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Computer software
COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Software is a term that refers to organized collections of computer data and instructions,
often broken into two major categories:
o System software: Provides the basic non-task-specific functions of the computer
o Application software: Used by users to accomplish specific tasks.
Software types
1. System software
It is responsible for controlling, integrating, and managing the
individual hardware components of a computer system so that other software and
the users of the system see it as a functional unit without having to be concerned
with the low-level details such as transferring data from memory to disk, or
rendering text onto a display. Generally, system software consists of an operating
system and some fundamental utilities such as disk formatters, file managers,
display managers, text editors, user authentication (login) and management tools,
and networking and device control software.
2. Application software:
Is used to accomplish specific tasks other than just running the computer system.
Application software may consist of a single program, such as an image viewer; a
small collection of programs (often called a software package) that work closely
together to accomplish a task, such as a spreadsheet or text processing system; a larger
collection (often called a software suite) of related but independent programs and
packages that have a common user interface or shared data format, such as Microsoft
Office, which consists of closely integrated word processor, spreadsheet, database, etc.;
or a software system, such as a database management system, which is a collection of
fundamental programs that may provide some service to a variety of other independent
applications.
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Computer software classification
In order for a computer to process data it is guided by a set of instructions known as programs. Normally
the term software and program are used interchangeably. However, technically speaking, the term
software is not only used to mean programs but also the documentation associated with it such as user
guides.
There are several ways of classifying computer software.
o According to purpose
o According to Acquisition
o End-user-license(EUL)
Classification according to purpose
Computer software may primarily be designed to manage the hardware resources or to help the
user to accomplish specific tasks. Therefore, software may be classified as either system software
or application software.
System software
It performs a variety of fundamental operations that avails computer resources to the user. These
functions include:
1) Booting the computer and making sure that all hardware elements are working properly.
2) Performing operations such as retrieving, loading, executing and storing application
programs.
3) Storing and retrieving files
4) Performing a variety of system utility functions
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System software can further be subdivided into four sub-categories namely:
1) Operating systems
2) Firmware
3) Utility software
4) Networking software
Operating systems
An operating system consists of a set of complex programs that work together to control
execution of user programs called applications and act as a go between(Interface) between the
application and the computer hardware. It manages input, output and storage operations in a
computer. Examples of common operating systems are Microsoft windows (2000,xp,vista,7 ,8 ,
10), Unix, Linux and Macintosh(MacOs).
Firmware
Also referred to as stored logic is a combination of both the software and hardware recorded
permanently on electronic chips. Usually, a firmware is a read only memory chip that is mounted
or plugged into the motherboard. Firmware may also hold an operating system, utility programs,
language processors etc.
Utility software
Utility software is a special program that performs commonly used services that make certain
aspects of computing go on smoothly. Such services include sorting, copying, file handling, disk
management etc. The two basic types of utility software are:
1. System-level Utility: These help the users to work with the operating system and its
functions. For example, a utility software tells the user when he/she enters a wrong
command and gives suggestions how the error can be corrected.
2. Application level Utility: These make application programs run more smoothly and
efficiently. Such utility programs are commonly purchased separately or may be part of
an operating system.
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Networking software
This type of software is mostly used to establish communication between two or more computers
by linking them using communication channel like cables to create a computer network.
Networking software enables the exchange of data in a network as well as providing data
security. Network software may come as independent software or integrated in an operating
system. An example of networking software is novel netware.
Application software
Application software also known as application packages are programs that are designed to help
the user accomplish specific tasks. Example and uses of common application packages.
Classification according to acquisition
Software can be classified according to acquisition as
o in-house developed
o vendor off-the-shelf software
In-house developed software
These are programs that are uniquely designed and tailored to meet a particular user’s needs.
For example, a bank may decide to manage its banking operations using a unique program
developed by hired programmers. These programs are not available in shops and once
developed for one company or user they may not address the needs of other users.
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Vendor off-the-shelf software (CONTINUE FROM PAGE 76)
Vendor off-the-shelf software developed by software engineers, packaged and then made
available for purchase through a vendor, distributor or directly from the developer. A
developer may bundle more than one but closely related software into one package to form a
suite or integrated software as opposed to single purpose software. Examples of such suites
are Microsoft-office and Corel WordPerfect while those of single of single purpose are
QuickBooks and Sage Pastel.
The term package is sometimes used to refer to these types of software that are packaged and
sold by vendors.
Advantages of Standard software over the in-house developed programs
1. They can easily be installed and run
2. They are cheaper than in-house developed software
3. They are readily available for almost any task
4. Minor or no errors since they are thoroughly tested
5. They can be modified to meet user’s needs.
Drawbacks/Disadvantages of off- the shelf-software
1. They may have some features not needed by the user which may take extra storage
2. They may require the user to change processes and hardware for compatibility which
may in turn be expensive.
3. They may lack some features required by the user
Classification according to End-user-license
Software classified according to end user license falls into 3 categories
o Open Source
o Proprietary
o Freeware
Open source
Open source software refers to software whose source code(Programmed set of instructions) is
freely made available to users. The users are encouraged to use, modify and distribute the
modified product. Most distributions of Linux operating systems and Open Office are open
source software which are made available to users under General Public Licence(GPL)
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Proprietary software
Are those software whose source code is hidden from users. Modifications are only made by the
software manufacturer. Proprietary software may be licensed to users at a fee applied or applied
freely. Microsoft Windows operating systems and Office are examples of proprietary software.
Freeware
Are software products that are freely made available to the user. However, beware of freeware
because some may be malicious software. An example freeware is Grisoft antivirus software
known as AVG Free Edition. Examples of proprietary software that a user is required to pay for
license fee include Microsoft Windows operating system, Microsoft Office, Adobe PageMaker
and CorelDraw suite.
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