internet access to work, but they don't rely on
the hardware and system software to run. Consequently, users can launch web applications
from devices that have a web browser. Since the components responsible for the application
functionality are on the server, users can launch the app from Windows, Mac, Linux or any
other OS.
System software
System software sits between the computer hardware and the application software. Users
don't interact directly with system software as it runs in the background, handling the basic
functions of the computer. This software coordinates a system's hardware and software so

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users can run high-level application software to perform specific actions. System software
executes when a computer system boots up and continues running as long as the system is on.

Application Software
Application software, commonly known as “apps,” plays a pivotal role in how individuals
interact with and leverage digital technology. With the advancements in computing and
increasing dependency on computer applications in daily life, application software has emerged
as one of the most vital components of modern software innovation. People use various
application software to perform tasks and enhance their productivity.
What is Application Software?

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The term “application software” refers to software that performs particular tasks for a user by
interacting directly. Such applications contain either a single program code or a collection of
programs. The sole purpose of application software is to help the user in doing specified tasks.

End-users require application software to perform any kind of task, therefore here are a few
reasons why we need it.
 They will mainly benefit the end-user by assisting them in doing specialized tasks in
various industries, including education, business, and entertainment.
 Application software manages and manipulates data in several sectors.
 Using application software individual users can create and organize data efficiently.
We’ll be discussing more on application software, its features, functionality, types, benefits,
disadvantages, and its importance in shaping the digital landscape.

Types of Application Software

1. Presentation Software – Presentation software allows you to put forth your views and
ideas visually by using slideshows. Users can make slides interactive and informative by
adding texts, videos, images, charts, graphs, and images that tell a story or support the
presentation. E.g. MS PowerPoint and Google slides.

2. Multimedia Software – This software allows users to record and create audio, images,
animations, graphics, and video files. With this software, users can produce a wide
scope of interactive content for both professional and personal use. VLC player, MX
Player, and Windows Media Player are three popular examples of multimedia
application software.

3. Web browsers – A web browser is an application software for browsing over the
internet. It is also referred to as a browser or an internet browser. It retrieves
information across the web and displays the content on the user’s desktop or mobile
device. The information is conveyed using the Hypertext Transfer Protocol, which
outlines the process for sharing text, photos, and videos on the Internet. Google
Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Internet Explorer are a few popular web browsers.

4. Spreadsheet Software – Sprеadshееt softwarеs is used for storing data in tabular

format and performing numеrical calculations. Thе data cеlls maintain different data
filеs likе tеxt, numbеrs, datеs, and timе. This softwarе hеlps usеrs prеsеnt data with
graphs or charts. Ms-Excel is thе most ideal еxamplе of spreadsheet softwarе.

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 5. Word Processing Software – It is a type of softwarе that is usеd to format, bеautify and
manipulatе tеxt, using colors, fonts, and stylеs, that allow you to format your tеxt based
on your prеfеrеncеs. Many word procеssors may also look for spеlling, grammar, and
word choice issues. Ms-Word is the most widely used word procеssing software used by
professionals.

6. Simulation Software – Simulation software allows еnginееrs to assеss, optimizе and

comparе product dеsigns with othеr similar softwarе by еvaluation in a rеal-world
еnvironmеnt. These kinds of applications are frequently utilized to build еquipmеnt that
maximizеs product accuracy without incurring costs associatеd with procеss changе. E.g.
PCB softwarеs.

Features and Functions of Application Software

The essential features of application software include-
 It should be affordablе and usеr-friеndly.
 It must bе dеsignеd keeping in mind thе intеrеst and nееds of thе еnd usеrs.
 One of the important characteristics of softwarе applications is that thеrе should bе
regular maintеnancе for fixing bugs.
 Using the application softwarе, users can effectively organize and handle data.

Some functions of application software are-

 Most application softwarе provide a usеr-friеndly intеrfacе for usеrs to interact with thе
program.
 Managing information and data in an organization.
 Usеrs can often customize thе interface to suit their prеfеrеncеs, such as changing
thеmеs, layouts, or sеttings.
 Dеvеlopmеnt of visuals, imagеs, and vidеo for presentation purposes
 Emails, tеxt mеssaging, and audio and video conferencing are needed in prеsеntation.
 Managing and chеcking documents across.
 Payroll, financе, and accounting management supporting othеr businеssеs and thе HR
department.
 Softwarе for еducation purposеs.
 Projеct management and business process management.

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Advantages and Disadvantages
Advantages of using application software
 Application softwarе providеs tеchnologiеs and tools that significantly еnhancе
productivity.
 It mееts client’s requirements particularly and can bе customizеd to add morе
functionality as pеr thе client’s requirements.
 It is dеsignеd with usеr-friеndly intеrfacеs to ensure accеssibility to еach and еvеryonе.
 Application softwarе oftеn incorporates automation features, strеamlining rеpеtitivе
tasks, and minimizing manual еffort.
 Many applications softwarе support multitasking, networking, and rеal-timе
collaboration features.

Disadvantages of application software

 It bеcomеs expensive for developers to create and rеgularly maintain high-quality
softwarе to mееt changing requirements.
 Application softwarе, especially whеn connеctеd to thе intеrnеt, may be subject to
sеcurity thrеats likе malwarе, virusеs, and data brеachеs.
 Compatibility issues may arise when trying to use the application softwarе on different
devices or operating systems.

What is System Software? | Definition, Types & Examples

System software is a program designed to run a computer's hardware and applications and
manage its resources, such as its memory, processors, and devices. It also provides a platform
for running application software, and system software is typically bundled with a computer's
operating system.

There are different systems software types, including Windows, Linux, MacOS X, BSD, etc. Each
type of system software has its own set of unique characteristics.

For example, Windows XP is designed for Microsoft products, while Ubuntu is designed for
GNU/Linux applications.

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Important Features of System Software
1. High Speed
System software is responsible for various tasks, including controlling the CPU, memory,
monitor, keyboard, mouse, floppy disk drive, CD-ROM, printer, etc. System software works
closely with the operating system software that runs the computer. The entire computer may
become corrupted if the system software does not work correctly. So high speed is an essential
feature of system software.
2. Versatile
The versatility of system software is determined by how many different programs it can run
simultaneously. A good example would be Microsoft Windows. Hundreds of applications run on
Windows, ranging from games video editing, audio recording, photo processing, and much
more. Most of these apps are free, but some have a cost associated with them depending on
what version has been downloaded for use.
3. Hard to Manipulate
The difficulty of manipulating a system software is determined by how difficult it is to change
settings and configurations. Many modern systems have user-friendly interfaces, allowing users
to set their preferences. However, if the design requires advanced skills, a novice may need
help to figure out how to do something.
4. Close to the System
The closeness of system software means that it has a direct access to system Hardware. It is
responsible for operating and maintaining Hardware in a functional form.
Types of System Software
System software is essential for a computer to function properly. And the most common types
of system software are operating systems, device drivers, middleware, utilities, and
programming language interpreters.
Operating System
Operating systems are the most important type of system software. An operating system is a
software that controls how your hardware works, which means it manages the computer's
memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware.
Every operating system has certain advantages and disadvantages, ranging from simple to
complex. For example, Windows 10 is very similar to Windows 8.1 but with some significant
improvements. In addition, you can install additional software programs and add-ons to
enhance your experience.
Device Drivers
Device drivers are tiny programs that enable a computer to communicate with its hardware
devices, such as printers, scanners, and keyboards. Without device drivers, the hardware you

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connect to your computer will not be working properly. For example, without device drivers,
your printer will not work properly. Device manufacturers provide most device drivers, but
Microsoft also provides some generic ones.
Firmware
Firmware is a type of software that is embedded in a hardware device. It controls the device
and performs its essential functions. Firmware is usually stored in read-only memory (ROM),
which means it cannot be modified or deleted. However, some devices have firmware that can
be updated. Firmware updates can be downloaded from the manufacturer's website or
installed from a CD or USB drive.
BIOS and UEFI
BIOS (basic input/output system) is a firmware code that is executed when a computer is
powered on. It performs a power-on self-test (POST) and initializes the computer before
loading the operating system. The BIOS is stored in a ROM (read-only memory) chip on the
motherboard.
UEFI (unified extensible firmware interface) is a newer type of firmware that offers more
features than BIOS. UEFI is designed to be platform-independent and can be used with a variety
of operating systems. UEFI also supports a larger boot volume than BIOS and can boot from
devices with a 2TB or more capacity.
Programming Language Translator
Programming languages are like human languages in that they are used to communicate
instructions to a computer. However, unlike human languages, programming languages are
designed to be read and understood by computers, not humans. That is where programming
language translators come in.
Programming language translators are programs that convert code written in one programming
language into another programming language. This translator can be helpful when you want to
take code written in one language and run it on a machine that only understands another
language. It converts code from an older language into a newer one, making it easier to keep
your code up-to-date.
Utilities
Utilities are programs that help maintain and optimize a computer's performance.
Examples of utility programs include file managers, virus scanners, and disk defragmenters.
Utility programs are usually bundled with the operating system or can be downloaded from the
internet.

Extra ( A brief Description of Computer Components)

This may be considered as part of week 1.

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Input
All the data received by the computer goes through the input unit. The input unit comprises
different devices like a mouse, keyboard, scanner, etc. In other words, each of these devices
acts as a mediator between the users and the computer.
The data that is to be processed is put through the input unit. The computer accepts the raw
data in binary form. It then processes the data and produces the desired output.
Major Functions of the Input Unit
The 3 major functions of the input unit are-
 Take the data to be processed by the user.
 Convert the given data into machine-readable form.
 And then, transmit the converted data into the main memory of the computer. The sole
purpose is to connect the user and the computer. In addition, this creates easy
communication between them.

CPU – Central Processing Unit

Central Processing Unit or the CPU, is the brain of the computer. It works the same way a
human brain works. As the brain controls all human activities, similarly the CPU controls all the
tasks.
Moreover, the CPU conducts all the arithmetical and logical operations in the computer.

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Now the CPU comprises of two units, namely – ALU (Arithmetic Logic Unit) and CU (Control
Unit). Both of these units work in sync. The CPU processes the data as a whole.
Let us see what particular tasks are assigned to both units.

ALU – Arithmetic Logic Unit

The Arithmetic Logic Unit is made of two terms, arithmetic and logic. There are two primary
functions that this unit performs.
1. Data is inserted through the input unit into the primary memory. Performs the basic
arithmetical operations on it, like addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. It
performs all sorts of calculations required on the data. Then, it sends back data to the
storage.
2. The unit is also responsible for performing logical operations like AND, OR, Equal to, Less
than, etc. In addition to this, it conducts merging, sorting, and selection of the given
data.

CU – Control Unit
The control unit as the name suggests is the controller of all the activities/tasks and operations.
All this is performed inside the computer.
The memory unit sends a set of instructions to the control unit. Then the control unit in turn
converts those instructions. After that these instructions are converted to control signals.

These control signals help in prioritizing and scheduling activities. Thus, the control unit
coordinates the tasks inside the computer in sync with the input and output units.

Memory Unit
All the data that has to be processed or has been processed is stored in the memory unit. The
memory unit acts as a hub of all the data. It transmits it to the required part of the computer
whenever necessary.
The memory unit works in sync with the CPU. This helps in faster accessing and processing of
the data. Thus, making tasks easier and quicker.

Types of Computer Memory

There are two types of computer memory-
Primary Memory
This type of memory cannot store a vast amount of data. Therefore, it is only used to store
recent data. The data stored in this is temporary. It can get erased once the power is switched

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off. Therefore, is also called temporary memory or main memory.

RAM stands for Random Access Memory. It is an example of primary memory. This memory is
directly accessible by the CPU. It is used for reading and writing purposes. For data to be
processed, it has to be first transferred to the RAM and then to the CPU.
Secondary Memory
As explained above, the primary memory stores temporary data. Thus it cannot be accessed in
the future. For permanent storage purposes, secondary memory is used. It is also called
permanent memory or auxiliary memory. The hard disk is an example of secondary memory.
Even in a power failure data does not get erased easily.
Output
There is nothing to be amazed by what the output unit is used for. All the information sent to
the computer once processed is received by the user through the output unit. Devices like
printers, monitors, projectors, etc. all come under the output unit.
The output unit displays the data either in the form of a soft copy or a hard copy. The printer is
for the hard copy. The monitor is for the display. The output unit accepts the data in binary
form from the computer. It then converts it into a readable form for the user.

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