Question: What is Software? What is the function of Software? Write down the classification of Software.

Software

A computer cannot do anything without giving any instruction. It must be instructed by a described job. This instruction or described job is known as software. The term software refers to the set of the computer programs, procedures and associated documents which describe the programs and how they are to be used. Computer software, or just software, is a collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions telling a computer what to do and how to do it. We can also say software refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of the computer for some purposes. In other words software is a set of programs, procedures, algorithms and its documentation.

Functions of Software

A software package is a group of programs, which solve a specific problem or perform a specific type of job. Examples of computer software include:

A word processing package may contain programs for text editing, text formatting, drawing graphics, spelling checkings.

Application software includes end-user applications of computers such as word processors or video games, and ERP software for groups of users.

Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.

Programming languages define the syntax and semantics of computer programs. For example, many mature banking applications were written in the COBOL language, originally invented in 1959. Newer applications are often written in more modern programming languages.

System software includes operating systems, which govern computing

Testware is software for testing hardware or a software package.

Firmware is low-level software often stored on electrically programmable memory devices. Firmware is given its name because it is treated like hardware and run ("executed") by other software programs.

Device drivers control parts of computers such as disk drives, printers, CD drives, or computer monitors.

Programming tools help conduct computing tasks in any category listed above. For programmers, these could be tools for debugging or reverse engineering older legacy systems in order to check source code compatibility

Classification of Software

 In this classification the software is divided to System Software  and Application Software, with each having several sub levels

1.      System software is the low-level software required to manage computer resources and support the production or execution of application programs. System software provides the basic functions for computer usage and helps run the computer hardware and system. The main functions of the system software are

Supports the development of the other application software

Supports the execution of other application software.

Controls the operation of peripheral devices auch as printer, disk, tape etc.

Hence, system software makes the operation of a computer system more effective and efficient. It helps the hardware components work together and provides support for the development and execution of application software. There are different types of system software like:

(a)   Operating systems software

The low-level software which handles the interface to peripheral hardware, schedules tasks, allocates storage, and presents a default interface to the user when no application program is running. (Includes all client and network operating systems).

(b)   Network software

Software that is used to control, monitor, manage and communicate with operating systems, networks, network services, databases, storage and networked applications  in an integrated and cooperative fashion across a network from a centrallocation. (Includes all network management software, server software, security and encryption  software, middleware, etc).

(c)    Database management software

A collection/suite of software programs that enables storage, modification and extraction information from a database. There are many different types of DBMSs ranging from small systems that run on computers to huge  systems that run on mainframes, e.g. Oracle.

(d)   Development tools and programming languages software

Software used to assist in the development and/or authoring of computer programs. Software products that support the professional developer in the design, development, and implementation of a variety of software systems and solutions. (Includes all SW testing tools, program development tools and programming languages.

2.     Application software is software program that performs a specific function directly for the end user. Application software is a set of one or more programs, designed to solve a specific problem or do a specific task. Some most commonly known application software are:

1.     Educational software is related to content access software, but has the content and/or features adapted for use in by educators or students. For example, it may deliver evaluations (tests), track progress through material, or include collaborative capabilities.

Simulation software is computer software for simulation of physical or abstract systems for either research, training or entertainment purposes.

Media development software addresses the needs of individuals who generate print and electronic media for others to consume, most often in a commercial or educational setting. This includes Graphic Art software, Desktop Publishing software, Multimedia Development software, HTML editors, Digital Animation editors, Digital Audio and Video composition, and many others

Word-Processing Software enables us to make use of a computer system for creating, editing, viewing, formatting, storing and printing documents.

Spread Sheet Software is a numeric data analysis toll, which allows us to create a kind of computerized ledger. A manual ledger is a book having rows and colums, which accountants use for keeping a record of financial transactions and for preparing financial statements.

Data Base software is collection of related date stored and treated as a unit for information retrieval purpose.  A datebase software is a set of one or more programs, which enable us to create a database, maintain it, organize its data in desired fashion and to selectively retrieve useful information from it.

 Graphical Software enables us to use a computer system for creating, editing, viewing, storing, drawings, pictures and anything else that can be drawn in the traditional manner.

To conclude, it can be said that software are the heart of the computer hardware. Without, software the hardware cannot operate themselves rightfully. Everyone should acquire correct information about software to operate the computer.