what is software

Software:

                 All computer program are called software that contain instruction for the system that what to do and how to do. in this part of computer system which consist of program and techniques that are necessary to get the hardware to work. we can see them but we can not touch them. we made software for computer because computer is a stupid device. it can not work without software.

Types of software: 

         Generally there are two types of software

      1) Appliction software.

      2) System software.

1) Application software:

                  These are that software that is used to perform any specialized functions and these are the programs which are used for the official use or for general purpose. without system software application software can not be installed.

Types of application software:

              There are two types of application software.

     1.1) General purpose software or application packages.

     1.2) Special purpose software or customized packages.

1.1) General purpose software:

       General purpose software is that software which is used for general purpose. General purpose software has enough features to accomplish a wide variety of tasks and they are easily available in the market and any one can used it according to his necessary.

for example:

                 Ms word, excel, auto cad, games etc.

2.1) Special purpose software:

       Special purpose software performs a very specific task and can not be change or programmed to perform a different task. It is specific for company institution, organization and even for a person.

for example:

    Bank software etc.

2) System software:

        All the software used to operate and maintain computer system are called system software.Without a system software, a computer is just an expensive hunk of junk. It work as a company administrator or as a class monitor.

 Types of system software:

     1) Operating system software.

     2) Translators.

2.1) Operating system software:

          A set of program used to control and monitor over all activites of a system is called operating system software.

Function of operating system software:

 1)  It provides interface or bridge between user and computer.

 2)  It is a heart of the system.

 3)  It manages hardware.

 4)  It manages software.

 5)  It manages memory.

 6)  It manages files. for example save, open and edit etc.

2.2) Language Translator: 

         Translator translate the users software into language that the "CPU" can understand. In other word language translators  are system software that converts application software into a specific machine language.

Types of Translator:

 1)  Compiler.

 2)  Interpreter.

 3)  Assembler.

2.2.1 Compiler: 

              Compiler are used for high level languages like c, c++ and java etc. Compiler check a program as a hole and notify all errors and then convert all the instruction to machine language or binary language and it is faster then the interpreter.

2.2.2) Interpreter:

            Interpreter is also used for high level languages like basic language etc. Interpreter check instruction step by step and then notify error other wise convert into machine language or binary language.

2.2.3) Assembler:

           The translator program that translates an assembly code into the computers machine code is called assembler. Assemblers are used for low level languages like Assemble language.