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IT TOOLS AND BUSINESS SYSTEM
Chapter : 2.11 Computer Software
Topic : 2.11.1 Computer Software
Computer Software
Computer software is also known as computer programs, is the non-tangible
component of computers.
Computer software contrasts with computer hardware, which is the physical
component of computers.
The information technology stands firmly on two legs, such as
Hardware
Software
Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be
realistically used without the other.
Hardware
Hardware is formed as the physical components of computer system
All of the hardware parts may do different tasks.
Without the hardware, there is no computers.
Software
Software is basically a set of instructions grouped into programs that make
the computer to function in the desired way.
It is collection of programs to perform a particular task.
There are so many different types of softwares available for different
purposes.
Without the software, we cannot do any task using the computer.
Software is usually written in high-level programming languages that are
easier and more efficient for humans to use than machine language.
Types of Software
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The software is widely available and there may be vast and a variety of software.
Software are categorized into,
System Software
Application Software
FIG 2.46: Computer Software
System Software
Systems software is a set of instructions that serves primarily as an intermediary
between computer hardware and application programs, and may also be directly
manipulated by knowledgeable users.
It makes the operation of a computer system more effective and efficient.
Systems software provides important self-regulatory functions for computer
systems, such as
Loading itself when the computer is turned on.
Managing hardware resources such as secondary storage for all applications.
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Providing commonly used sets of instructions for all applications to use.
Without using the system software, there may be no computer program that can
run on a computer system.
So the system software is an important or indispensable part of the computer
system.
Types of System Software
Operating System
Utility Programs
Operating System
Operating System is an important system software found almost in all computers.
Operating is defined as the program, that instructs the computer how to work with
its various components.
It helps to manage files and checks the various peripheral devices such as
printers, monitors, etc.
The operating system itself is a collection of programs, these programs translate
our instructions to the computer's language.
And then translate the computer's response from computer's language to the
user understandable form.
Utility Programs
Utility software is a type of system software designed to help analyze, config,
optimize and maintain the computer.
A single piece of utility software is usually called a utility or tool.
Utility software should not be confused with application software, which allows
users to do things like creating text documents, playing games, listening to music
or surfing the web.
Rather than providing these kinds of user-oriented or output-oriented
functionality, utility software usually focuses on how the computer infrastructure
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(including the computer hardware, operating system, application software and
data storage) operates.
Due to this focus, utilities are often rather technical and targeted at people with
an advanced level of computer knowledge.
Examples of utility software include,
Virus scanner - to protect the system from viruses.
Disk defragmenter - to speed up the hard disk.
System monitor - to look at the current system resources.
File managers - to add, delete, rename and move files and folders.
Application Software
Application software is computer software, designed to help the user to perform
singular or multiple related specific tasks.
They act as instructions which direct the hardware to perform specific functions.
Application software cannot be operated unable to run without the operating
system and system utilities.
Application software can be used as a productivity/business tool; to assist with
graphics and multimedia projects.
Examples of Application Software
Microsoft Word
Microsoft PowerPoint
Macromedia Freehand
Adobe Photoshop
CorelDraw
Note: Above & below mentioned software/Logos are of respective vendors.
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