About Software Classifications

-

 Software Classifications

Software is a set of instructions given to the computer to perform some activity using a computer. They can be broadly classified as follows:


 System Software 

            System Software is a Special type of computer program. It's designed to provide a platform for other software. System Software can be divided into five main categories. These are;

      • Operating Systems
                  Operating System provides for the user to utilize the functions of a computer by managing the hardware and software in it.



           Examples for Several Operating Systems:

        1. Microsoft Windows Operating System
        2. Apple Mac Operating System
        3. Ubuntu Operating System
        4. Android Operating System
        5. Hanthana Linux  Operating System
                   

        Types of Operating Systems:

        1. Single user Operating System
        2. Multi-user Operating System
        3. Multi-tasking Operating System
        4. Real-Time Operating System                                        

      • Device Drivers
                  A device driver is a computer program that controls a particular device that is connected to your computer. Typical devices are keyboards, printers, scanners, digital cameras and external storage devices. Each of these needs a driver in order to work properly. Device drivers act as a translator between the operating system of the computer and the device connected to it. For many types of devices, the necessary drivers are built into the operating system. When you plug in a device, the operating system starts looking for the right driver, installs it and you are ready to start using the device. (See below picture) This is referred to as plug-and-play and is much preferred over having to manually install the correct drivers.


      • Firmware

                    This is a program code that is permanently stored in a chip. Firmware, such as the BIOS of a personal computer, may contain basic functions of a device and may provide hardware abstraction services to higher-level software such as operating systems. For less complex devices, firmware may act as the device’s complete operating system, performing all control, monitoring and data manipulation functions. Typical examples of devices containing firmware are embedded systems, home and personal-use appliances, computers and computer peripherals. Non-volatile memory devices such as ROM and flash memory to be able to update easily.



      • Language Translators

                  A computer programs are made up by using a set of instruction codes. That instructions are written in human language(High-level Language). These high-level languages are translated into machine language(0 and 1) which are understood by the computer by language translators. Assembler, Compiler and Interpreter are examples for language translators.


      • Utility Software      

                      These are used to manage and analyze the software in the computer. This is differ from the application software in their complexity and operational activities. 



      Examples:

      • Anti-Virus Software
      • Disk Formatting
      • Disk Defragmentation
      • Backup Software
      • Screen Savers

Application Software

                The Application Software which runs on the operating system is used to carry out computer-based activities of the user such as creating documents, databases, computer games.
            Examples:
      • Word Processing
      • Spread Sheets
      • Database
      • Web Browsers
      • Computer games                    

Comments

Post a Comment