Types of software
- 2. WHAT IS SOFTWARE? WHAT IS HARDWARE?
- 3. Computer software, or just software, is any set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer's processor to perform specific operations. The term is used to contrast with computer hardware, the physical objects (processor and related devices) that carry out the instructions.
- 4. Computer software is a set of programs, procedures, functions, associated data and/or its documentation, if any. Program software performs the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to the digital electronics or by serving as an input to another piece of software. Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only.
- 6. SYSTEM SOFTWARE is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware, to provide basic functionality, and to provide a platform for running application software. System software includes device drivers, operating systems, servers, utilities, and window systems. -
- 7. UTILITY SOFTWARE is software such as anti-virus software, firewalls, disk defragmenters and so on which helps to maintain and protect the computer system but does not directly interface with the hardware.
- 8. APPLICATION SOFTWARE •and scripts were historically defined as all the software that uses the computer system to perform useful work (or entertainment functions) beyond the basic operation of the computer itself. However, in practice the distinction between system software and application software is often blurred due to bundling of useful applications with the operating system.
- 9. •Application software includes desktop applications such as web browsers and Microsoft Office, as well as smartphone and tablet applications (called "apps").
- 10. Javascript scripts are pieces of software traditionally embedded in web pages that are run directly inside the web browser when a web page is loaded, without the need for a web browser plugin. Software written in other programming languages can also be run within the web browser if the software is either translated into Javascript, or if a web browser plugin that supports that language is installed; the most common example of the latter is ActionScript scripts, which are supported by the Adobe Flash plugin.
- 11. EMBEDDED SOFTWARE resides as firmware within embedded systems, devices dedicated to a single use or a few uses such as cars and televisions (although some embedded devices such as wireless chipsets can themselves be part of an ordinary, non-embedded computer system such as a PC or smartphone)