Software
Software, instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system. The term was coined to differentiate these instructions from hardware — i.e., the physical components of a computer system. A set of instructions that directs a computer’s hardware to perform a task is called a program, or software program.
Every day we interact with software created by expert software development companies that helps us perform tasks and increase our efficiency. From the Microsoft Windows that greet us when we turn on the computer to the browser we use to surf the web, and the application on our smartphone that guides us on how many calories did we burn today! Each one of these different types of software helps us perform our day to day tasks either directly or indirectly.
Today there are numerous cutting-edge technologies and software available to us that define the way we lead our lives and accommodate our changing needs. The myriad of software and their distinctions can be overwhelming for anyone. Especially if you do not understand the different types of software available and their users well enough.
But don’t worry! This is a complete guide to software, their types, and examples that will help clear all your confusion. In this article, you will understand what is software, what are its major types, their uses, and applications. Let’s continue reading for a discussion on the function of types of software applications and examples of trendy software types that you must be familiar with.
What Are The Two Major Software Types?
The 4 types of computer software are:
- Application Software
- System Software
- Programming Software
- Driver Software
Application Software
As a user of technology, application software or ‘apps’ are what you engage with the most. These types of computer software are productive end-user programs that help you perform tasks. Following are some examples of application software that allow you to do specific work:
- MS Excel: It is spreadsheet software that you can use for presenting and analyzing data.
- Photoshop: It is a photo editing application software by Adobe. You can use it to visually enhance, share your pictures.
- Skype: It is an online communication app that you can use for video chat.
System Software
System software helps the user, hardware, and application software to interact and function together. These types of computer software allow an environment or platform for other software and applications to work in. This is why system software is essential in managing the whole computer system.When you first power up your computer, it is the system software that is initially loaded into memory. Unlike application software, the System software is not used by end-users like you. It only runs in the background of your device, at the most basic level while you use other application software. This is why system software is also called “low-level software”.
Operating systems are an example of system software. All of your computer-like devices run on an operating system, including your desktop, laptop, smartphone, and tablet, etc. Here is a list of examples of an operating system. Let’s take a look and you might spot some familiar names of system software:
For desktop computers, laptops and tablets:
- Microsoft Windows
- Mac (for Apple devices)
- Linux
For smartphones:
- Apple’s iOS
- Google’s Android
- Windows Phone OS
Other than operating systems, some people also classify programming software and driver software as types of system software. However, we will discuss them individually in the next two sections.
Programming Software
Programming software is the type of software that is not used by end-users. It is not for you unless, of course, you are a programmer who writes code. Programming software are programs that are used to write, develop, test, and debug other software, including apps and system software. For someone who works at a bespoke software development company, for example, this type of software would make their life easier and efficient.
Driver Software
Driver software is often classified as one of the types of system software. They operate and control devices and peripherals plugged into a computer. Drivers are important because they enable the devices to perform their designated tasks. They do this by translating commands of an Operating System for the Hardware or devices, assigning duties. Therefore, each device connected with your computer requires at least one device driver to function.
