Hello readers, now we are aware of basic fundamentals of computers and its history. Even we have learned about its functional units, how computer can perform and process data.
Today we will provide the information on Computer Software & Operating System which is the main part of using computer.
Computer Software
The software is the information that the computer uses to get the job done. Software needs to be accessed before it can be used. There are many terms used for process of accessing software including running, executing, starting up, opening, and others.
Computer programs allow users to complete tasks. A program can also be referred to as an application and the two words are used interchangeably.
Examples of software programs or applications would be the Operating System (DOS, Windows, UNIX, MacOS and various others), Wordprocessor (typing letters), Spreadsheet (financial info), Database (inventory control and address book), Graphics program, Internet Browser, Email and many others.
There are two types of software
System SoftwareApplication Software
System Software
System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs. If we think of the computer system as a layered model, the system software is the interface between the hardware and user applications.
Some examples of system software are Operating System, Compilers, Interpreter, and Assemblers etc.
Features of system software are as follows:
Close to systemFast in speedDifficult to designDifficult to understandLess interactiveSmaller in sizeDifficult to manipulateGenerally written in low-level language
Application Software
An application program is a computer program designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities for the benefit of the user. Examples of an application include a word processor, a spreadsheet, an accounting application, a web browser, a media player, an aeronautical flight simulator, a console game or a photo editor.
Application software may consist of a single program, such as a Microsoft's notepad for writing and editing 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 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 userEasy to designMore interactiveSlow in speedGenerally written in high-level languageEasy to understandEasy to manipulate and useBigger in size and requires large storage space
Operating System
An operating system or OS is a software program that enables the computer hardware to communicate and operate with the computer software. Without a computer operating system, a computer and software programs would be useless.
When computers were first introduced, the user interacted with them using a command line interface, which required commands. Today, almost every computer is using a Graphical User Interface (GUI) operating system that is much easier to use and operate.
Examples of computer operating systems
Microsoft Windows 7, 8, 10 - PC and IBM compatible operating system. Microsoft Windows is the most common and used operating system.
Apple MacOS - Apple Mac operating system. The only Apple computer operating system is MacOS.
Ubuntu Linux - A popular variant of Linux used with PC and IBM compatible computers.
Google Android - operating system used with Android compatible phones.
iOS - Operating system used with the Apple iPhone.