Computer - Software

COMPUTER : the Technology

Next, the Future.....

April 2, 2009

SOFTWARE

Software represents the set of programs that govern the operation of a computer system and make the hardware run.

Software can be classified into three categories:

1. Operating System

2. Language Processors

3. Application Software

OPERATING SYSTEM

An operating system is a program which acts as an interface between a user & the hardware (i.e., all computer resources). An operating system is an important component of a computer system which controls all other components of the computer system.

The operating system perform the following function:

1. Provide the instruction to prepare user- interface.

2. Loads necessary program which are required for proper computer functioning.

3. Manages the way information is stored on & retrieved from disks.

LANGUAGE PROCESSORS

ASSEMBLER: This language processor converts the program written in assembly language into machine language.

INTERPRETER: This language processor converts a HLL program into machine language by converting it line- by- line. If there is any error in any line, it reports it at the same time & program execution can not resume until the error is rectified.

COMPILER: It also converts the HLL program into machine language. It converts the entire HLL program in one go, & reports all the errors of the program along with the line numbers. After all the errors are removed, the program is recompiled, & after that the compiler is not needed in the memory as the object program is available.

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

An application software is the set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specified application.

CUSTOMIZED APPLICATION SOFTWARE

This type of software is tailor- made software. The software is developed to meet all the requirements specified by the user.

GENERAL APPLICATION SOFTWARE

This type of software is developed keeping in mind the general requirements for carrying out a specific task. Many users can use it simultaneously as it fulfills the general requirements.

SOME OTHER EXAMPLES OF SOFTWARE :

MICROSOFT WORD

MICROSOFT PUBLISHER

MICROSOFT EXCEL

OUTLOOK TODAY

MICROSOFT CLIP ORGANIZER

WINDOWS MEDIA PLAYER