Topic: What is Software and explain Types of Software in detail.

(Assignment # 5)

Submitted by:
Maryam Raza

Class: BS English (Semester 02) (Morning)

Submitted to:
Ma’am Sara Tariq

Subject: Introduction to IT (Information Technology) Skills

English Department
National University of Modern Languages (NUML), Lahore
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What is Software and explain Types of Software in detail.

Introduction
The functioning of the computer is not dependent on hardware alone. So, what else is
required? It requires a set of instructions that tells the computer what is to be done with the input
data. In computer terminology, this set of instructions is called a PROGRAM and one or more
programs are termed as SOFTWARE.
Definition for Computer Software
Computer software, or simply software, is that part of a computer system that consists of
encoded information or computer instructions, in contrast to the physical hardware from which
the system is built. The term is roughly synonymous with computer program, but is more generic
in scope.
History of Computer Software
An outline (algorithm) for what would have been the first piece of software was written
by Ada Lovelace in 1843, for the planned Analytical Engine, Designed by Charles Babbage in
1827, but it never came into operation.
Types of Software
Software can be divided into two major categories according to popularity:
1. System Software
2. Application Software
Software applications refer to programs on a client machine which are written to perform
specific tasks. Nowadays, there is a wide range of software applications being developed
including word processing programs, database management tools, photo editing software, etc.
1. System Software
System software refers to the set of computer programs which are required to support the
execution of application programs and maintain system hardware. Operating systems, utilities,
drivers and compilers are among the major components of system software. Such components
are the enablers and service providers to software applications.
Among these components, the operating system is the most popular and important one.
The Operating systems (For Example: Microsoft Windows, Linux & Mac OS) allows the parts of
a computer to work together by performing tasks like transferring data between memory and
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disks or rendering output onto a display device. It provides a platform to run high-level system
software and application software.

Device drivers, including also computer BIOS and device firmware, provide basic
functionality to operate and control the hardware connected to or built into the computer.

A user interface “allows users to interact with a computer.” A Graphical User Interface
(GUI) is the part of the operating system the user directly interacts with, it may be considered an
application and therefore not a system software.
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For historical reasons, some organizations use the term systems programmer to describe a
job function which is more accurately termed systems administrator. Software tools these
employees use are then called system software. This so-called Utility software helps to analyze,
configure, optimize and maintain the computer, such as virus protection. In some publications,
the term system software also includes software development tools (like a compiler, linker or
debugger).

2. Application Software
An application program or software 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.
The collective noun application software refers to all applications collectively. This
contrasts with system software, which is mainly involved with running the computer.
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Accounting Software
Account Mate, CYMA, Red Wing Software and SAP are famous accounting software use
in the accounting sector.

Data Management Software

Management software is a general phrase used to describe a category of computer
software designed to help streamline the complexity of large projects and tasks as well as
facilitate team collaboration and project reporting.
For Example: My SQL, IDMS, Oracle RDBMS, Microsoft Access etc.
Documentation
 Document automation
 Word processor
 Desktop publishing software
 Diagramming software
 Presentation software
 Email
 Blog software
Entertainment Software
 Screen savers
Video Games
 Arcade games
 Console games
 Mobile games
 Personal computer games
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