System Software and Application software

Software, in general, is a set of programs that direct computers to perform required functions. Basically, a software program is a set of instructions for a computer. In simple terms, you can refer to all programs that are written to be executed on a computer. The programs are written in many different languages called programming languages. The software component of the computer is the predetermined program or instructions which is loaded into CPU's RAM for execution. In some computer systems, these software packages are loaded by the manufacturer as a part of the specifications given in that particular model.

Functions of Software

The main function of the software is to perform the hardware into desired job. For different jobs, different software is designed and developed. The general application software is for Word processing, spreadsheets, graphics, etc. whereas specific purpose application software is for specific tasks like Accounts, Income Tax, Library Management, Ticket Booking, Hospital Management, etc. System Software is designed for handling system control programs which include operating systems, Database Management Systems, Communication, etc. System software supports programs which include utilities, job, accounting, etc.

Types of Software:

There is a conflict of opinion in grouping software. Some want it should be grouped into four types Application Software, Utility Software, and Software Package. System Software is a collection of programs that helps in the execution of Application software programs. Application  Software performs specialized functions like Accounting or Ticket Booking. Utility software is a program that performs routine work,  like compressing data, copying files, etc. A software package is a computer application consisting of a set of programs, which is developed to perform a specific type of work. Software packages are generally integrated, which means they are grouped into modules. Each module handles a particular task. For example, in Library Management Software,  which contains modules like Acquisition, Cataloguing, Circulation, Serial Control, Administration, etc. But many people want it to keep mainly into two types of software:

1.   System Software - System Software is a set of one or more programs, that support and control the operation of the computer. System Software helps in running of computer system effectively and efficiently. Basically, System Software supports the smooth running of peripheral devices and monitoring the use of computer hardware. There are different types of system software:

a) Firmware – Frequently used programs that the computer executes are permanently stored in ROM chips. These programs are available to the CPU immediately whenever it needs. These programs are categorized as Firmware. Firmware is necessary to work as the boot-up programs that are written to start the computer are also in the form of Firmware.

b)    Operating system – The operating system is the powerhouse or master control program for the computer. It helps to control the computer and helps to perform different tasks. The operating system helps in performing memory management, file management, program interaction, communication networking, graphics, and other utilities.

c)   Translators – It helps to translate one language into another. So a translator is mainly related to computer language. In the case of a computer, its hardware part only can operate when instructions are in machine language. There are different types of translators for different categories of languages. for Example Assemblers for assembly language, Interpreters, and Compilers for a high-level language.

Application Software :

Application Software performs specialized functions. Application Software Packages are created to perform a particular task for an individual or organization. Examples are Adobe Photoshop, M.S.Word, M.S.Excel, Page Maker, Coral Draw, M.S.PowerPoint, M.S.Photo Editor, AutoCAD, etc. The following are the Application Software discussed below:

a)    Data-Base Management System – A Data Base Management System (DBMS) is a set of programs that are designed to manage large structured sets of data, offering Query options.DBMS deals with all complex databases. It can control the organization's storage and retrieval of data from its databases.

b)    Word Processor – A Word processing package helps in creating, editing, formatting, storing, retrieving text material, and printing it. A word processor is software that helps to produce documents faster and in better format as compared to typewriters. The tasks of editing and deleting sentences, paragraphs, spelling and grammar checking, etc are easier.

c) Desktop Publishing – It is a new technology but in less time it is widely used. Laser Printers produce pages with high resolution.

d)    Presentation Software- This software provides special graphics to exploit the effects of the movie. M.S.PowerPoint is a presentation tool that helps to create slides and then these slides are displayed at the time of presentation.

e)    Spreadsheets – This is a generated worksheet that consists of the number of rows and columns to be filled with any set of data and later manipulated.it is a useful tool for tabulations and data analysis. For example M.S.Excel.

f)     Graphics – Adobe Photoshop software provides facilities for image editing with lots of new features. This software helps to explore your creative values.

g)  Audio and Video Software – It is now available in digitized form and played with a computer. Microsoft Media Player is easily available with Microsoft Windows. It is a universal media player one can use to receive audio videos in the most popular formats.

h)   Painting software- Paint is an application that is available on a computer where kids draw sketches and paint them. One can draw simple or advanced drawings.

i) Communication Software- Now as the everyone uses internet communication applications are in great demand. Zoom, Skype, Webex, Google Meet, etc help in video conferencing.

j)     Browsers- This is the application software that helps to run the World Wide Web or we can say Internet. Microsoft Internet Explorer, Opera, Google Chrome, etc. area  few Browsers.