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Introduction
A program is an executable code which is a set of instructions that serves a computational purpose. Software is a program or group that tells the hardware what to do. Software is more than just a program. Software is considered a combination of these executable programs, associated files or libraries, and their documentation. When the software is made to fulfil a specific purpose, they are called software products.
On the other hand, engineering is about developing products based on well-established scientific principles.
Software engineering deals with software development and its product using well-established scientific rules, methods, and principles, which resulted in an efficient and reliable software product as its outcome.
Software’s are extensively used in the IT industry, but now they have a massive market in other sectors like banking, hospitals, schools, stock markets, etc. Based on their applications, the software can be classified into different types:-
Software in a computer system refers to a collection of programs or instructions that guide the computer to perform specific tasks. It acts as the brain of the system, directing the hardware to respond to user commands. Software allows users to carry out functions such as document creation, calculations, web browsing, and multimedia use. Common examples include MS Word for word processing, MS Excel for data analysis, and PowerPoint for presentations.
System Software
System software is essential for running and managing the computer hardware and basic system operations. It acts as a translator between machine language used by hardware and the high-level languages used in user applications. By converting instructions both ways, it enables effective communication between software applications and physical components. Moreover, it offers critical services and controls to help application software function properly. In essence, system software forms the backbone of any computing system, ensuring that both the user and applications can interact smoothly with the machine.
Types of System Software
1. Operating System (OS)
An Operating System is the most important type of system software. It manages computer hardware and provides an environment for application software to run. It handles tasks such as memory management, process scheduling, file storage, and input/output control. Without an OS, users would not be able to interact with the computer efficiently. Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux.
2. Language Processor
Language processors translate programming code into machine code so that the CPU can understand and execute instructions. These include compilers, interpreters, and assemblers. They help programmers write code in high-level languages and convert it to low-level instructions. Examples: C compiler, Java interpreter, assembler.
3. Device Driver
Device drivers are programs that allow the operating system to communicate with hardware devices. They act as a bridge between the OS and external or internal hardware like printers, keyboards, or graphics cards. Without drivers, these devices wouldn’t function correctly. Examples: Printer drivers, display drivers, sound card drivers.
Features of System Software
Closer to the computer system: System software directly interacts with hardware and manages system-level operations.
Written in low-level language: It's mostly developed using low-level languages like C or assembly for hardware-level control.
Complex to design and understand: It manages crucial operations and is harder to develop than application software due to its complexity.
Operates at fast speed: System software performs critical tasks quickly to keep the system functioning efficiently.
Less interactive than application software: It usually runs in the background with minimal user interface and interaction.
Application Software
Application software is designed to help users perform specific tasks such as writing documents, managing data, or editing images. It includes programs like word processors, spreadsheets, and custom business applications that fulfill day-to-day or specialized user needs.
Types of Application Software
1. General Purpose Software
These are applications developed for general user needs and can be used by a wide audience. They include commonly used tools for productivity and entertainment. Examples: MS Word, Google Chrome, VLC Media Player.
2. Customized Software
Customized software is specially designed to meet the specific requirements of a business or user. It's tailored for unique workflows and operational processes. Examples: Payroll software for a company, School Management System.
3. Utility Software
Utility software performs maintenance and optimization tasks on a computer. It helps in managing system resources and improving efficiency. Examples: Antivirus programs, disk cleaners, backup software.
Features of Application Software
Performs specialized tasks: Built to carry out specific functions such as word processing or photo editing.
Requires more storage space: Needs more memory than system software due to graphical interfaces and features.
Highly interactive and user-friendly: Designed with interfaces that are easy for end-users to operate.
Easy to design and understand: Developed using high-level languages, making development more accessible.
Written in high-level programming languages: Languages like Java, Python, or C# are used for simplicity and readability.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software
Feature
System Software
Application Software
Purpose
Manages hardware and basic system functions
Performs specific user-oriented tasks
Language Used
Low-level languages (e.g., C, Assembly)
High-level languages (e.g., Java, Python)
User Interaction
Less interactive, runs in the background
Highly interactive with user-friendly interfaces
Importance to System
Essential for system operation
Optional, used based on user requirements
Dependency
Works independently of application software
Depends on system software to function
Types of Software in Software Engineering: Explained with Examples
System Software System Software is a collection of programs that helps to provide services to other programs. Infrastructure software like compilers, drivers, editors, and operating systems comes under the system software category. Suppose a computer system is considered a layered structure; system software interfaces between user and hardware. They help us to manage the computer system itself.
Real-Time Software Real-time software is used to maintain real-time applications. They help control, monitor, and analyze real-world events as they occur. This software allows us to gather real-time data and process these data to provide a valuable output. One usage of this software is in the meteorological department for weather forecasting. It collects live data of temperature, humidity, and several other environmental parameters and processes them to forecast the weather.
Embedded Software Embedded software is embedded in the Read-Only Memory of the product and controls the products' various functions. These products could be aircraft, automobiles, signalling systems, security systems, and control units of power plants. This software is designed for a specific purpose to increase the functionality and reliability for achieving a particular task. This software comes less in contact with the user and more with the products' hardware.
Business Software Significant applications of software are in Business applications. Their usage in business applications is the largest application area. Inventory management, Account management-employee management, payroll management, file monitoring system, enterprise resources planning (ERP) are famous examples of some business software. This software helps to process business applications and uses data warehousing tools to make business decisions based on available data.
Personal Computer Software Software used in personal computers comes under this category. This software includes word processors, computer graphics, games, animating tools, photoshop, multimedia, video editing tools, etc. It is one of the very upcoming areas and has a vast potential market. As a result, many big organizations have started developing personal computer software.
Artificial Intelligence Software Artificial Intelligence Software mimics human behaviour based on various data patterns and insights. They use non-numerical algorithms to solve complex problems that are not solvable using straightforward analysis. Software like a virtual assistant, expert, pattern recognition, voice recognition, artificial neural network, and processing tools come under the Artificial intelligence Software category.
Scientific Software Software that serves the purpose of scientists and engineers to perform a specific task by an empirical, scientific approach to find an efficient solution that solves the practical problems. This software is developed for specific scientific applications, e.g., MATLAB, ORCAD, AUTOCAD comes under this category.
Networking and Web Applications Required Support needed by the computer to interact with each other is provided by Networking and Web Applications Software. This software is used when the computers are interconnected. Network management software, server software, encryption software, and software to develop web applications like HTML PHP comes under this category.
Program is just one part of the software. A software combines these programs, associated files or libraries, and documentation. When this software is made to fulfil a specific purpose, they are called software products.
Which type of software works as an interface between hardware and user?
System software works as an interface between the user and the computer hardware. System Software is a collection of programs that helps to provide services to other programs. Infrastructure software like compilers, drivers, editors, and operating systems comes under the system software category.
Why is Embedded software embedded in Read-only memory?
Embedded software is embedded in the Read-Only Memory of the product to control the products' various functions. This software is designed for a specific purpose to increase the functionality and reliability for achieving a particular task.
Conclusion
In this blog, we have discussed the software and its type. Along with that, We have also explored the software and its product.
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