Types of software with Examples

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In this article, you will learn the types of software in detail with the help of examples. Also, you will learn the functions of types of software.

What is a Software?

• It is the set of instructions that tells the hardware what to do.

• Set of instructions given to a computer to solve a problem.

• Set of instruction that tells a computer what to do and how to do it.

• Software is a program that performs a task. It is also called a Program.

• Different software are used to solve different problems.

•Without software, computers cannot function.

Types of Software

There are mainly two types of Software:

1- System Software

2- Application Software

System Software

System software is the lifeblood of any computer system. It consists of the operating system and the utilities that make the system usable. System software is essential for a computer to function properly.

•A program that controls and manages the computer’s hardware

•Makes the computer run efficiently.

Operations of System Software

System Software Enables application programs to execute.

It performs the following operations.

✔ Saving data on disk

✔ Making computer work for us.

✔ Printing a document

Types of System Software

There are basic three types of System Software

1- Operating System

2- Utility Programs

3- Device Drivers

Operating Systems

Operating systems are the most important type of system software. They manage the hardware and software resources of a computer. They also provide a platform for application programs to run on.

• All devices have an operating system

• Software that manages the hardware

• Creates the interface between the hardware and the user

• Tells the computer how to use its own components.

• Allows application software to communicate with the hardware.

When a program wants the hardware to do something, it communicates through the operating system. Similarly, when you want the hardware to do something (such as copying or printing a file), your request is handled by the operating system.

Examples of Operating Systems

→ Windows

→ Mac OS

→ Linux

→ Android

→ Ubuntu

→ Unix

Functions of Operating Systems

✔ Controls hardware, memory and the application software

✔ Manages information on the disk

✔ Runs computer programs

✔ Manages the startup process

Utility Programs

Utilities are programs that help maintain a computer system and keep it running smoothly.

• Allows users to analyze, configure and maintain computer program.

• Performs specific tasks related to the management of computers.

• Used to perform maintenance type of tasks

• Performs specific tasks related to the management of computers.

• Installed at the time of installing Operating System but can be installed afterwards.

Examples of Utility Programs

→ Antivirus

→ File management

→ Disk Management like disk defragmenters software

→ Compression Tools

→ Disk Cleanup Tool

→ Backup software

Device Driver

A program that controls particular device that is attached to a computer.

Device drivers are programs that allow communication between a hardware device and the operating system. Without device drivers, the operating system would not be able to interact with the hardware properly.

Device drivers act as a bridge between the hardware and the operating system. They allow the operating system to recognize and use the hardware properly. Device drivers are written specifically for each piece of hardware.

Example of Device Driver

→ Display Drivers

→ Printer Drivers

→ Mouse Drivers

→ Keyboard Drivers

→ USB Drivers

→ Hard drive Driver

→ Sound card Driver

→ ROM Drivers

→ BIOS Driver

→ Motherboard Drivers

→ VGA Drivers

→ Virtual Device Drivers

→ Headphones

→ Speakers

Application software

Application software consists of programs that do specific tasks for users. It tells the computer how to accomplish specific tasks, such as word processing or drawing, for the user.

Types of Application software

There are four basic types that the application software is divided

1- Word Processing Software

2- Database Software

3- Multimedia Software

4- Web browsers

Word Processing Software

Word processing software is an application program used to create, edit, format, and print documents. The first word processing program was developed in the early 1960s, and since then, there have been many different programs developed for different purposes.

Allows users to create and edit documents.

Examples of Word Processing Software

→ Microsoft word

→ Notepad

→ Google Docs

→ Apple Pages

Database Programs

Database programs are application programs that store, retrieve, and manipulate data in a database. A database is a collection of data that can be accessed by computers.

Allows users to store and retrieve data from databases.

Examples of Database Programs

→ Microsoft Access,

→ Oracle

→ MySQL

→ Microsoft SQL Server

Multimedia Programs

•Allows users to create and play audio and video media.

•They are capable of playing media files

Examples of Multimedia Programs

→ Real Player

→ VLC

→ Media Player

→ Picasa

→ Adobe Photoshop

Web browsers

Web browsers are software programs that allow users to access, view and navigate the World Wide Web.

• A web browser takes you anywhere on the internet.

• Allows people to browse websites on the Internet.

It retrieves information from other parts of the web and displays it on your desktop or mobile device

Examples of Web browsers

→ Google Chrome

→ Internet Explorer

→ Safari

→ Opera

→ Firefox