Components of a Computer: Softwares

Software
what is computer software and types of computer Software
01/02/2014BYHUMAYUN KABIR

What is Computer Software :Computer Software can be defined in the following ways:Computer software, or just software, is an any set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer’s processor to perform specific operations. It is a program that tells a computer what to do.Software,is a collection of programs that includes some input and outputs interface.Software is a data structure that enables the programs to adequately manipulate information.Software is a general term. It can refer to all computer instructions in general or to any specific set of computer instructions.It is inclusive of both machine instructions and source code (more human-understandable instructions that must be rendered into machine code by compilers or interpreters before being executed).

Types of computer Software:In most computer platforms, software can be grouped into two broad categories:1.System Software2.Application Software
1.System software :
System software is a program that manages and supports the computer resources and operations of a computer system while it executes various tasks such as processing data and information, controlling hardware components, and allowing users to use application software.
That is,systems software functions as a bridge between computer system hardware and the application software. System software is made up of many control programs, including the operating system, communications software and database manager.Types computer Systems software consists of three kinds of programs.
1.The system management programs2.system support programs and3.system development programs .These are explained briefly here.

System Management Programs:
These are programs that manage the application software, computer hardware, and data resources of the computer system. These programs include operating systems, operating environment programs, database management programs, and telecommunications monitor programs. Among these, the most important system management programs are operating systems.

System Support Programs:
These are the programs that help the operations and management of a computer system. They provide a variety of support services to let the computer hardware and other system programs run efficiently. The major system support programs are system utility programs, system performance monitor programs, and system security monitor programs (virus checking programs).

System Development Programs:
These are programs that help users develop information system programs and prepare user programs for computer processing. These programs may analyze and design systems and program itself. The main system development programs are programming language translators, programming environment programs, computer-aided software engineering packages.

Example of system software:

1. Operating Systems are the main examples for system software.
   
   Other system software are following:
2. Linux
3. Microsoft Windows
4. MacOS X
5. DOS
6. BIOS Software
7. HD Sector Boot Software
8. Device Driver Software i.e Graphics Drive etc
9. Linker Software
10. Assembler and Compiler Software

  
Operating System
Booting
The process of starting a computer is known as booting. the first thing a computer does when it is booted is to check that it is working properly. It does this by following certain instructions held on a ROM chip known as the BIOS. You can often see this happening as various lines of text briefly appear on the computer monitor. it will then look for an operating system (OS) to tell it what to do next. The operating system is loaded from disk to the computer's random access memory (RAM).

Software Control
The operating system controls how all software applications, games or other programs work on the computer, such as:

• File management - saving, copying, renaming and deleting files
• Multi-tasking - allowing more then one program to run (work) at the same time; for example, using a desktop publishing program while a graphics program is still running
• Multi-user - allowing more than one user on a computer network to access the same file at the same time
• Security - when passwords have been set, allowing only those with the correct password to use the computer.

Application software :Application software consists of programs that direct computers to perform specific information processing activities for end users. These programs are called application packages because they direct the processing required for a particular use, or application, which users want to accomplish. Thousands of application packages are available because there are thousands of different jobs end users want computers to do.

Different Types of Application Software:
Word Processing Software:This software enables users to create and edit documents. The most popular examples of this type of software are MS-Word,Word Pad and Notepad among other text editors.
Database Software:Database is a structured collection of data. Database software allows users to store and retrieve data from databases. Examples are Oracle, MS Access, etc.
Spreadsheet Software: Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and Apple Numbers are some examples of spreadsheet software. Spreadsheet software allows users to perform calculations using spreadsheets.

Multimedia Software: They allow users to create and play audio and video files. They are capable of playing media files. Audio converters, audio players, burners, video encoders and decoders are some forms of multimedia software. Example: Real Player and Media Player.

Presentation Software:The software that is used to display information in the form of a slide show is known as presentation software. Microsoft PowerPoint is the best example of presentation software.

Enterprise Software:It deals with the needs of organization processes and data flow. Customer relationship management or the financial processes in an organization are carried out with the help of enterprise software.

Educational Software:It has the capabilities of running tests and tracking progress. It is often used in teaching and self-learning. Dictionaries like Britannica and Encarta, mathematical software like Mat lab and others like Google Earth and NASA World Wind are some of the well-known names in this category.

Simulation Software:Used to simulate physical or abstract systems, simulation software finds applications in both, research and entertainment. Flight simulators and scientific simulators are examples of simulation software.

Content Access Software:It is used to access content without editing. Common examples of content access software are web browsers and media players.

Application Suites:An application suite is an important type of application software. It consists of a group of applications combined to perform related functions. Open Office.org and Microsoft Office are the best examples of this type of application software.

Information Worker Software:Individual projects within a department and individual needs of creation and management of information are handled by information worker software. Documentation tools, resource management tools and personal management systems fall under the category of this type of application software.Above types of computer Software are available in the world.

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Common Computer Hardware Problems and Solutions

There are numerous computer software issues that are elementary to fix, but hard to diagnose. When you successfully identify the appropriate problem, it becomes easy to iron out the pitfall. Now, let’s share the common software problems and solutions according to experience.
Viruses
It is a very generic problem with your computer. Your computer gets this problem by merely visiting a website. Some of the symptoms of PC viruses are strange behavior in the OS, non-responsive applications and slow performance.
However, do not get scared because the solution to this problem is not hard. You can install antivirus program in your computer to get rid of this problem.Malware
It is another generic problem that infects your computer. Malware means malicious software. Worms and Trojan Horses are some of the examples of common malware. Malware often enters your computer via mail attachments.
It is really difficult to free your computer from malware. It is always suggested that you do a system restore and reinstall your operating system. You can go for program such as Malwarebytes Anti-Malware for less powerful malware.
Spyware
It is the most generic computer problem. Your computer can pick spyware from just about anything. Slowdown of computer is a symptom of spyware. You may also notice some certain programs that you have never installed in your computer.
But the good thing is that you can find numerous programs in the market that can remove spyware, some of them are free as well.Slowdown of Computer
If your computer doesn’t have any of the aforementioned problems, but still it is performing slowly, you need to do some couple of actions to fix the problem.
Just execute a disk cleanup: “Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Cleanup.”
Defragment your hard drive: “Start > All Programs > Accessories > System Tools > Disk Defragmenter.”
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References and Further Reading:
Gay, Glenda & Blades, Ronald (2005). Oxford Information Technology for CXC CSEC 'System Software' (p.30).Images Source:4.bp.blogspot &mhhe.comInfo Source:knowledgediarybd.com/what-is-the-it-computer-software/ ‎