Lecture Notes: Introduction to Software and Its

Classification

1. Meaning of Software:
Software refers to a collection of instructions, programs, and data that enable a computer system to
perform specific tasks or functions. It is the non-tangible component of a computer system that
interacts with hardware to execute various operations. Software encompasses both the programs that
users directly interact with and the underlying system components that manage hardware resources.

2. Broad Classification of Software:

Software can be broadly classified into two main categories:

 System software
 Application software.

3. System Software:
System software serves as an intermediary between the hardware and application software. It provides
a platform for the efficient functioning of computer hardware and supports the execution of
application programs. Key components of system software include:

- Operating System (OS): The operating system is a fundamental piece of software that manages
hardware resources, provides user interfaces, and supports various services like memory management,
process scheduling, file management, and security.

- Device Drivers: Device drivers are software components that facilitate communication between
hardware devices and the operating system. They enable proper utilization of hardware resources
such as printers, graphics cards, and input devices.

- Firmware: Firmware is software that is embedded in hardware devices to provide control and
manage their operations. It is often used in devices like routers, hard drives, and BIOS/UEFI chips.

4. Application Software:
Application software includes programs that fulfil specific user needs and tasks. These programs are
designed to perform a variety of functions, ranging from word processing and graphics editing to
database management and gaming. Application software can be further categorized into various
types:
- Word Processing Software: These applications are used for creating, editing, and formatting text
documents. Examples include Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and LibreOffice Writer.

- Spreadsheet Software: Spreadsheet software is used for organizing and analyzing numerical data.
Examples include Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and LibreOffice Calc.

- Presentation Software: Presentation software allows users to create visual slideshows for delivering
information. Examples include Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Slides, and LibreOffice Impress.

- Graphics and Design Software: These tools are used for creating and editing visual content, such
as images, illustrations, and layouts. Examples include Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW, and GIMP.

- Database Software: Database applications are used for storing, organizing, and managing large
amounts of structured data. Examples include Microsoft Access, MySQL, and Oracle Database.

- Web Browsers: Web browsers are software applications used to access and navigate the internet.
Examples include Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, and Microsoft Edge.

5. Utilities:
Utilities are software programs that provide additional functionalities to enhance the user's computing
experience and improve system performance. Utilities are generally considered as tools that help
manage, optimize, and troubleshoot the computer system. Examples of utility software include:

- Antivirus Software: Antivirus programs protect the computer from malicious software and threats
like viruses, malware, and spyware.

- Disk Cleanup and Optimization Tools: These utilities help remove unnecessary files, optimize disk
space, and improve system performance.

- Backup and Recovery Software: These tools allow users to create backups of important data and
restore the system to a previous state in case of data loss or system failures.

- File Compression Software: Compression utilities reduce the size of files and folders to save disk
space and facilitate efficient file transfer.
- System Monitoring Tools: These utilities monitor system resources, such as CPU usage, memory
usage, and network activity, to help users diagnose and address performance issues.

Lecture Notes: Introduction to Operating Systems

1. Basic Idea of an Operating System (OS):

An operating system (OS) is a critical software component that acts as an intermediary between users,
application software, and computer hardware. It provides a cohesive and organized environment that
enables efficient utilization of hardware resources and allows users to interact with the computer
system. The primary goal of an operating system is to manage and control the various hardware and
software components of a computer to ensure smooth and efficient operation.

2. Functions of an Operating System:

An operating system performs several essential functions that contribute to the overall functionality
and performance of a computer system. Some of the key functions include:

- Resource Management: The OS manages computer hardware resources such as the central
processing unit (CPU), memory (RAM), storage devices, and input/output devices. It allocates
resources to different programs and users to ensure fair and efficient utilization.

- Process Management: The OS controls the execution of processes (programs in execution) by

allocating CPU time and managing process synchronization, communication, and scheduling.

- Memory Management: It handles the allocation and deallocation of memory space for processes,
ensuring efficient memory utilization and preventing conflicts between programs.

- File System Management: The OS manages the organization, storage, retrieval, and manipulation
of files and directories on storage devices, such as hard drives and flash drives.

- Device Management: It controls and coordinates the interaction between software and hardware
devices, such as printers, scanners, and network interfaces, ensuring data transfer and communication.

- User Interface: The OS provides a user-friendly interface through which users can interact with the
computer system. This interface can be command-line based, graphical, or a combination of both.
- Security and Access Control: The OS implements security measures to protect data and resources
from unauthorized access. It enforces user authentication, permissions, and encryption to ensure data
integrity and privacy.

3. Components of an Operating System:

An operating system consists of various components that work together to provide the functionalities
mentioned above. Some of the key components include:

- Kernel: The kernel is the core part of the operating system that manages hardware resources,
enforces security policies, and provides essential services to applications.

- APIs: An application programming interface (API) is code that enables two software programs to
communicate. An API defines how a developer should request services from an operating system (OS)
or other application, and expose data within different contexts and across multiple channels.

- Shell: The shell is the user interface that allows users to interact with the operating system. It can be
a command-line interface (CLI) or a graphical user interface (GUI).

- File System: The file system manages the organization and storage of files and directories on
storage devices. It enables data storage, retrieval, and organization.

- Device Drivers: Device drivers are software modules that facilitate communication between the
operating system and hardware devices. They allow the OS to control and manage hardware
components effectively.

- System Libraries: System libraries provide precompiled functions and routines that applications can
use. They simplify application development by offering commonly used functionalities.
4. Types of Operating Systems:
There are several types of operating systems, each designed for specific computing environments and
devices:

- Single-User, Single-Tasking OS: These OSs support only one user and one task at a time. They are
simple and suitable for devices with limited capabilities.

- Single-User, Multi-Tasking OS: These OSs allow a single user to run multiple applications
simultaneously by efficiently managing CPU time and resources.

- Multi-User OS: These OSs support multiple users concurrently, with each user having a separate
account and environment. They are commonly used in server environments.

- Real-Time OS: Real-time OSs are designed for applications that require quick and predictable
responses to external events, such as industrial control systems and robotics.

- Embedded OS: Embedded OSs are tailored for specific embedded systems, such as smartphones,
IoT devices, and consumer electronics.