Computer - Software

Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well-defined function. A program is a sequence of instructions written to solve a particular problem.

There are two types of software −

System Software


Application Software


System Software

The system software is a collection of programs designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer itself. System software is generally prepared by the computer manufacturers. These software products comprise of programs written in low-level languages, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level. System software serves as the interface between the hardware and the end users.

Some examples of system software are Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter, Assemblers, etc.

Here is a list of some of the most prominent features of a system software −

Close to the system


Fast in speed


Difficult to design


Difficult to understand


Less interactive


Smaller in size


Difficult to manipulate


Generally written in low-level language


Application Software

Application software products are designed to satisfy a particular need of a particular environment. All software applications prepared in the computer lab can come under the category of Application software.

Application software may consist of a single program, such as Microsoft's notepad for writing and editing a simple text. It may also consist of a collection of programs, often called a software package, which work together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet package.

Examples of Application software are the following −

Payroll Software


Student Record Software


Inventory Management Software


Income Tax Software


Railways Reservation Software


Microsoft Office Suite Software


Microsoft Word


Microsoft Excel


Microsoft PowerPoint


 

Features of application software are as follows −

Close to the user


Easy to design


More interactive


Slow in speed


Generally written in high-level language


Easy to understand


Easy to manipulate and use


Bigger in size and requires large storage space