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Computer

SOFTWARE

Just as an automobile without a driver is useless, a computer without software is useless. The software provides the commands that tell the hardware what tasks to perform, what to read and write, how to send the end result (the output) to a monitor and/or printer. Software is the programs and data that a computer uses. Software is kept on some hardware device such as a hard disk or floppy disk with a program saved on it. Now say that you erase the program from the disk. The atoms and molecules of the disk are the same ones as before, but now the program is “gone”. The intangible software has been removed without removing anything tangible.

Software consist of both programs and data. Programs are lists of instructions for the processor. Data can be any information that a program needs: character data, numerical data, image data, audio data, and countless other types. The distinction between programs and data is not clear-cut as you might think, however. Fundamental Idea: Both programs and data are saved in computer memory in the same way. The electronics of computer memory (both main memory and secondary memory) make no distinction between programs and data.

KINDS OF SOFTWARE

1. Application software (usually called just “applications”) are programs that people use to get their work done. It may include data entry, update query and report programs, productivity software for spreadsheets, word processing, databases and custom accounting programs for payroll, billing and inventory. It is designed to help people with specific task such as making a spreadsheet of creating a graphic image.

Example of Application Software

Word Processor Databases Software
Spreadsheet Software Web Browser
Presentation Software PIM

2. Operating Systems are software which controls the computer and runs applications, it keep all the hardware and software running together smoothly. What the Operating System does is communicate...