Thursday, September 18, 2025 8:20 PM
Software is a collection of instructions, programs, or data that tells a computer how to work and perform specific
tasks.
It is intangible (cannot be touched), unlike hardware which is the physical part of a computer.
Set of instructions given to computer to perform specific tasks.
1. System Software
Types of Software • Definition: Software that manages and controls the hardware so that application software can function.
• Examples: Operating systems (Windows, Linux, macOS), Utility programs (antivirus, file compression).
1. System Software • Functions:
2. Application Software ○ Controls hardware components.
○ Manages system resources like memory, CPU, storage.
○ Provides a platform for application software.
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What is System Software? Key Functions of System Software
• System software is a type of computer program developed to run a computer’s hardware System software performs a wide range of functions critical to a system’s
and application programs. performance. Some of its core functions include:
1. Hardware Control and Management
• It serves as a bridge between user-level applications and the device’s core hardware. Manages communication between hardware components and software
applications, ensuring efficient performance of CPU, memory, and
• It manages system resources, such as memory, processing power, and input/output input/output devices.
devices, ensuring that all hardware and software components function together
2. Resource Allocation
seamlessly.
Allocates critical resources, such as CPU time, memory, and input/output
devices, among applications, maintaining balance and ensuring tasks run
Why It is Important? without overloading the system.
1. Foundation for Application Software
3. Process Management
2. Efficient Resource Management
3. 3. Security and Stability Organizes multiple processes in queues, managing execution order and
4. HCI --> Human Computer Interaction ensuring smooth multitasking by preventing deadlocks, crashes, and
5. System Maintenance and Optimzation resource conflicts.
4. Security and Access Control
Enforces access restrictions, manages user permissions, and controls data
access, ensuring system integrity and preventing unauthorized use or
Types of System Software malicious activities.
1. Operating Systems
5. System Monitoring
An operating system is an essential system software that manages hardware,
Continuously monitors system health, tracks performance metrics, detects
coordinates resources, and provides a platform for running application software
errors, and generates reports that help maintain system stability and
on computing devices.
troubleshoot problems.
Examples:
6. User Interface Management
• Microsoft Windows
Provides user interfaces—either text-based (CLI) or graphical (GUI)—to
• macOS
facilitate smooth user interaction with the system and simplify control
• Linux
over software operations.
2. Device Drivers
Device drivers are programs that permit the operating system to recognize,
communicate with, and control specific hardware components, such as
printers, displays, and network adapters.
Examples:
• Printer driver
• Graphics card driver
• Network adapter driver
3. Utility Software
Utility software helps maintain, analyze, and optimize computer
performance by performing tasks such as virus scanning, file management,
disk cleanup, and data backup.
Examples:
• Antivirus software
• Disk cleanup tools
• File compression utilities
4. Firmware
Firmware, which is permanent software integrated into physical devices,
provides low-level control, enabling the device to operate properly as soon
as it is turned on.
Examples:
• BIOS/UEFI in PCs
• Firmware in routers
• Embedded firmware in washing machines or TVs
5. Language Translators
Language translators convert high-level or assembly code into machine-readable code, enabling
program execution. These include compilers, interpreters, and assemblers used in software
development.
Examples:
• GCC (GNU Compiler Collection)
• Python Interpreter
• Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
2. Application Software
• Definition: Software designed to help users perform specific tasks
Application software, or “apps,” are computer programs designed to
perform specific activities or address specific issues. It differs from
system software, which consists of operating systems, drivers, and
utilities that allow computer hardware to function.
.
• Examples:
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system software, which consists of operating systems, drivers, and
utilities that allow computer hardware to function.
.
• Examples:
○ Word processors (MS Word, Google Docs).
○ Spreadsheets (MS Excel).
○ Web browsers (Chrome, Firefox).
○ Games, media players.
• Functions:
○ Helps the user accomplish day-to-day tasks.
○ Provides tools for productivity, entertainment, and
communication. Types of Application Software
The application software can be divided into different categories and usages.
Some types are as follows:
1. Application Based on Shareability
Functions of Application Software 2. General Application
There are many types of functions used to implement the application 3. Business Application
software.
Some of them are listed below:
• File organization
• Management of documents
• Project administration
• Managing business projects
• Management of healthcare software
• Managing payroll and finances
• Production of graphics, animations, and videos
• Enterprise resource planning (ERP)
• Large- and small-Scale management project
• The health care applications have good network connectivity and
immediate response
3 Business Application
2 General Application
Conclusion
In conclusion, nowadays, most applications are built using cloud-based and
web-based technology. To meet the needs of their users, developers need
to improve their software development skills and knowledge. This includes
technical abilities and soft skills that align with their attitudes and
personalities. By doing so, developers can create effective software that
meets the ever-changing demands of modern users.
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