These are the computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically is software.Or it can be said as the intangible part of a computer, which has a collection of computer programs together with the related data.
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Categories of computer
Software is divided into three categories:
- System Software:- Includes the operating system and all the utilities that enable the computer to function.
- Application Software:- Includes programs that do real work for users. For example, word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems fall under the category of applications software.
- Programming language:- A vocabulary and set of grammatical rules for instructing a computer to perform specific tasks. The term programming language usually refers to high-level languages, such as BASIC, C, C++, COBOL, FORTRAN, Ada, and Pascal.
Software layers
Application Program
An application program (sometimes shortened to application) is any program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program. Examples of application programs include word processors; database programs; Web browsers; development tools; drawing, paint, and image editing programs; and communication programs. Application programs use the services of the computer's operating system and other supporting programs.
Operating System
An operating system or OS, is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.
Functions of Operating System :-
- Starting and shutting down a computer
- Providing a user interface
- Managing programs
- Managing memory
- Coordinating tasks
- Configuring devices
- Establishing an internet connection
- Monitoring performance
- Providing file management and other utilities
- Updating software automatically
- Controlling a network
- Administering security
Device Drivers
A device driver is a program that controls a particular type of device that is attached to your computer. There are device drivers for printers, displays, CD-ROM readers, diskette drives, and so on. When you buy an operating system, many device drivers are built into the product.
System Software
The part that is typically involved in system software is the BIOS – Basic Input Output System. It provides a small library of basic input / output functions used to operate and control the peripheral devices.
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