Different types of Software with examples

Software is the set of instruction that makes hardware work, update, upgrade and
develop. It is such a program routine that control the functioning of the hardware and
direct its operation and helps in end user computing. The term Software was first used by
John W. Tukey in 1957.Software components of a computer system have no physical
presence, they are stored in digital form within computer memory. There are different
categories of software.

Computer
Software

Application
Software

General
Purpose

Application
Specific

System
software

System
Control
Programs

System
Support
Program

1. Application Software
Application software is that which allows a user to accomplish one or more specific task.
Application software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a
computer directly to a task that the user wishes to perform. Computer programs that
specify the information processing activities are required for completion of tasks of users.
They are usually the reason you bought the computer system in the first place and aren't
concerned with the management or maintenance of the system itself.

a) General Purpose
They are programs that perform common information processing jobs for end user. It is
also called a productivity packages because they increase the productivity of end users.
Example: word processing programs, spread sheet programs, database management
program and graphics programs.

b)Application specific
Software which support specific applications of end user in business and other fields are
called application specific. Business application supports the reengineering and
automation of business process.
Examples: CRM, ERP, Supply Chain Management

2. System Software
It performs the basic necessary functions to start, operate, control, monitor and manage
computer system. Programs used to control the computer and develop and run
application programs. It is responsible directly for controlling, integrating and managing
the individual hardware components of a computer system. . It helps the computer
hardware to operate and connect with the applications software. System software is the
software used to manage and control the hardware components and which allow

interaction between the hardware and the other types of software. The most obvious type
of system software is the computer's operating system.

a)System control software

Programs that manage the hardware, software, network and data resources of computer
are system control software.

i. Operating System- It allocates resources to the applications, schedule the jobs on

priority, assign memory for program and data and monitor each job and system as a
whole.
Examples: DOS, WINDOS, OS/2, UNIX & LINEX

ii) Utilities Programs- It is software such as anti-virus software, firewalls, disk

defragmenters and so on which helps to maintain and protect the computer system but
does not directly interface with the hardware.
Examples : Sort, Merge, Disk-to-Tape, Text Editor, Security Monitor, Performance
Monitor, Network Management etc.

b)System Support Software

Software that enables to write, test and use the programs in order to get desired result are
system support software. Programs that help users develop information system program
and procedures and prepare user programs for computing processing.
Examples- language translator and editors, Compiler, Interpreter, Programming Editor,
Tools, Computer-Aided Software Engineering (CASE) package, Database Management
System Software.