Science and Technology: What is software and how software works..

Software, also called a program , consists of a series of related instructions , organized for a common purpose , that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them. The two categories of software are system software and applications software.

There are two types of software which we use to run computer and develop it.

SYSTEM SOFTWARE: System software consists of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. System software serves as the interface between the user , the application software and the computer’s hardware. Two types of system software are the operating system and utility program

In System software there are two types

Operating system: Operating system is an operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices. It provides a means for users to communicate with the computer and other software. Many of today’s computers use Microsoft’s windows or Mac OS, Apple’s operating system. When a user starts a computer portions of the computer operating system and copied into memory from the computer’s hard disk. These parts of the operating system remain in memory while the computer is on.

Utility program: A utility program allows a user to perform the maintainence and related to managing a computer and its device or its program. For example you are using a utility program which transfer digital photos to an optical disc. Most operating systems include several utility programs for managing disk drives, printers, and other devices, and media. You also can buy utility program that allow you to perform additional computer management functions.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE: Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive or assist them with personal task. A widely used type of application software related to communications is a web browser, Which allows users with internet connection to access and view web pages or access programs. Other popular application software includes word processing software , spreadsheet software, database software and presentation software.

Many other types of application software exists that enable users to perform a variety of tasks. These include personal information management ,note taking, project management ,accounting, document management, Computer aided design, desktop publishing ,pain/image editing, photo editing, audio and video editing , multimedia authoring . Web page authoring, personal finance legal, tax preparation , home design /landscaping , travel and mapping, education, reference and entertainment (e.g,, games or simulations,etc.).