COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Written by Gina
Computer software is a common term that describes all computer programs such
as applications, scripts, and instruction sets.
It includes non-executable data such as; online documentation or digital media.
The CD-ROMs, DVDs,
and other types of media that are used to distribute software can also be called software.
The installation of new programs or applications on your computer can be referred to
as installation of new software on your computer.
The computer software can be put into categories based on common function, type,
or field of use.
THREE MAIN CLASSIFICATIONS OF SOFTWARE
System software: provides services to other software, it works directly with
the hardware and is not to be uninstalled
due to its interconnectivity with the computer system.
They are always pre-installed on your computer. Some of this
system software
includes operating systems, device drivers,
diagnostic tools, Compilers, Interpreter, and Assemblers etc.
Application software: Allows users to perform a specific task
to meet the user's specific needs.
Users are allowed to manipulate text,
numbers, graphics, or a combination of these elements.
Some application packages focus on a single task, such as spreadsheet,
an accounting application,
word processor a web browser,
a media player, designing, console game or a photo editor. Etc.
Some application software is pre-installed on most computer systems
but can be uninstalled without
imposing danger to the computer.
Software development tools or Computer programming tools is the
software used to create,
debug, maintain and issue technical
support to other programs and applications.
Examples are compilers and linkers; they help to translate and combine
computer program source code.
CATEGORIES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer code – this a minimal set of symbols written by a programmer
for representing a huge
amount of instructions given to the computer.
Alpha software – this is a software product that is first tested and released
only by the developers.
Beta software – this is software that has passed through alpha test but is yet
to be released due to traces of bugs found during test.
Compatible software – this is software that can run on different computers
without modification.
Computer-aided design (CAD) – this is software used in art, architecture,
engineering and manufacturing to assist in precision drawing.
Freeware – this is software that is provided without a price.
Open source software- this is software with a source code that is open for
other developers to modify as required on a condition
to make the changes known to others. Example of open source software is Linux.
Groupware – this is software that allows different users on a network to
work together and communicate
effectively from a short distance away.
Operating system (OS) – this is software that controls the execution of all
the computer programs / software.
Computer programme – this is software with several lines of code behind it
which a computer can interpret and execute.
Shareware – this is software initially provided free of charge with some
disabled features in it, but attracts some charge if the user
requests for additional feature or activation of the disabled features.
Shareware is also proprietary and subject to copyright.
Shrink-wrapped software - this is proprietary software that is commercially
sold in CD–Rom containing a shrink-license for the user
to accept in terms and conditions for use.
Spyware – this is software that obtains information from a user's computer
without the user's knowledge or consent.
Antivirus software- this is software application which detects virus threats,
eliminates virus found in the software and protects
user's computer from viruses. Some antivirus can also detect spyware,
key loggers and other cyber threats.
Proprietary software – this is software that is not open source or freely licensed.
The developer retains intellectual property rights,
usually copyright of the source code.
Supervisory software – this is software that permanently resides in the computer's
main memory controlling
the processing of user's programs.
Software documentation – this is software containing information that
describes the product to its users.
It consists of the product
technical manuals and online information and help facility.
Database management software- this is software that is designed for creating, editing,
maintaining database files and record and managing
the information stored in them.
The data are stored in the form of structured fields, columns and tables.
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