In this article we will learn about basic software concepts like program, software, and different types of software with examples.
Before going to start reading this article, see our complete C programming tutorial for beginners.
A computer generally consists of two components: Hardware and Software. The purpose of software is to use the hardware components. So far, we have learned about the hardware components in this basics of a computer tutorial. Now, let’s learn about the software related concepts.
Watch the below video to understand basic software concepts:
Contents
Program
A program is a set of instructions for solving a particular problem.
Using programs a human can use the underlying hardware components like CPU, Memory etc.
Software
Software is a set of programs.
Computer software is divided into two broad categories:
- System software
- Application software
System software manages the computer’s hardware resources. It provides the interface between the hardware and the users but does nothing for users to use the hardware. Application software, on the other hand, is directly responsible for helping users solve their problems.
The various types of software are as shown in the below diagram:
System Software
This consists of programs that manage the hardware resources of a computer and perform required information processing tasks . These programs are divided into three classes:
- Operating System
- System Support
- System Development
Operating System
Operating system provides the interface between the application software/user and hardware. The primary purpose of this software is to keep the system operating in an efficient manner while allowing the users access to the system. Examples: Windows XP, Vista, Seven, Linux, UNIX, MAC OSX, MAC Lion etc.
System Support
This provides utilities and other operating services to work with hardware . This software comes along with the operating system. Examples: Disk format software, Sort programs etc.
System Development
This includes various programs that help the developers to create application software . Examples: Compilers, Interpreters, Debuggers, Linkers etc.
Application Software
This software allows the users to use the computer for various purposes. Application software is divided into two classes:
- General purpose software
- Application specific software
General Purpose Software
This software can be used for more than one purpose. Examples: Microsoft Office Suite, Photoshop, Visual Studio etc.
Application Specific Software
This software is used only for a specific purpose. Example: Tally, Turbo C Complier etc.
The relationship between hardware, system software and application software is as shown in the below diagram:
Now, its time to learn about history of computers.
Suryateja Pericherla, at present is a Research Scholar (full-time Ph.D.) in the Dept. of Computer Science & Systems Engineering at Andhra University, Visakhapatnam. Previously worked as an Associate Professor in the Dept. of CSE at Vishnu Institute of Technology, India.
He has 11+ years of teaching experience and is an individual researcher whose research interests are Cloud Computing, Internet of Things, Computer Security, Network Security and Blockchain.
He is a member of professional societies like IEEE, ACM, CSI and ISCA. He published several research papers which are indexed by SCIE, WoS, Scopus, Springer and others.
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