Explain Different Types of Software

Topic: Different Types of Software with Examples

Types of Software

Different Types of Software with Examples

There are two main types of software - system software and application software. Let us discuss these types of software in detail with examples of each.

System Software

System software is a set of programs used to implement certain functions in a computer system. System software  controls the overall operations and components of a computer system.
We can say that system software is the base on which application programs are executed. System software provides an interface between user and computer. Users use this interface to interact with the computer and perform different jobs on computer. Operating systems like Windows, Linux and Unix are the main example of system software. Similarly device drivers software are also examples of system software.

Examples of system software

Examples of system software are as follows:

•   Operating Systems

Operating system is software to control overall operations and components of a computer system. e.g., Windows, UNIX, Linux and Dos etc.

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•   Utility Programs

Utility program is used to solve a particular problem of software or hardware, for example, Antivirus program, disk scanner and File Viewer etc.

•   Device Drivers

Device driver is software that permits a computer system to communicate with a device. e.g., device driver software for a modem comes with it on CD. We have to install device driver before using a device.

•   Language Processors

Language processor is software that converts a source program into object program. For example C- compiler converts a program written in C language into object program (machine code).

Application Software

Application software is a program needed to perform various applications on the computer by the user. It helps a computer user to solve specific problems like to prepare letters and other documents, to create pictures and advertisements, to perform large calculations quickly etc.
The application software runs on top of the operating system software.
Examples of application software are as follows:

i. Word Processing

Word processing software is used to produce letters, applications and other documents. Microsoft Word is the most popular application software used for word processing.

ii. Spreadsheets

Spreadsheet program is used to create electronic worksheets. These worksheets are used to perform calculations on large amounts of data quickly and automatically. Microsoft Excel is a popular spreadsheet program.

iii. Databases

Database software is used to record data of an organization on computer in compact and efficient form. MS Access, MS SQL Server and Oracle are examples of database software.

iv. Graphics

Graphics software is used to produce advertisements, posters and pictures etc. for example CorelDraw and Photoshop are popular graphics software.

v. Communication

Communications software is used to communicate with different people using Internet, e.g., MSN Messenger, yahoo messenger and Internet Explorer.

This is all about two main types of software used in computers.

Explain Computer Software With Examples

Software

Software is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software is the set of instructions given to computer to perform a task or to control operations of computer. Software cannot be touched. There are two main types of software - Application software and System software. The hardware cannot perform any task without software. Software is installed on hard disk. When we use any software it is loaded into RAM from hard disk.

What is Software?

Examples of software are:

1. MS Word
2. MS EXCEL
3. MS POWER POINT, 
4. WinZip
5. Norton Anti Virus
6. MSN Messenger 
7. and MS Windows etc. 

          
Microsoft WORD:

MS Word

This software is used to prepare letters, applications, office documents and all types of documents and books etc.
Microsoft Excel:

MS Excel

It is used calculations and preparing electronic worksheets for example creating Employees Pay Sheet or Students Result Sheet.
         
MS POWER POINT:

It is used to prepare presentations to be presented on multimedia projectors.
WinZip:

This software is used to store a file as compactly as possible, in the minimum file size possible. WinZip makes easy to take files from one computer to another and stores them in less storage space. When we need to use the zipped file, we have to unzip it or extract it to the original state and size.
Norton Anti Virus:

This software is used to detect and remove virus attacks on your computer.

MSN Messenger:

It is used for online chatting with friends all over the world.
MS Windows:  

Microsoft Windows is the most popular Operating system in the world. First of all, you have to install an operating system on computer, before it will be ready for work. After installing the operating system like Microsoft Windows, now you can install application software like MS Excel, MS Word or games etc. In short, without an operating system you cannot use a computer.

Different Types of Mouse Input Device

A mouse is a small, lightweight pointing input device. Mouse is moved on a flat surface to control the movement of the pointer on a screen. A mouse usually has two or three buttons. These buttons are used to perform different tasks.
Different types of mouse are as follows:

• Mechanical Mouse

Mechanical mouse contains a rubber or metal ball inside it. The movement of the cursor depends on the movement of the ball.



This mouse is normally used on mouse pad. Mouse pad is a- small flat pad made of rubber or foam to provide easy movement for the mouse. It protects the mouse from dust and dirt.

• Optical Mouse

Optical mouse contains no ball inside it. It uses a device that emits light to detect the mouse movement. Optical sensor or laser is used in these types of mouse. It is more expensive than mechanical mouse.

• Wireless Mouse

Wireless or cordless mouse is a type of mouse that does not require a wire to work. It transmits data using wireless technology like radio waves or infrared light waves. The receiver is connected to the computer through a serial or USB port.