Software and its types
What is a Software?
Software is a collection of instructions, data, or computer programs that are used to run machines and
carry out particular activities.
In a computer system, the software is basically a set of instructions or commands that tell a computer
what to do. In other words, the software is a computer program that provides a set of instructions to
execute a user’s commands and tell the computer what to do. For example like MS-Word, MS-
Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Types of Software
It is a collection of data that is given to the computer to complete a particular task. The chart below
describes the types of software:
Above is the diagram of types of software. Now we will briefly describe each type and its subtypes:
1. System Software
Operating System
Language Processor
Device Driver
2. Application Software
General Purpose Software
Customize Software
Utility Software
System Software
System software is software that directly operates the computer hardware and provides the basic
functionality to the users as well as to the other software to operate smoothly.
In other words, system software basically controls a computer’s internal functioning and also controls
hardware devices such as monitors, printers, and storage devices, etc.
It is like an interface between hardware and user applications, it helps them to communicate with each
other because hardware understands machine language(i.e. 1 or 0) whereas user applications are work
in human-readable languages like English, Hindi, German, etc. so system software converts the human-
readable language into machine language and vice versa.
Types of System Software
It has two subtypes which are:
1. Operating System: It is the main program of a computer system. When the computer system ON
it is the first software that loads into the computer’s memory. Basically, it manages all the
resources such as computer memory, CPU, printer, hard disk, etc., and provides an interface to
the user, which helps the user to interact with the computer system. It also provides various
services to other computer software. Examples of operating systems are Linux, Apple
macOS, Microsoft Windows, etc.
2. Language Processor: As we know that system software converts the human-readable language
into a machine language and vice versa. So, the conversion is done by the language processor. It
converts programs written in high-level programming languages like Java, C, C++, Python, etc
(known as source code), into sets of instructions that are easily readable by machines (known as
object code or machine code).
3. Device Driver: A device driver is a program or software that controls a device and helps that
device to perform its functions. Every device like a printer, mouse, modem, etc. needs a driver to
connect with the computer system eternally. So, when you connect a new device with your
computer system, first you need to install the driver of that device so that your operating system
knows how to control or manage that device.
Features of System Software
Let us discuss some of the features of System Software:
System Software is closer to the computer system.
System Software is written in a low-level language in general.
System software is difficult to design and understand.
System software is fast in speed (working speed).
System software is less interactive for the users in comparison to application software.
Application Software
Software that performs special functions or provides functions that are much more than the basic
operation of the computer is known as application software.
Or in other words, application software is designed to perform a specific task for end-users. It is a
product or a program that is designed only to fulfill end-users’ requirements.
It includes word processors, spreadsheets, database management, inventory, payroll programs, etc.
Types of Application Software
There are different types of application software and those are:
1. General Purpose Software: This type of application software is used for a variety of tasks and it
is not limited to performing a specific task only. For example, MS-Word, MS-Excel, PowerPoint,
etc.
2. Customized Software: This type of application software is used or designed to perform specific
tasks or functions or designed for specific organizations. For example, railway reservation
system, airline reservation system, invoice management system, etc.
3. Utility Software: This type of application software is used to support the computer
infrastructure. It is designed to analyze, configure, optimize and maintains the system, and take
care of its requirements as well. For example, antivirus, disk fragmenter, memory tester, disk
repair, disk cleaners, registry cleaners, disk space analyzer, etc.
Features of Application Software
Let us discuss some of the features of Application Software:
An important feature of application software is it performs more specialized tasks like word
processing, spreadsheets, email, etc.
Mostly, the size of the software is big, so it requires more storage space.
Application software is more interactive for the users, so it is easy to use and design.
The application software is easy to design and understand.
Application software is written in a high-level language in general.
Difference Between System Software and Application Software
Now, let us discuss some difference between system software and application software:
System Software Application Software
It is designed to manage the resources of the
It is designed to fulfill the requirements of the
computer system, like memory and process
user for performing specific tasks.
management, etc.
Written in a low-level language. Written in a high-level language.
Less interactive for the users. More interactive for the users.
Application software is not so important for
System software plays vital role for the effective
the functioning of the system, as it is task
functioning of a system.
specific.
It is independent of the application software to run. It needs system software to run.
