1.6 Introduction to Software

 

                                    

     Programming in C    


1.5.2 Software

Software provides the instructions that tell the hardware exactly what is to be performed and in what order. These instructions are sequenced and organized in a computer program. A program is a series of instructions intended to direct a computer to perform certain functions and is executed by the processor.

In a broader sense, software is a set of related programs. Software refers to a set of computer programs that provide desired functions and performance, the data used by the programs, data structures that help manipulate data efficiently, and documents that describe the operation and use of the programs.

Difference between Computer Program and Software

Computer ProgramSoftware
Developed by individualsDeveloped by a large number of developers
Small in size with limited functionalityExtremely large in size with enormous functionality
User interface may not be important as the programmer is the sole userUser interface must be carefully designed as developers and users are different

Most software must be installed prior to use. Installation involves copying files to memory and performing configurations depending on the operating system and software.

Software is categorized into:

  • System software

  • Application software

  • Utility software

System Software

System software facilitates and coordinates the use of the computer by making hardware operational. It interacts with the computer system at a low level.

Examples include language translators, operating systems, loaders, and linkers.
The operating system controls input/output operations, provides a communication interface to users, manages system resources such as memory, processor, and I/O devices, and schedules their operations.

The loader copies an executable program from secondary storage into main memory and prepares it for execution.

Device drivers are system software that enable communication between hardware devices and the operating system. Examples include drivers for printers, monitors, sound cards, network cards, mouse, scanners, and storage devices. Once installed, they respond automatically or run in the background.

Modern operating systems support plug-and-play devices, where installation starts automatically when hardware is connected.

Application Software

Application software is designed to perform specific user tasks.

Examples include:
Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, PageMaker, Corel Draw, Photoshop, Tally, AutoCAD, Acrobat, WinAmp, Flash, iLeap, Xing MP3 Player.

Application software is classified into:

  • Custom software – developed for a specific user or organization

  • Pre-written software packages – off-the-shelf software with predefined features

Major categories include:

  • Database management software (Oracle, DB2, Microsoft SQL Server)

  • Spreadsheet software (Microsoft Excel)

  • Word processing and DTP software (Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect, PageMaker)

  • Graphics software (Corel Draw)

  • Statistical software (SPSS) and operation research software (TORA)



Utility Software 

Utility software is a type of system software designed to maintain, protect, and manage computer resources. It helps in tasks such as disk management, virus protection, file backup, and system optimization.

Examples: Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, Backup Utility.




📖 Reference

The content for this subject is prepared by referring to the standard textbook “Computer Fundamentals and Programming in C” by Pradip Dey and Manas Ghosh, Second Edition, Oxford University Press (2018). The explanations are simplified and exam-focused while aligning with the syllabus and concepts presented in the reference book.

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