Software Concepts
software is a set of instructions that achieve a single outcome are called program or procedure. Many programs functioning together to do a task make a software.
There are three categories of software
System Software
Application Software
Utility Software
Let us discuss in detail.
System Software
system software runs the hardware parts of the computer and other application software. System software acts as an interface between hardware and user applications.
Based on its function, system software is categories in to three types −
Operating System
Operating System is responsible for functioning of all hardware parts and their interoperability to carry out tasks successfully . OS manages a basic functions of computer , like storing data , retrieving files, scheduling tasks, etc.
Language Processor
Language Processor is a system software used to convert all user instructions into machine understandable language.
languages processors are categories in to three types −
Machine-level language − This language is nothing but a string of 0s and 1s that the machines can understand. It is completely machine dependent.
Assembly-level language – This language defining mnemonics. Mnemonics are English like words or symbols used to denote a long string of 0s and 1s. Assembly level language is machine dependent.
High level language −This language is completely independent of machines. Programs written
.
There are three types of language interpreters−
Assembler − Converts assembly level program into machine level program.
Interpreter − Converts high level programs into machine level program.
Compiler − Converts high level programs into machine level programs.
Device Drivers
Device Driver controls and monitors functioning of a specific device on computer. device like printer, scanner, microphone, speaker, etc.
Application Software
is a software that performs a single task. Application software are very specialized in their function and approach to solving a problem.
commonly used application software are−
Word processing ,Spreadsheet, Presentation ,Database management ,Multimedia tools.
Utility Software
Utility Software assist system software in doing their work . utility software is actually a cross between system software and application software.
Examples of utility software are-
Antivirus software, Disk management tools, File management tools, Compression tools, Backup tools.