Software Basics

A computer consists of hardware and software for its proper functioning.

Hardware represents the physical and tangible components of the computer i.e. the components that can be seen and touched. Example, input and output devices, CPU, hard disk, etc.

Software represents the set of programs that govern the operation of a computer system and make the hardware run. 

There are two categories of software :

• System Software
• Application Software 

System software

The software that controls internal computer operations (i.e. reading data from input devices, transmitting processed information to the output devices, checking system components, converting data to computer understandable form etc.) is called system software. It controls the hardware and helps application software run properly.

System Software includes following types of software :

• Operating System
• Language Processor
• Utility Software
• Device Drivers

Operating System

An operating system is a program which acts as an interface between a user and hardware and controls all other components of computer system. The primary goal of an operating system is to make computer system convenient to use and to use computer hardware in an efficient manner.

Operating System performs following functions :

1. loads necessary programs into the memory which are required for proper functioning of computer.
2. provides the instructions to prepare user-interface i.e., way to interact with user.
3. manages the way information is stored on and retrieved from disks.
4. coordinates how programs work with the CPU, keyboard, mouse, printer and other hardware and software. 

Language Processor

A language processor is a computer software that can translate the source code into an object code or machine code. 

Note :- Source code is the program code written in programming laguage while object code is the machine language or binary code.

There are three types of language processors : 

(i) Assembler - It converts the program written in assembly language into machine language.

(ii) Interpreter - It translates and executes the computer program line-by-line.

(iii) Compiler - It translates and executes the computer program in one go.

Utility Software

Utility software are programs that ensure the smooth functioning of the computer. They are application programs that assist the computer by backing up disk or scanning and cleaning viruses or arranging information etc. 
Some commonly used utility softwares are :- 

(i) Antivirus Software - It ensures virus-free work environment.

(ii) File Management tool :- In order to work efficiently there are numerous file management tools available that can help you in tasks like browse, search, arrange, find etc.

(iii) Compression tools - It ensures compression of large files so that they take less storage area.

Device Drivers

Device drivers are the programs written for operating system as to work with different hardware devices.

They are programs that contains set of instructions for the operating system detailing how best to operate or drive a certain hardware device. 

Application Software

An application software is the set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specified application.

These are the programs written by programmers to enable computer to perform a task such as processing words, inventory control, handling calculations and figures, medical accounting, billing, etc.

Some of the application software are :-

• Word processing software - A package that process textual matter and creates organized and flawless document. Example, Word, Wordstar, Softward etc.
• Electronic Spreadsheets - It is a program that accepts data in tabular form and allows user to manipulate / calculate / analyze data in the desired manner. Example, Excel, Calc , etc.
• Database management systems - It is a package that can handle and manage bulk of stored data. Example, MySQL, Oracle , etc.
• Graphic Software - It is a software that manipulates images. Example, PowerPoint,Adobe, etc .