Computer software is made up of computer related programs and applications. Unlike hardware, computer software is designed to operate in accordance with the required task. Hardware’s operation is restricted and it cannot be used to perform use-specific task. Application software, system software like operating systems, middleware, distributed systems and many other computer related applications fall under the purview of computer software. Sometimes the domain electronic media content is also termed as software.
Varieties of Computer Software
Computer software comes with many different forms. Broadly the entire computer software system can be categorized as programming software, system software and application software. System software is the most useful form of computer software. It is used to drive the whole network of hardware and software present in all computer systems. Device drivers, servers, windowing systems, diagnostic tools, utilities and many other computer related devices are managed by the system software.
Programming software is useful in designing computer programs. This software tool can efficiently handle diverse range of programming languages. Compilers, interpreters, debuggers and text editors are some of the most widely used programming software.
Non-computer related tasks associated with computer system are controlled by the application software. Business software, medical software, databases, industrial automation, data bases are the commonly used application software.
Layers of Computer Software
Commercial computers are equipped with three different layers of software called platform software, user-written software and application software. Firmware, device driver and graphical user interface come under the platform category. Video games and office suites are the most widely used verities of application software. User-written software is designed to run graphics, animation scripts, spreadsheet templates etc.
