COMPUTER SOFTWARE

 a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.
 a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts and programs that run on a device.
additional: It is the opposite of hardware, which describes the physical aspects of a computer.

1. System Software Category

 Operating System: It is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also allows you
to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language.
 Device driver is a computer program that operates or controls a particular type of device that is
attached to a computer or automaton.
Examples: Printer drivers, graphics card drivers.
 a computer program that translates source code from one programming language to another.
They also identify errors during translation.
 Programming Language Translators/Processors : Computer programs are usually written in
high-level programming languages (like C++, Python, and Java). Further, to make them
understandable by the computer, a language processor needs to translate the source code into
machine code (also known as object code, which is made up of ones and zeroes).
 Firmware - a type of software that provides machine instructions to a device's hardware
components, enabling it to function on a basic level.
Types:

1. BIOS
The Basic Input/Output System (BIOS)is an old but crucial part of computers. It's a chip on the
motherboard that gives instructions to start up the computer and load the operating system. It
also manages hardware components to make sure they work properly when the computer turns
on.
2. EFI (Extensible Firmware Interface) is a modern firmware that helps your computer's CPU
start up and load the operating system. It's a replacement for the old BIOS system and is used in
newer computers. EFI improves security by ensuring that only trusted software is loaded during
startup.
 Provides tools to analyze, configure, optimize, or maintain the computer.
Examples: Antivirus software, disk cleanup tools, backup software.

2. History of Operating Systems

 First Generation (1945-1955)
 In this generation, operating systems were not introduced therefore the instruction was directly
given to the computer systems.

 Second Generation (1955-1965)

  GMOS (General Motos Operating System) was the first operating system that came into the
picture in the 1950s which was developed for IBM computers.
 Later, around the 1960s the first UNIX Operating system was developed.

 Third Generation (1965-1980)

 In the third generation, the concept of multiprogramming was introduced in which multiple
tasks could be performed in a single computer.

3. Types of Operating System

 Multi-tasking operating system – a type of system software that enables a computer to execute
multiple tasks or processes simultaneously.
explanation:
This kind of operating system can manage and run several programs at the same time, allowing
users to perform a variety of functions concurrently.
 Multi-processing Operating System – a type of operating system that makes use of more than
one CPU to improve performance.
explanation:
Multi-processing operating system consists of multiple CPUs. Each CPU is connected to the main
memory. The task to be performed id divided among all the processors.
For faster execution and improved performance, each processor is assigned a specific task.
Once all the tasks of each processor are completed, they are compiled together in order to
produce a single output.

 Real-Time operating system - a type of operating system designed to process data and execute
tasks within a strict time constraint, known as real-time. It is commonly used in systems where
timing is crucial, like in embedded systems, medical devices, automotive controls, or robotics.
 Time-sharing operating system - a type of operating system that allows multiple users to access
a computer simultaneously by dividing the CPU time into segments, enabling efficient and
affordable use of mainframe computers.
 Multi-programming batch operating system - is the type of operating system that lets multiple
programs run at the same time by switching between them. While one program waits (like for
data input), the system runs another, keeping the computer busy and speeding things up.
 Distributed operating system - distributed operating system (DOS) is an essential type of
operating system. Distributed systems use many central processors to serve multiple real-time
applications and users. As a result, data processing jobs are distributed between the processors.
 Network operating system - an operating system that connects multiple computers and devices
on a local area network to allow the sharing of files and resources by connection and
communication over a network.
 Batch operating system – in this type of operating system, the jobs were performed in batches.
This means Jobs having similar requirements are grouped and executed as a group to speed up
processing. Users using batch operating systems do not interact with the computer directly.
  Mobile operating system - a type of operating system which is specially designed for mobiles,
tablets, smartwatches, etc. It allows the user to run other different application software on the
mobile, tablets, etc.

4. Examples of Operating System

 Microsoft Windows - Microsoft Windows, computer operating system (OS) developed by
Microsoft Corporation to run personal computers (PCs).

 MacOS - macOS is an operating system designed by Apple. MacOS comes preloaded on all new
Apple Macintosh computers (commonly known as Macs). MacOS performance is generally quick
and responsive due to the OS being optimized for the specific hardware.

 Android OS - Android OS is a Linux-based mobile operating system that primarily runs on

smartphones and tablets.

 Linux - Linux is a Unix-like, open source and community-developed operating system (OS) for
computers, servers, mainframes, mobile devices and embedded devices.

 Ubuntu - Ubuntu, introduced in 2004, is an example of a Linux-based OS. Ubuntu is a Linux

distro based on Debian. It is suitable for cloud computing, servers, desktops, and internet of
things (IoT) devices. The main difference between Linux and Ubuntu is that the former is an
operating system family based on Unix, while Ubuntu is a Linux distribution.

 Chrome OS - Chrome OS is another Linux-based operating system. It was developed by Google

and has the popular Chrome web browser as its main user interface.
 iOS - iOS is a mobile operating system created and developed by Apple Inc. exclusively for its
smartphones.

6.)Utility Software
Utility software is a type of software that is designed to help users manage, maintain, and optimize their
computer systems. Utility software includes a wide range of tools and applications that perform specific
tasks to improve the performance, security, and functionality of a computer system. This software is
focused on how OS works on that basis it performs tasks to enable the smooth functioning of the
computer.

Example

1. File Management Tool – manage files of computer systems.

2. Antivirus Software – protects computers against malicious threats.

3. Compression tools – used to compress and decompress files.

4. Disk Cleanup Tool – Scans your hard drive for files that are safe to delete
5. Back up and Install – Allows you to create backups of important documents.

7. Application Software Categories

 Application software: can be seen as detailed computer programs that perform specific
functions. These functions can range from educational and professional needs to entertainment
and travel needs.
 Web browsers: These types of application software assist the users in accessing websites and
conducting research. They help users retrieve information and explore the World Wide Web.

- Example of web browsers are Internet Explorer, Chrome, Firefox, MS Edge, Safari, etc.

additional: These browsers allow users to access search engines like Google, Bing, Yahoo, etc., to
conduct research and surf the web.

 Presentation software: This application software is built for personal and professional use. It is
designed to assist the users in creating presentations with information and ideas. These
software applications used by businesses gives the ease of making a presentation at the push of
a button.

Key elements:

 Text editor – edit text and style it

 Multimedia files - adding and animating graphics, texts, multimedia, and videos.
 Slideshows - examples of this are Microsoft’s PowerPoint, Google Slides, and Apple’s Keynote.

 Spreadsheet software - a software application capable of organizing, storing and analyzing data
in tabular form. It allows easy calculations through formulas and functions. The most used
application software in this field is Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Apple Numbers.
 Graphic software: Graphics software allows easy editing of visual data. It makes room for
picture editing and illustration. Examples of application software include Adobe Photoshop and
PaintShop pro.

 Word processing software: is a computer program used to create, edit, format, and print text
documents. Examples of word processing software include Microsoft Word, Google Docs, and
LibreOffice Writer.

explanation: These programs allow users to write and edit text, add images, change fonts, check
spelling and grammar, and save documents in different file formats like DOCX or PDF.

 Database software a type of computer program designed to store, manage, and organize data
in a structured way, allowing users to easily retrieve, update, and analyze that data. It helps
manage large amounts of information efficiently and supports multiple users accessing the data
simultaneously.
 Multimedia software is a type of computer program used to create, edit, and manage various
types of media, including text, images, audio, video, and animations. These programs allow
users to work with different forms of media to produce digital content like videos, music,
presentations, and games.
Examples: Adobe Photoshop (for images)and VLC Media Player (for video playback)
Difference in graphic software: multimedia software handles multiple types of media (audio,
video, text), while graphic software focuses mainly on images and visual design.
 Education software: refers to computer programs designed to improve the learning experience.
It encompasses a broad range of applications tailored for various users like students, teachers,
administrators, and mentors, spanning different educational settings such as traditional
classrooms and self-directed learning environments.
Examples of education software include ProProfs, Schoology, Google Classroom, TalentLMS,
Litmos, etc.
explanation: Educational software are computer programs made to improve teaching and
learning. They come in different forms like drills, tutorials, simulations, educational games, and
reference tools. These programs are helpful for students and teachers as they provide
interactive and personalized learning experiences. They work on various platforms and devices,
making learning accessible and flexible.