4.0 INTRODUCTION and 4.1 OBJECTIVES

 Computer system combines software and hardware to provide a mechanism to solve some specific tasks. In the previous unit, we had discussed some hardware devices i.e. input and output devices and their functions. In this unit, we will discuss topics related to software and their types such as systems software, applications software, utility software etc.

Without software, a computer will remain just like a metal box. With software, a computer can store, retrieve, solve different types of problems, create friendly environment for software development.

Now, let us understand the term software.

In Computer Science, the term software means a sets of instructions in the form of a program to control the processing of computer. These programs are used for various purposes in the computer system. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called “program”. The process of software development is also called programming.

Computer software can be broadly classified into two categories according to its purpose.

Systemes software and Applications software

System software supports a general programming environment for development and security of different units of programs by programmers. Such environment is not supported at hardware level. Operating system is a part of system software.

Application software is used for solving a specific problem for inventory, payroll, spreadsheet, word processor and presentation software etc.

There is a common misconception amongst individuals that software is data (or set of data). But it is not. Software tells the hardware how to process the data. Computer software provides instructions that tell the computer how to operate.

Both hardware and software are necessary for a computer to do useful job. Both are complementary to each other. To take an analogy, a cassette player and the cassettes purchased from the market are hardware. However, the songs recorded on the cassettes are a form of software. The software and hardware are necessary components of computer. To understand a computer software it is desirable to understand programming language. Programming languages constitute the vehicle for understanding the operations of computer hardware and software. In this unit you will learn about softwre.

4.1 OBJECTIVES

After studying this unit you should be able to understand:

  • · the basic concepts of software;
  • · differentiate between application software and system software;
  • · various categories of software;
  • · batch processing system, multiprogramming system; and
  • · development stages in operating system.

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