Describe the classification of computer software

Describe the classification of computer software

System software is the type of software that helps make the computer hardware usable by the user. This software maintains the coordination of work between the BV units of the computer and efficiently utilizes the computer's capabilities for executing practical programs. System software is developed to suit the nature of computer work. So there are different types of system software for different types of work. Software designed for one type of computer cannot be used on another type of computer unless modified.

System software can be mainly divided into three categories, namely --

(i) System management programs or software

(ii) System Support Programs or Software

(iii) System development programs or software.

System Management Software: System management software can be used to manage computer hardware, software, data, and network. The System Management Program consists of the following units, namely--

(i) Operating System

(ii) Database Management (Database Management) system and

(iii) Network Management Program.

System Support Software: System support software allows computer users to perform tasks including service programs, security programs, and job accounting. The System Support Program consists of the following programs, namely --

 (i) System utility programs

(ii) System performance (Performance) monitor program and

(iii) System Security Monitor Program.

System Development Software and system development programs are used to develop programs for solving practical problems. A system development program can be divided into the following parts, namely--

(1) Programming language translator or translator program

(ii) Programming editors and tools

(iii) Computer Aided Software Engineering (Computer Aided Software Engineering C.A.S.E) packages.

Application or practical software: There are different types of software for different tasks like typing letters, creating bills, keeping accounting records, designing graphics, listening to audio-video, etc. All of these are application programs (Application Software). It is again divided into two parts, ie --

1. User or user-written programs

2. package program.

User or user-written program: Any complex problem can be solved by a computer. A computer user can create his own practical program to solve any complex problem according to his needs. Businessmen or industrial organizations in their own way need to develop special software for information management, accounting, and other inventory control or inventory control programs for detailed information of goods, railway, or airplane seat reservations. However, this work must be done by an experienced programmer. Other examples of user-written programs include statistical, data generating test results programs, product scheduling programs, etc.

Package programs: Several programs are commercially available for solving practical problems. Such programs can be used to perform specific tasks. This program provides comprehensive solutions to practical problems. An S program is called a package program. Here are some examples of package programs. such as--

(i) Word processing software

(ii) Desktop publishing software

(iii) Spreadsheet software

(iv) Database management software

(v) Graphics, multimedia, and presentation software

(vi) Entertainment and Education Software

(vii) Utilities Software

(viii) Communication software etc.

Package programs can be divided into the following categories based on practice areas. such as--

1. Integrated package software

2. Single process package software

Integrated package software is commercially available to solve many problems. Such package software combines different types of programs to solve different problems. For example, spreadsheets, database management, data communication software, etc.

Specific types of problems are solved with a single package program. For example, package programs like Microsoft Word, Word Star, Word Perfect, etc. are used for word processing. There are also some software companies that offer software or the ability to do so for free to users, such software is called freeware. And the software that users are allowed to use for a small fee is called shareware.

Firmware: Firmware is a special type of software that is required to operate specific hardware. Usually, hardware manufacturers provide such software with their devices. A widely used firmware in computers is Basic Input Output System (BIOS). Also, each hardware comes with its own device driver. Firmwares are usually machine-dependent. That is, a separate device driver is required for each machine. This medium consists of hardware and software. When a computer is built some permanent programs are built into the hardware called memory. This is the firmware. They can be read but not changed. It is a type of IC like ROM BIOS (Read Only Memory Basic Input output system) used in PC is a firmware. Some programs are stored in it, which makes communication between hardware and software.