Published by: Sujan
Published date: 18 Jun 2021
There are two types of software. They are;
This software is well explained by the following figure.
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Fig: Software Hierarchy
The system software interacts with hardware at one end and with application software at the other end.
System software for the management and functionality of computers relates to the functioning of different components of the computer, like, processor, input and output devices, etc.
System software is required for managing the operations performed by the components of the computer and the devices attached to the computer.
It provides support for various services, as requested by the application software.
The operating system, device drivers, and system utilities constitute the system software for the management of computers and its resources.
System software for the development of application software provides services required for the development and execution of application software.
System software provides the software tools required for the development of application software.
The programming language software, translator software, loader, and linker are also categorized as system software, and are required for the application software development.
The purposes of the system software are:
System software for the management and functionality of computer relates to the functioning of different components of the computer like processors, input and output devices, etc. System software is required for managing the operations performed by the components of the computer and the devices attached to the computer. It provides support for various services, as requested by the application software. Operating systems, device drivers, and system utilities constitute the system software for the management of computer and its resources.
System software for development of application software provides services required for the development and execution of application software. System software provides the software tools required for the development of application software. The programming language software, translator software, loader, and linker are also categorized as system software, and are required for the application software development.
The software that a user uses for accomplishing a specific task is the application software.
Application software may be a single program or a set of programs.
A set of programs that are written for a specific purpose and provide the required functionality is called a software package.
Application software is written for different kinds of applications as graphics, word processors, media players, database applications, telecommunication, accounting purposes etc.
Some examples of application software packages are as follows:-
Word Processing Software: For writing letters, reports, documents, etc. (e.g. MS-WORD).
Image Processing Software: For assisting in drawing and manipulating graphics (e.g. Adobe Photoshop).
Accounting Software: For assisting in accounting information, salary, tax returns (Tally software).
Spreadsheet Software: Used for creating budget, tables, etc. (e.g. MS-Excel).
Presentation Software: To make presentations, slide shows. (e.g. MS-PowerPoint)
CAD/CAM Software: To assist in architectural design. (e.g. AutoCAD, Autodesk)
Geographic Information Systems: It captures, stores, analyzes, manages, and presents data, images, and maps that are linked to different locations. (e.g. ArcGIS)
Web Browser Software: To access the World Wide Web to search documents, sounds, images, etc. (e.g. Internet Explorer, Netscape Communicator, Chrome, Firefox, Opera).
Entertainment Software: Videogames, VR software etc.