Computer Software

Computer Software

Software is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on an operating system. Software is the way to perform different tasks electronically. Software is a set of rules to perform a specific task. 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 the 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.

The term software refers to a set of computer programs, procedures, and associated documents (flowcharts, manuals, etc.) describing the programs, and how they are to be used.
Software package is a group of programs that solve a specific problem or perform a specific type of job. For sample, a word-processing package may contain programs for text editing, text formatting, drawing graphics, spelling checking, etc. Hence, a multipurpose computer system, like a personal computer in your home, has several software packages, one each for every type of job it can perform. Software is a collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer or have the computer perform specific tasks for them. Without any software the computer would be useless.

Types of Software

Software can be broadly classified in two categories:
1. System Software
2. Application Software

System software

System software is a set of one or more programs designed to control the operation and extend the processing capability of a computer system. In general, a computer‘s system software performs one or more of the functions.

Application software

Application software is a set of one or more programs designed to solve a specific problem, or do a specific task. For example, payroll processing software, examination results processing software, railway/airline reservation software, computer games software are all application software. Similarly, a program written by a scientist to solve a research problem is also application software. The programs included in an application software package are called application programs. The programmers who prepare application software are referred to as application programmers.

The hierarchy of software, hardware and users