Unit 2- computer software

COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Definition:

The set of instructions are known as programs, and set of programs is called software. It is responsible for
controlling, integrating and managing the hardware components of a computer system and for accomplishing
specific tasks. In other words, software instructs the computer what to do and how to do it. For example,
software instructs the hardware what to be displayed on the user’s screen. Software is an intangible commodity,
that is, the part of a computer system that users cannot touch.

A Set of programs, which are specifically written to provide the user a precise functionality like solving a
specific problem, its termed as software package.

1) RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN SOFTWARE AND HARDWARE

Software refers to the computer programs that are loaded into a computer system, and hardware refers to all the
visible devices, which are assembled together to build a computer system. The blending of software and
hardware gives life to a computer system. Even though hardware is the physical part of a computer, it is nothing
unless it has software to control it. If hardware is the ‘heart’ of a computer system, software is its ‘soul’.
Both are complimentary to each other.

2) SOFTWARE CATEGORIES

Software can be divided into two major categories: system software that provides the basic non-task specific
functions of the computer and application software that is utilized by the users to accomplish specific tasks.
System software is essential for a computer to function. This is shown on figure.

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Figure : System software, Application software and hardware

2.1) System software

System software consists of several programs which are directly responsible for controlling integrating and
managing the individual hardware components of a computer. The system software provides a programming
environment in which programmers can create applications to accommodate their needs. They are also
responsible for the management and accurate functioning of the computer system. Some of the system software
are: operating system, device drivers and system utilities.

a) Operating system: It is an intermediary between user and a computer. It is the first layer of
software loaded into the computer memory when it starts up. After it is loaded then all other common
core service are loaded like disk access, memory management, task scheduling and user interfacing.
Example, UNIX, Windows XP.

The basic functions of an operating systems are :-

Process Management : It handles the creation, deletion, suspension, resumption and synchronization
of process.
Memory management: It handles allocation and de-allocation of memory space as required by
various program.
File management: It is responsible for the creation and deletion of files and directories. It also
organizes, stores, retrieves and process all the files.
Device Management: It manages all the devices of computer system such as printers and modems. If
any device fails, it detects the device failure and notifies the same to the user.
Security Management: It Protects system resources and information against destruction and
unauthorized use.
User Interface : It provides the interface between the user and the hardware.

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Figure : Operating system

b.) Device Drivers: A device driver is a system program, which is responsible for proper functioning of the
device attached to the computer. Whenever a new device is added to the computer system, a new device
driver must also be installed before the device can be used. Depending upon how data are fetched by the
devices, device drivers are divided into two categories:
a. Character Device Drivers: For key board.
b. Block Device Drivers: For hard disk.

Figure : Device Driver

c.) Language translator:-

Computer only understands machine language that is 0 or 1 .The high level programming languages were
developed that resemble the natural languages like English since computer know only machine language. A
language translator which is mainly used to transform the one form of language into another form. The
language translators are divided into 3 major categories: Compiler, interpreter, and assembler.

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Figure : translating source code into executable code .

d.) System Utilities: System utility programs perform day to day tasks related to the maintenance of the
computer system .Some of utilities include:
 File management : it is easier to manage the files. Many programs are written to help user to
find the files,create, organizes directories, copy , move and delete files.
 Backup: When data files get corrupted data backup are very useful.
 Data Recovery: These are used to recover the data or recover the deleted data.
 Virus Protection: These provide security to the system in network environment.
 Disk Management: Disk management programs include various types of system software like
(i.)disk defragmenter( putting fragments of files in a sequential order onto the disk.), (ii)data
compression( used to squeeze out the slack space generated by the formatting schemes.)
(iii)software and disk formatting tools.
 Firewalls :-used to protect the information such as e-mail and data files within a physical
building or an organization.
 Disk cleanup :- Delete the unwanted files from the hard drive, to keep a computer running
smoothly.

2.2) Application software

Application software is used to accomplish specific tasks rather than just managing a computer system.
A system software (like operating system) acts as an interface between the user and the computer
hardware, while application software performs specific tasks. Applications are pieces of software that
perform tasks for the user besides helping the computer operate.
Applications software are controlled by system software, which manages hardware devices and
performs background tasks for them. Without system software, the computer will not run, and without
application software, the computer, no matter how powerful, will not be helpful in meeting user
requirements.
 Some of the most commonly used application software is discussed below:

a) Word processor : A word processor is software used to compose, format, edit, and print electronic
documents. It involves not only typing, but also checking the spelling and grammar of the text and
arranging it correctly on the page. It is possible to include pictures, graphs, charts and many other
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things within the text of the document. It also allows for changes in margins, fonts, and colour.
Examples of some well-known word processors are Microsoft Word and Word Perfect.

b) Spreadsheets : The spreadsheet provides sheets containing cells each of which may contain text and
/ or numbers. Cells may also contain equations that calculate results from data placed in other cells
or series of cells.
Spreadsheet software are used for accounting a other numerically-based tasks, because financial and
mathematical data and analysis are often managed in a tabular style, with columns of financial
figures being manipulated and then influencing other data computations.
Ex: Microsoft Excel

c) Presentation applications:
Presentation software allows the user to create presentations by producing slides or handouts for
presentation of projects. Essentially, such computer programs allow users to create a variety of
visually appealing electronic slides for presentation. Microsoft PowerPoint is one of the most
famous presentation application.
Ex: Microsoft Power Point

d) Image Editors:
Image editor programs are designed specifically for capturing, creating, editing, and manipulating
images. These graphics programs provide a variety of special features for creating and altering
images. Most graphic programs have the ability to import and export one or more graphic file
formats. These computer programs enable the user to adjust an image to improve its appearance.
With image editing software, one can darken or lighten an image, rotate it, adjust it contrast, crop
out extraneous detail, and much more.
Examples of these programs are Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Illustrator and CorelDraw.

e) Database management systems(DBMS)

Database management software is a collection of computer programs that allow storage,
modification, and extraction of information from a database in an efficient manner. It supports the
structuring of the database in a standard format and provides tools for data input, verification,
storage, retrieval, query, and manipulation. It also controls the security and integrity of the database
from unauthorized access. FoxPro and Oracle are database management systems.

f) Desktop publishing software: These software are used for creating magazines, books, newsletters,
and so on. Such software assist in creating sophisticated documents including complicated page
designs, detailed illustrations, and camera-ready types faces. Quark Express and Adobe PageMaker
are desktop publishing software.

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