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Basic Computer Software
Submitted By: marc abraham in Computer Tips category
 Most of us are aware of the word ‘software’ as a thing in a computer which enables us to play video games, view websites or make use of power point or word for enabling our tasks.
So what precisely is software? Well, software is the general term we use to describe all the things which our computer does for us, this includes programs, procedures and documentation.
There are three kinds of software which are also known as basic computer software. These are –programming software, systems software and application software. Let us talk about them one by one.
- Systems software: This is the most commonly used software as it gives a protective shield to all the softwares. Basically it is a collection of operating system, servers, device drivers, windowing system and utilities which help in running computer hardware and computer system. It also includes compilers, loaders and debuggers. It helps an application programmer in abstracting away from hardware, memory and other internal complexities of a computer.
System software is divided into two main categories—operating system and utility programs.
- Operating System: Operating system conducts communication between various pieces of hardware like video card, sound card, printer or motherboard. It performs three tasks---
- Allocates resources
- Monitors activities
- Manages disks and files.
- Utility programs: These programs perform the task related to computer maintenance like securing hard drive or database. These are present in the form of file management, disk management, data recovery programs. These programs also include security software in the form of anti virus, anti spy ware and Firewall and protect our computer from the attacks of virus, worms and Trojans.
- Programming software: This type of software comes in the form of tools and helps the programmers in writing computer programs. Its tools are compilers, linkers, interpreters and text editors.
Programming software is used by a small number of users compared to the operating system. Most used programming languages are C and Java.
JAVA is used for creating internet applications and C is the builder of operating system.
- Application software: This type of software is used for enabling the required tasks of the end user. It is also used for commercial purposes like business software, databases and educational software’s.
The most general example is the use of Word, Excel, Power Point from Microsoft which interacts with the machine and work according to us. Some other examples of application software are use of web browser, internet explorer, Mozilla firefox, media player etc. The most popular form of application software is computer game.
These basic softwares are a must for your computer in order for it to work efficiently. You can also add additional software’s for virus protection or playing games and shape up your computer according to your needs.
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