SOFTWARE:
Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a
well-defined function. A program is a sequence of instructions
written to solve a particular problem.
There are two types of software −
1. System Software
2. Application Software
System Software
The system software is a collection of programs designed to
operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the
computer itself. System software is generally prepared by the
computer manufacturers. These software products comprise of
programs written in low-level languages, which interact with the
hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as the
interface between the hardware and the end users.
Some examples of system software are Operating System,
Compilers, Interpreter, Assemblers, etc.
Some of the most prominent features of a system software −
Close to the system
Fast in speed
Difficult to design
Difficult to understand
Less interactive
Smaller in size
Difficult to manipulate
Generally written in low-level language
Application Software
Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular
need of a particular environment. All software applications
prepared in the computer lab can come under the category of
Application software.
Application software may consist of a single program, such as
Microsoft's notepad for writing and editing a simple text. It may
also consist of a collection of programs, often called a software
package, which work together to accomplish a task, such as a
spreadsheet package.
Types Application Software
a) Spreadsheets - manipulate rows and columns of number e.g.
Lotus 123, Ms Excel.
b) Word processing - creates documents e.g. Word star, Ms Word.
c) Database - stores, organizes and retrieves data e.g. MS Access
d) Electronic mail - transmit electronic messages e.g. Ms Outlook
e) Desktop publishing - layout and create documents containing
text and graphics e.g. PageMaker.
f) Graphics - pictorial representation of data e.g. Harvard
graphics, Ms Power point.
g) Payroll Software
h) Student Record Software
i) Inventory Management Software
j) Income Tax Software
k) Railways Reservation Software
Features of application software are as follows −
Close to the user
Easy to design
More interactive
Slow in speed
Generally written in high-level language
Easy to understand
Easy to manipulate and use
Bigger in size and requires large storage space
