What is Software?

Software is the set of instruction that tells the computer what to do and when to do it. The computer uses this instruction to manipulate data, and enhance the proper functioning of the hardwarecomponents. It is designed to exploit and provide the potential capabilities of the hardware to the user. It converts data into information and allows users to use the computer in different ways.

Software is set or collection of programs is called software. and the program is a collection of commands or instructions.

These programs are usually stored and transferred via the hardware of the computer to and from theCPU. The software also governs how the hardware is utilized; for example, how information is retrieved from a storage device. The interaction between the input and output devices is controlled by software called the Basic Input Output System (BIOS) Software. Software as a whole can be divided into several categories based on the types of work done by programs.

The Software has been classified into three categories these are given below:

♢ System Software

♢ Application Software

♢ Utility Software

♢ System Software

This refers to a set of programs that facilitate the optional use of the hardware systems by coordinating them. It consists of programs that start up the computer and perform some utility functions such as checking and getting the computer ready for use. They are usually written to accomplish loading, execution, storage, and retrieval of files from/into thecomputer. They are operating systems, utility software, and language translators. For Eg Operating System, Device Driver, Language Processor, etc.

♢ Application Software

Application Software is a computer program designed to help people perform a certain type of task. An application thus differs from an operating system (which runs a computer), a utility (which performs maintenance or general-purpose tasks), or a language translator (with which computer programs are created). Depending on the work for which it was designed, an application can manipulate text, numbers, graphics, or a combination of these elements. Some application packages offer considerable computing power by focusing on a single task, such as word processing, spreadsheet, graphics, and a database program.
Application software that takes care of a variety of business and corporate needs can now be bought off the shelf. These are also called standard software packages. They are reasonably priced and can run on any standard PC. For Eg. Financial Accounting, Inventory Control Packages, Microsoft Office Suite, Tally, Adobe Photoshop, etc.

A spreadsheet package allows a user to enter numeric data, specify formulas and perform calculations. Graphs can also be generated from the given data. The special feature of automatic recalculation allows changes made in any one item to reflect in all items dependant upon the first one.

A word processing package converts a PC into a sophisticated typewriting machine. It has the facility to perform spell checks, provide for synonyms, and allow changes or corrections in the document without having to re-type the entire document.

♢ Utility Software

This program is produced by the manufacturers to provide useful facilities for performing common computing tasks of a routine nature to many computer systems. It usually focuses on how the computer infrastructure is working includes computer hardware, application software,operating system, and data storage programs operates. These utilities could be range from small and simple to large and complex that can perform either a single task or multiple tasks. Some of the functions performed by these utilities are data compression, disk defragmentation, data recovery, management of computer resources and files, system diagnosis, virus detection, and many more. For Eg. System Generator, Text Editor, Antivirus, Dumping Routine, Housekeeping Operations, Disk Defragment, etc.

You might like this :-

○ Generation of computer
○Types of computer
○History of Computer
○Architecture of CPU