APPLICATION AND SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Computer software
refers to the programs
and instructions that
run on a computer.
It can be categorized
into two main types:
System Software
Application Software.
1
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
Provides basic functionality for a computer and helps run the
computer hardware and application software.
Examples of system software include the operating system
(such as Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux), device
drivers and utility software (such as disk defragmenters,
antivirus programs, and backup software).
2
OPERATING SYSTEM
This is the most important type of software in a computer.
It is the one that tells the hardware what to do and how to
do it.
For example, it controls the printer during printing of
documents, it manages the communication between the
hardware and the software.
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It also interprets the user commands.
It acts as an interface, i.e. as a link, between applications
software and the hardware.
It directs the flow of data between input and output
systems.
4
EXAMPLES OF OPERATING SYSTEMS
There are many operating system
programs, e.g.
Microsoft Windows Unix
Windows XP, Linux
Windows Vista MacOS
Windows 7,
❖Android
Window 8. 8.1
Windows 10
Windows 11.
5
UTILITY SOFTWARE
Utility software is used by the computer to accomplish
specific tasks and are used to maintain the smooth running
of the computer.
Examples of utilities are:
Antivirus software e.g.
Norton
AVG
Panda
Avast
All these are for checking and protecting a computer against viruses.
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DEVICE DRIVERS UTILITY SOFTWARE
Scandisk - for checking For effecting
the integrity of disks. communication between
Disk Defragmenter - for input/output units, (e.g.
correcting disks that keyboard, mouse, monitor,
have become printer) and the CPU.
fragmented.
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APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Designed to perform specific tasks for end-users.
Runs on top of the operating system and requires it to
function.
Software can be pre-installed on a computer or can be
purchased and installed by the user.
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Applications software interacts with users directly – it is the
one which knows how to manipulate data the way the user
wants it to be.
It does not have the capacity to control or interact with the
hardware directly.
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EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Word processors, e.g. Microsoft Word, WordStar, Wordpad
WordPerfect for creating documents.
Spreadsheets, e.g. Microsoft Excel, Lotus for storing,
analyzing data and doing calculations
Databases, e.g. Microsoft Access, Paradox, dBase 7 for
storing data in a systematic manner.
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EXAMPLES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Publisher or Desktop Publisher (DTP) for designing magazins,
birthday cards, wedding cards etc
Computer games
Web Browsers (Google Chrome, Safari, OperaGX, Firefox)
Video Conferencing (Zoom, Skype, Whatsapp)
Graphic Design (Adobe Photoashop, Illustrator, GIMP)
Music and Video Players (Spotify, Apple Music, VLC)
Microsoft PowerPoint for presentation.
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