On the first day of the 4th week of the A2Z Challenge 2019, I shall talk about the A2Z of Software. Software is a set of programs that are used to operate computers. Softwares are intangible and are not tangible like computer hardware. They are lines of codes written by computer programmers that have been compiled into a program.

A2Z of Software – Types of Software

There are two types of software- System software and Application software.

System Software

System software is designed to operate, control, and extend the processing capabilities of the computer itself. Ex: Operating System, Loader, Linker, Compiler, Interpreter and Utility. I have already touched the Operating System in detail.

• Loader: It is a part of the Operating System that loads programs into memory, prepares them for execution and then executes them.
• Linker: It is a program that links multiple objects into a single object file.
• Compiler: It is a program that converts a High-Level Language program into a Machine-Level Language program. It converts the entire program in one go.
• Interpreter: It is a program that converts a High-Level Language program into a Machine-Level Language program. It translates one statement at a time.
• Utility: Some classify it as a third type of software. Utility software products are responsible for performing house-keeping tasks. Eg.; Antivirus, Disk Cleanup, Backup etc.

Application Software

Application software products are used by end-users. They are designed to perform user-related tasks. Ex: Word Processor, Spread sheets, Presentation software, Database programs, programming languages etc.

• Word Processor: This type of software is to create and edit documents. Ex: MS Word, Word Pad, Notepad and other text editors.
• Spread Sheets: This type of software is used in preparing financial statements, grade sheets etc. The user can also perform calculations on the data entered in rows and columns. Ex: MS Excel, Lotus.
• Presentation Software: This type of software is used in preparing presentation (slide shows). Ex: MS PowerPoint.
• Programming Languages: This type of softwar is used in coding (computer programming). Ex: LOGO, BASIC, C/C++, Java and other programming languages.
• Database Programs: This type of programs is used in organising and managing data. Ex: MS Access, FoxPro, Oracle etc.

These are some of the examples of Application Softwares. In this post, I tried to touch the A2Z of Software. Have any questions?? Feel free to ask them in the comment box.