What Is Computer Software?
A computer's software refers to a program (or a group of programs) which give a computer instructions on what to do and how to operate. Software programs can provide one main task, or multiple main tasks.
As an example, a program designed to edit digital photographs has one key task (i.e. to allow for editing of photos).
On the other hand, a computer's operating system would carry out many main tasks.
Software can be grouped into roughly two groups: application software and systems software. Essentially, software which facilitates just one main task would be counted as application software. This is contrasted to systems software which refers to complex, multi-task programs which help to run the entire system – such as an operating system.
These two main groups of software are discussed in more detail below:
Application Software
This is software which is installed on an operating system (See "Systems Software" below for more information). As mentioned above, this type of software tends to perform just one main task. Another example of application software would be a website browser: this is the program which you are probably using right now to view this article. Examples of a browser include Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
Systems Software
This type of software is quite accurately described as being at the very core of any computer system. Without systems software, a computer could not really function. In short, it manages every aspect of a computer system – from how the hardware interacts with the software ('drivers') to giving the user an interface and platform to interact with the system ('operating system').
The operating system – or 'OS' - is the software that loads up after your computer is switched on. It's where all application software is installed on. Examples of an OS include Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, 7 etc) and Apple Mac OS X.
I am a writer for Computer Lover which has articles on topics such as Cheap and Best Computer Cases, Best Photo Editing Software, Best Personal Finance Software and much more.
As an example, a program designed to edit digital photographs has one key task (i.e. to allow for editing of photos).
On the other hand, a computer's operating system would carry out many main tasks.
Software can be grouped into roughly two groups: application software and systems software. Essentially, software which facilitates just one main task would be counted as application software. This is contrasted to systems software which refers to complex, multi-task programs which help to run the entire system – such as an operating system.
These two main groups of software are discussed in more detail below:
Application Software
This is software which is installed on an operating system (See "Systems Software" below for more information). As mentioned above, this type of software tends to perform just one main task. Another example of application software would be a website browser: this is the program which you are probably using right now to view this article. Examples of a browser include Internet Explorer and Mozilla Firefox.
Systems Software
This type of software is quite accurately described as being at the very core of any computer system. Without systems software, a computer could not really function. In short, it manages every aspect of a computer system – from how the hardware interacts with the software ('drivers') to giving the user an interface and platform to interact with the system ('operating system').
The operating system – or 'OS' - is the software that loads up after your computer is switched on. It's where all application software is installed on. Examples of an OS include Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, 7 etc) and Apple Mac OS X.
I am a writer for Computer Lover which has articles on topics such as Cheap and Best Computer Cases, Best Photo Editing Software, Best Personal Finance Software and much more.
