In the classification of software topic, the structure and uses of software is detailed with explanation.
Learning Outcomes:
By the end of this session, you will be able to
- Identify the Purpose of Software in the Functioning of a Computer.
- Know the classification of Software
What is the Purpose of a Software?
A computer is just a device and cannot do anything independently but requires the user’s guidance. To make a computer do a particular task, one should tell the computer how to do it. But computers cannot understand human language. To make computers understand, programmers developed a set of codes to enable them to communicate with computers. That code, which is in machine-readable formats, is known as software.
What is the Basic Structure of software?
The software, like alphabets, words, and sentences in English, consists of statements, instructions, and programs, making them capable of operating computers and executing specific user-defined tasks.
What are the Uses of Software, in Brief?
We also use software for various purposes in our day-to-day life. For example, you use software whenever you check the weather on the phone, message on Whatsapp, check Facebook or make a Zoom call.
Like the hardware components of a computer, computer software can also be classified into different types.
Types of Software:
Basically, there are four types of software, they include,
1) System Software
2) Programming Software
3) Application Software
4) Driver Software
System Software:
System software is also known as operating system enables the computer’s smooth functioning by coordinating with the user, the mobile device or computer, and the application software.
The development of system software or operating system requires extra skill as the tasks involved are complex, requiring extensive knowledge about computers. As a result, computer manufacturers take responsibility for developing and supplying this software. While some system software comes in-built while purchasing the device, users can also buy some from the market per their requirements. Examples of system software include Apple’s iOS, macOS, and Linux. But after installing the system software into the computer, the user or the programmer cannot change the code of this software.
Programming Software:
Computer programmers use this software to write code. Some examples include C++, Python, and Java.
Application Software:
The end-user uses this software for feeding data into the computer—for example, Microsoft Windows and photo-editing Software.
Driver Software:
The driver software can be sub-categorized under system software as it helps control and operate devices connected to external sources.
These are the various types of software.
Click here, To know more about components of a computer.
Click here, to know more about operating system.
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