Software

When I was young I heard some people saying the word software and I used to ask "What is a software?". In our TLE class, we discussed about software and its type. Because of that, some of my questions were answered. Our teacher taught us role of software in computing system.


First of all, what is a software? Well, software are programs that make a computer run. They are sets of instructions that tells the computer what to do to come up with the desire result. Software needs the Hardware to be useful; the Hardware needs the Software to be useful. When the users needs something to be done by the computer, he/she gives instructions in the form of software to computer hardware. The software has two types such as application software and system software. The system software are programs that work automatically once you open or boot your computer. Its task include loading and running programs, checking and protecting computers, and controlling hardware. Operating System is software, consisting of programs and data, that runs on computer, manages computer hardware resources, and provides common services for execution of various application software. It is the most important type of system software in a computer system. Without an operating system, a user cannot run an application program on their computer, unless the application program is self booting. Windows XP, Windows 2000, Mac Operating System, OS/2 Warp, UNIX, Linux, and Dos are some examples of operating system.
On the other hand, Application Software are programs installed in the computer. It enables the users to do different tasks. It is used for a specific purpose or application such a word processing, numerical analysis and storage, recording data, designing and graphics, image processing, presentations, desktop publishing, and web design. Word processors is used creating letters, memos, reports, and other write-ups. Wordstar, MS Word and Word Perfect are examples of word processor. Electronic software are equipped with rows and columns where data may be entered and processed automatically or tabulated. Examples of this is Excel, Quattro, MS Works, Supercalc, Visicalc and Lotus 123. Database are programs that can be use to organize data in a customized way. MS Access, DBase, Foxbase, MySQL, Oracle and Lotus Approach. Utilities are computer programs that perform a particular function related to computer system management and maintenance. Anti-virus SW, Data compression SW, Disk optimization SW, Disk backup SW, and Disk cleaner are some examples of utilities. Entertainment Software is designed for fun and relaxation. Examples of this is WinAmp, Real Player, Windows Media Player, VLC Media, and QuickTime. Multimedia, Desktop and Image Editing Software is used to create graphics and publications and to edit images. Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Pagemaker, Corel Draw, and Publisher are examples of this software.

These software were made to make our computer run properly. We should thank the inventors of these things because it helps us a lot!