What Is Software? Describe Different Categories / Types Of Software
Software
A set of instructions given to computer to solve a problem is called software. Software is also known as program. Computer software specify a sequence of operations to be performed by computer. A computer works according to the instructions written in software.
Types of Software
Software can be divided into the following categories:
Software
System software , Application software
1. System Software
System Software is set of programs to control and manage the operations of computer hardware. It controls the usage and allocation of different hardware components. It enables application programs to execute properly. It controls the basic operations as follows:
• Saving data on disk
• Making computer to work for us
• Printing a document etc.
Examples of System Software
Some examples of system software are as follows:
• Operating System
• Utility Programs
• Device Drivers
2. Application Software
Application software is used to perform various applications on the computer. It helps a computer user to perform specific tasks. People use application software according to their needs. It is also known as application package.
Categories of Application Software
The main categories of application software are as follows:
a) Customized Software
Customized software is a type of application software that is designed for a particular customer or organization. It is developed to meet the exact requirements of a particular customer or organization. A Customized software can be developed by single programmer or a team of programmers. The cost of customized software is more than packaged software.
Example
A Software that is developed for a particular university is an example of customized software.
b) Package Software
Package software is a type of application software that is developed for sale to the general public. It is also known as off – the – shelf software. It enables the people to perform daily activities. Package software is normally developed by expert programmers.
Examples
Some examples of package software are as follows:
• Word processor such as MS word.
• Spreadsheet such as MS excel and Lotus 123 etc.
• Database software such as MS access and Oracle etc.
• Graphics software such as CorelDraw and Adobe Photoshop etc.
| System Software | Application Software |
| 1. It is general-purpose software | 1. It is specific purpose software |
| 2. It is used to manage computer resources. | 2. It is used to solve particular problems. |
| 3. It executes all the time in computer | 3. It executes as and when required. |
| 4. The number of system software is less than application software. | 4. The number of application software is much more than system software |
| 5. System software is essential for computer to work. | 5. Application software is not essential for a computer to work. |
What is input? What is the use of input devices? List out different types of input devices.
Input
Anything given to the computer is known as input such as data or instructions. There are two methods of entering data instructions into the computer:
1. Direct Input
In this method, data goes directly to the computer from the source. For example, a speech enters into the computer directly through microphone. The devices used for direct input are called source data input devices. Scanning devices, digital camera and microphone are examples of source data input devices.
2. Indirect Input
In this method, some intermediate handling is required to enter data. The data entered in computer through keyboard or mouse, are examples of indirect input.
Input Devices
An input device is a hardware component that is used to enter data and instructions into a computer. Input devices take data and instructions from the user and convert it in a form that is understandable by the computer.
There are three general types of input devices:
• Keyboards
• Pointing Devices
• Source data – entry devices
Category: Computer & IT
