Overview
This lecture explains the differences between software and applications, details their types, and provides clear examples, focusing on helping users distinguish between these key computer concepts.
What is Software?
- Software is a set of programs or instructions that tell hardware what to do and how to do it.
- Hardware and software depend on each other; without one, the other cannot function.
- Software enables hardware components to communicate and perform tasks.
Types of Software
- Software is divided into two main types: system software and application software.
System Software
- System software runs the computer hardware and manages application programs.
- It acts as a mediator between the user and hardware, translating human commands into computer language (binary).
- Examples of system software include operating systems (Windows, MacOS, Linux) and utility programs (antivirus, backup software, file managers).
Application Software
- Application software is designed for specific user tasks like listening to music, editing documents, or browsing the web.
- Common examples are web browsers, Microsoft Office, and media players.
Differences Between Software and Applications
- Software broadly refers to all instructions/data that operate hardware and may not require user interaction.
- Applications are programs for specific tasks, require user interaction, and directly interact with the user.
- All applications are software, but not all software are applications.
Key Terms & Definitions
- Software — Programs or instructions that control hardware functions.
- System Software — Software that manages hardware and enables application programs to run.
- Application Software — Programs made for specific user-oriented tasks.
- Hardware — The physical components of a computer.
- Binary Language — The fundamental language of computers, using 0s and 1s.
Action Items / Next Steps
- Review examples of system and application software.
- Summarize the differences between software and application in your own words.