Types of Software

A collection of instructions, data, or programmes used to run computers and carry out specific activities is referred to as software. It is the inverse of hardware, which describes a computer’s physical components. Software is a catch-all term for apps, scripts, and programmes that execute on a device. It is the changeable portion of a computer, while hardware is the invariable part. A programme is a collection of instructions that instructs the device on how to operate. Those instructions are written in computer-readable code.

Logic and the input-process-output concept are at the heart of all software.

Software requires information to function, i.e. input. Consider pressing a button on your phone. It then asks a series of questions based on a predefined set of rules. What occurs as a response is referred to as the output. 

Types of Software

Essentially, computer software may be split into three types of computer software based on its function and application. These are system software, sometimes known as the operating system, application software, and programming languages. Most of us interact with computers via application software.

1) System Software

System software enables the user, the computer or mobile device, and an application to function in unison. As a result, system software is essential for executing any kind of application software as well as the whole computer system.

Types of Software: System Software

• Utilities

Utilities are software applications installed on a computer to enhance its operation. The utility is a small software that may give certain extra functionality beyond the capabilities of an operating system. Utility software includes things like antivirus and backup.

• Firmwares

This is often encoded into a computer’s hardware during the manufacturing process. It is utilised in hardware devices to execute software applications. Devices with firmware include embedded systems, mobile phones, and computer peripherals.

• Device drivers

A device driver is computer software that can provide an interface to the hardware to communicate with it. It may instruct the operating system and other applications on interacting with hardware devices.

2) Application Software

This is the most prevalent sort of computer software, and it is described as end-user applications that assist you in performing activities or achieving the desired result. Application software is loaded on a computer or mobile device depending on the user’s requirements.

Types of Software: Application Software

• Web Browsers

Web browsers make it simple to navigate the internet as a software application. You may use these to find information on the internet rapidly.

• Presentation Software

It enables the simple visual presentation of data via numerous tools. Slides are a simple way to show information.

• Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheet software allows for the representation of data in tabular form. They make it simple to calculate using formulae and functions.

• Graphic Software

Graphic software makes it simple to alter visual data. It frees up space for image modification and illustration.

• Word Processors

Text formulation, beautification, and manipulation are all possible with word processor software. They have a broad range of capabilities that enable efficient text consolidation and editing.

3) Programming Software

While application software is meant for end-users and system software is built for computers or mobile devices, programming software is developed for computer programmers and developers who write code. These are the programmes used to create, develop, test, and debug other software applications.

Example of Computer Software

Let us understand different computer software discussed above with the help of real-life examples and use-cases.

System Software

Operating systems (OS) such as macOS, GNU/Linux, Android, and Microsoft Windows are examples of system software. Computational scientific software, gaming engines, search engines, industrial automation, and software as a service application are other examples of system software.

Application Software

Microsoft Word, spreadsheets, VLC media player, Firefox or Google Chrome, accounting applications, photo editors, mobile apps such as video games, Whatsapp, and so on are examples of application software.

Application software also includes software that is produced internally or externally to meet the specific demands of a business, like the examples of application software mentioned above. Application software is always dependent on an operating system.

Programming Software

Every day, millions of individuals utilise the most popular software application platforms. They are intended to assist with specialised tasks, streamline processes, and increase team communication.

The Microsoft Suite: Office, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.

Internet Browsers: Firefox, Chrome, Safari, Internet Explorer

Music Software: Pandora, Apple Music, Spotify

Communication Software: Slack, Skype, Zoom, Teams

Conclusion

In contrast to the system’s physical components, software is a programme that allows a computer to do a certain task. This comprises application software, such as a word processor, which allows a user to complete a task, and system software, such as an operating system, allowing other software to operate effectively by interacting with hardware and other software.

Practical computer systems divide software into three types of computer software: system software, programming software, and application software. Computer software must be “loaded” into a computer’s storage device (such as a hard drive, memory, or RAM).