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Software Types and Functions

Jul 3, 2025

Overview

This lecture explains the differences between system software and application software, focusing on their functions, types, and examples.

Software Overview

  • Software is a set of instructions that tells a computer what to do.
  • It includes all programs, procedures, and routines needed for a computer system to operate.
  • Software is divided into two main types: system software and application software.

System Software

  • Acts as the interface between application software and computer hardware.
  • Manages system resources and is considered general-purpose software.
  • Installed with the operating system and works in the background.
  • Runs independently of user actions, starting when the computer is turned on and stopping when it is turned off.
  • Provides a platform for running application software.

Types of System Software

  • Operating System (OS): Main program that manages hardware and software resources (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
  • Programming Language Translators: Convert code written by developers into machine language; includes assemblers, compilers, and interpreters.
  • Device Drivers: Enable communication between hardware devices and the operating system (e.g., printer drivers).
  • BIOS (Basic Input Output System): Firmware that initializes hardware and starts the operating system.
  • Utility Software: Helps maintain and optimize system performance, including antivirus (e.g., McAfee, Windows Defender), file management tools, compression tools (e.g., WinZip, WinRAR), cleanup tools, disk defragmenters, and backup utilities.

Application Software

  • Runs according to user requests and depends on system software to function.
  • Designed for specific purposes and installed based on user needs.
  • Users interact directly with application software through its interface.
  • Cannot operate without system software.

Types of Application Software

  • General Purpose Application Software: Ready-made programs for common tasks.
    • Examples: word processors (Microsoft Word, Google Docs), database software (Microsoft Access, Oracle, MySQL), spreadsheet software (Excel, Google Sheets), presentation software (PowerPoint, Google Slides), web browsers (Chrome, Safari), multimedia software (iMovie, Adobe Premiere Pro).
  • Specific Purpose Application Software: Custom-built for particular business or real-time functions.
    • Examples: ticket reservation systems, hotel management systems, payroll management systems.

Key Differences

  • System software manages hardware and provides a platform for application software, working in the background without direct user interaction.
  • Application software is designed for specific tasks, runs only when requested by the user, and requires system software to function.

Key Terms & Definitions

  • System Software: Manages hardware and provides a platform for applications.
  • Application Software: Helps users perform specific tasks.
  • Operating System (OS): Main system software managing hardware and applications.
  • Device Driver: Program enabling use of hardware devices.
  • Utility Software: Tools that optimize and maintain system performance.
  • BIOS: Firmware that boots the computer and manages basic hardware functions.
  • Assembler/Compiler/Interpreter: Programs that convert code into machine language.

Action Items / Next Steps

  • Review the differences between system software and application software.
  • List examples of each type.
  • Be able to distinguish between general and specific purpose application software.

Full transcript