Nature & Types of Software Presented by :- Jagdish Singh

Introduction A sequence of instructions written in a language understood by a computer is called program. A software package is a group of programs that solve a specific problem or perform a specific type of job. Basically, Software intract between hardware and user.

Relationship between hardware and software Both hardware and software are necessary for a computer to do useful job. Both are complementary to each other. Same hardware can be loaded with different software to make a computer perform different types of jobs just as different songs can be played using the same cassette player. Hardware is normally an one time expense, whereas software is a continuing expense.

Types of Software Systems software Applications software

Categories of Computer Software General- Purpose Programs Application- Specific System Management Development Application Software Computer

System software System software is a set of one or more programs designed to control the operation and extend the processing capability of a computer system. Systems software is the control software that operates the hardware and allows the applications to run. Key points :- Supports developments of other applications software. Supports execution of other application software. Monitors effective use of various hardware resources such as CPU, memory peripherals, etc. Communicates ith and controls operation of peripherals devices such as printer,disk, tape, etc.

Examples of system software Operating system. Programming language translator. Communications software. Utility programs

Application software Application software is a set of one or more programs designed to solve a specific problem, or do a specific task. Key points :- The programs included in an application software package are called application programs. The programmers who prepare application software are referred to as application programmers.

Examples of application software Word processing software. Spread-sheet software. Database software. Graphics software. Personal assistance software. Education software. Entertainment software.

System Software “System software is a set of one or more programs designed to control the operation and extend the processing capability of a computer system. Systems software is the control software that operates the hardware and allows the applications to run.”

Operating Systems Operating Systems run in the background without the users being aware of it. It controls the inputs, outputs, interrupts, and storage of files as requested by the applications software.

Efficient Management of the Computer Resources. Managing memory, i.e. allocating memory to more than one program running simultaneously. Some files may get moved to the hard drive temporarily. The place on the hard drive is stored in a directory for fast access when needed again. Interrupts, for Enter, Printer out of paper, or a hardware or software malfunction. Diagnostic checks on the system on Boot up, sending error messages where necessary. Selecting and controlling peripheral devices through small Driver programs.

Architecture

Utility Programs Systems software include other utility programs. Virus checking and cleaning. Security using identification and passwords. File and hard disk management for efficiency and storage. Customising the computer to the users requirements, i.e. short cut menus from mouse click. Setting peripheral devices to the users requirements, i.e. setting the monitor resolution.

Popular Operating Systems Windows XP – home and business Windows 2000 – business network use Mac Operating System – GUI, graphics OS/2 Warp – commercial work UNIX – general purpose, mainframe Linux – alternative to Windows Dos – command driven

Windows

Apple Macintosh Desktop

Linux

DOS

Types of Operating Systems Command driven: DOS. the user has to type in the command it has to be in the correct syntax, errors were common more adaptable than Windows when used by an experienced user. Windows, Icons, Mouse and Pull down menus. originally developed by Apple for the Macintosh later developed by Microsoft for Windows 3.1. uses a mouse to click onto an icon to navigate to programs and files.

Application Software “Application software is a set of one or more programs designed to solve a specific problem, or do a specific task.”

Applications Software Used for a specific purpose or application. Word processing; Numerical analysis and storage; Recording of data; Designing and graphics; Image processing; Presentations; Desk top publishing; Web design.

Three Groups Generic: Bespoke: Specific Task: general purpose for business; most common applications are Word Processing, Spreadsheet & Database. Bespoke: tailor made, specifically written for a specific application. Specific Task: particular tasks for business; most common are payroll, CAD, and stock control.

Generic Most generic software for business comes in an integrated package such as: Microsoft Office, Lotus Smart-Suite, Coral Draw. The cost of the integrated package is much less than the sum of the separate applications. Microsoft Office is the most popular package used in business, it contains the applications: Word, Excel, Access, Power-Point, Front-Page.

Bespoke Software that is specially written for an application. An expensive but a perfect solution to a requirement when there is no suitable package available. Often a one off piece of software written for a large organisation as a perfect match to their needs.

Air Traffic Control Software is an example of Bespoke Software.

Specific Task Software

Examples of specific task softwares Oracle Encyclopedia

Advantages of Integrated Packages: Cheaper to buy than separate packages. All the software programs integrate together well, i.e. mail merge, or importing a graph into a word processor. Consistency in the programs, menus, help, etc, making them easier to learn to use. Disadvantages of Integrated Packages: Cheaper packages may have weaker features than the separate packages, and may not need all of them. Some features may also be left out. Use large amounts of disk space, may need extra resources i.e. memory to have more than one application open.

The End