Introduction

While working on a computer, we come across various computer software which helps to ease our tasks and increase the overall efficiency of the work process. Anything from creating a simple document to surfing the Internet on a computer system is done using the software. 

In this digital or technological era, we are surrounded by different software, which is even increasing rapidly day by day. No matter what operating system or platform we use, we are leveraging software and making our lives easier. Without software, a computer is nothing but a set of different hardware components.

What is Software?

By definition, “Software is defined as a collection of data, instructions, programs, and rules that instruct a computer system or other electronic device to work efficiently, perform, and carry out specific tasks.”

In other words, software is a general term that refers to any application, program, or script running on computer devices to help them perform specific tasks or process them. It is considered to be the variable part of the computer system, while the other major part is the hardware which is the invariable part.

How does Software work?

Computer software is nothing but a separate term for the computer program, which means some specific set of instructions. Instructions are written in different languages that can be understood by the computer. Instructions (commonly called codes) help in giving instructions to the computer to work and feed data to do the work and satisfy the needs of the users.

The basic logic of all software is to take inputs, process them and provide output, i.e. Input > Process > Output. For example, consider clicking the Print button on a computer. The computer takes the document as an input, then asks users to adjust certain preferences. Thereafter, the given set of rules is processed and output is provided from the printer as a printed document on paper.

How many types of Software are there in computers?

There are different types of software based on their classification. However, if we broadly classify the types of software in a computer, there are two major types as listed below:

• System Software

• Application Software

These are the two primary types of software and all other types of software are served under them. Let us understand both system software and application software in detail with their types and examples: 

1. System Software

System software is usually defined as a set of various programs or instructions that help to control or manage the hardware devices connected to the computer and other important resources of the system. Specifically, it helps in making the working of the computer efficient, enables faster performance in a secure manner. In addition, the system software also establishes a platform to run the application software.

System software allows users a variety of options to interact with basic settings and to give commands to the computer using a graphical user interface. Users can only interact with general system settings and services. In addition, the core services and programs of system software automatically work in the background to manage system processes and performance.

Characteristics of System Software

The following are the main characteristics or features of the system software:

• System software is more closely related to system or hardware components rather than users.

• System software is much faster in performance or processing.

• System software is usually written or developed in a low-level language so that it can interact with machines at the maximum possible speed.

• System software does not interact much with the users as compared to application software. They usually work in the background.

• It is comparatively difficult to manipulate system software as it is complex to understand or design.

Types of System Software

Now, we already have an idea of what is system software and what are its features. Let us now understand the different types of system software and examples, which will help us to understand a little more about system software:

A. Operating System

An operating system, commonly referred to as an OS, is one of the primary types or examples of system software. It consists of a set of software designed to handle computer resources and services and provides a platform for running other applications/software.

Although each operating system operates on programming code and instructions, most operating systems include a GUI (Graphical User Interface) that helps users to interact with the OS easily without using coding directly.

Every electronic device, be it a desktop, laptop, or mobile phone, needs to have an operating system installed on it to function and provide basic functionality. The operating system is the first program that runs after the computer system is booted. The operating system takes control of the entire computer and efficiently manages all services and resources, such as CPU, memory, storage devices (HDD or SSD), printers, etc.

Some of the popular examples of Operating Systems are listed below:

• MS- Windows

• Android

• macOS

• iOS

• Linux

• Ubuntu

• Unix

• CentOS

B. Device Drivers

A device driver is specialized computer software primarily designed to control specific hardware of a computer system. Computers use different hardware devices, and each device requires a driver to function properly.

The most common hardware devices that require device drivers are displays, graphic cards, sound cards, hard disks, printers, mouse, and keyboards. Users may need to manually install device drivers for some hardware devices, while for others, the operating system automatically installs a supported driver. There are two different types of device drivers, namely Kernel Device Drivers, and User Device Drivers.

Some of the popular examples of Device Drivers are listed below:

• BIOS Driver

• Motherboard Driver

• Display Driver

• Sound Card Driver

• Graphics Card Driver

• USB Driver

• Printer Drivers

• VIRTUAL Device Drivers

• ROM Drivers

C. Firmware

Firmware is known as permanent software or instructions stored in the motherboard storage or ROM (read-only memory) of the computer system. However, it is not actually stored permanently as most current computer systems allow users to update the firmware using a firmware updater.

Firmware Software, like other software, has a set of instructions. Unlike other software, the primary function of firmware is to check for errors, and ensure that all necessary hardware devices are working properly as soon as the user turns on the computer. If everything is working, the firmware wakes up the system and transfers control to the operating system.

Some of the popular examples of Firmware are listed below:

• BIOS

• UEFI

• Embedded Systems

• Computer Peripherals

• Computer Applications

D. Programming Language Translators

Specifically, system software helps convert high-level language code (human-readable language code) into simple machine-level code and vice-versa. This conversion is usually performed using programming language translators or processors.

Programming language translators help convert computer programs written in high-level programming languages such as Java, C, C++, Python, etc. (also called source code) into instructions that can be interpreted by machines as object-level code or machine code.

Despite simplifying the code, programming language translators also help to perform the following tasks: assigning data storage, obtaining diagnostic reports, obtaining source code and other details related to the program, identifying system errors during runtime, or rectify, etc.

Examples of programming language translators are listed below:

• Interpreter

• Compiler

• Assembler

E. Utility

Utility tool or software is primarily developed to analyze, optimize, configure and maintain a computer system or its resources. This usually helps to support the computer infrastructure smoothly. Utility software monitors how the operating system is performing and then gives suggestions or makes changes automatically to improve the functioning and overall performance of the computer.

Utility software includes various computer software categories, such as antivirus, disk clean-up, and management tools, performance optimizers, defragmenters, compression tools, etc.

Some of the popular examples of utility tools/software are listed below:

• Windows File Explorer

• WinRAR

• WinZip

• Avast Antivirus

• McAfee Antivirus

• Norton Antivirus

• Directory Opus

• Piriform Defraggler

• Piriform CCleaner

• Razer Cortex

2. Application Software

Application software refers to a set of programs and instructions that help perform specific tasks, on a computer system. It is mainly designed to meet certain requirements of a particular environment. Application software can be downloaded and installed manually on the computer system and these software have nothing to do with the system core functions.

Application software typically runs in the front-end, making it more accessible and intractable to users. It is important to note that application software cannot run on its own; they require the platform established by the system software. For example, any web browser software like Google Chrome requires an operating system to run. Unlike system software, application software is not mandatory for the system. However, they can help perform various tasks on the computer.

Characteristics of Application Software

The following are the main characteristics or features of the application software:

• Application software is mainly developed or programmed to complete specific tasks on computers, such as image editing, word processing, gaming, etc.

• Application software is mostly bigger in size and hence takes up more storage or space on the machines/systems.

• Application software is typically written or developed in high-level languages.

• Application software generally interacts more with users, helping them to use the software easily.

• Application software is somewhat easier to design and develop than system software.

Types of Application Software

Now, we already have an idea of what is application software and what are its features. Let us now understand the different types of application software and examples, which will help us to understand a little more about application software:

A. Word Processors: 

Word processors or word processing software are primarily designed to create documentation on computers or other electronic devices. Additionally, word processor software also helps in managing, formatting, and printing documents.

Some of the popular examples of Word Processors are listed below:

• MS Word

• Google Docs

• OpenOffice Writer

• Corel WordPerfect

• AbiWord

• Apple iWork- Pages

B. Database Software

Database software is useful computer software that mainly helps in creating and managing databases. It is also called DBMS (Database Management Software). Database software plays an important role when organizing data on a computer or server.

Some of the popular examples of Database software are listed below:

• MS Access

• MySQL

• dBase

• Clipper

• FileMaker

• FoxPro

C. Multimedia Software

As the name suggests, multimedia software is mainly used to perform tasks related to media files, such as audio or video files. It helps to play, create or modify media files. Multimedia software plays an important role in image editing, video editing, animation, and graphics-related tasks.

Some of the popular examples of Multimedia software are listed below:

• Windows Media Player

• Windows Movie Maker

• VLC Media Player

• Picasa

• Adobe Photoshop

• Media Monkey

• Inkscape

D. Graphics Software

Graphics software is strictly designed keeping in mind the graphics-related tasks. It primarily helps users to design logos, edit images, and make other changes to visual data. Graphics software includes many built-in tools and features to make editing and illustration easier.

Some of the popular examples of Graphics software are listed below:

• Adobe Photoshop

• Adobe Illustrator

• Adobe Indesign

• CorelDRAW

• GIMP

• MS Paint

• Blender

• Autodesk Maya

E. Web Browsers

Web browsers are mainly used for searching the internet or browsing the internet. It is specialized computer software and helps users to find specific web addresses to retrieve data across the web.

Most computers and electronic devices come preinstalled with a native web browser provided by the manufacturer. However, users can always install desired third-party web-browsers from the App Store using the Internet on their devices.

Some of the popular examples of Web Browsers are listed below:

• Google Chrome

• Mozilla Firefox

• Microsoft Edge

• Internet Explorer

• Opera

• Safari

F. Education and Reference Software

These are computer software primarily designed to help users learn specific topics on specific subjects. A wide range of educational software is available on the internet and users can facilitate learning through them. This type of software is also known as Academic Software.

Educational software can be free-to-use or paid. Some of the popular examples of Educational or Reference software are listed below:

• Delta Drawing

• Polarr

• GeoGebra

• FluidMath

• GCompris

• Tux Paint

• OneNote

• Microsoft To-Do

G. Customized or Specific Purpose Software

Customized or specific purpose software is specialized computer software developed or programmed primarily to perform specific tasks/ functions or designed for specific organizations. All such software that fulfills specific purposes comes under application software.

Some of the popular specific purpose software are Railway Reservation System, Invoice Management System, Airline Reservation System, etc.