what is software
what is software? Every part of any computer system is either hardware or software. The physical structure of a computer (part that can be felt by touching) is called hardware. Hardware includes all the devices used for data input and connected to it. External devices like printer, keyboard and modem are called peripheral devices. Software is a series of instructions written in a programming language, according to which the given data is processed. A computer cannot do any work without software. Its primary purpose is to convert data into information. Hardware also works according to the instructions of software. This is also called a program. People who write and test computer programs are called programmers. Establishing communication between hardware and software is called an interface.
Type of software
1, system software
2, application software
3, programming software
1, System Software:
It controls the computer hardware in such a way that application software can run smoothly; such as operating system, device drivers, Windows system, etc.
2, Application Software:
It allows the user to perform one or more specific tasks. Application software is developed using high-level computer languages. The software program is written using the English language, so the user can easily use the computer; such as industrial automation, business software, medical software, educational software, word processor, etc.
3, Programming software:
It usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs; such as text editors, compilers, de-buggers, interpreters, etc. An error in a program that produces incorrect or inappropriate results is called a bug. A small program available on the Internet that repairs a known software bug for free is called a patch. The process of finding bugs in software code is called debugging.
Operating system
Operating system: First of all, when we turn on the computer, it looks for the BIOS (Basic Input Output system) ROM chip on our motherboard. This BIOS chip contains instructions for using various expansion slots, ports, drives and operating system. As soon as the computer is turned on, the boot sequence or start up process begins, under which the BIOS loads instructions and programming code from the chip. After that, it gives instructions in sequence. It lists the external and internal devices and executes several self tests, which are called Power on Self Test. The computer provides an error code if any error is detected during this test. This error code is given when there is any problem in hardware such as memory, keyboard, monitor and disk drives. After the Power on Self Test is successfully completed, the process of boot strap begins, which is called booting. Under this process, the operating system starts. In this process, the computer loads the operating system from secondary memory or auxiliary memory into main memory or RAM. In this process, it is also ensured that all the components are properly connected to the computer system and are working. Computer hardware does not understand our language, they understand the language of binary numbers 1 or 0. Operating system acts as a medium between hardware, application system and user. Its job is to run the computer and keep it functional. It converts our given instructions or data into machine language and acts as a medium by converting the result (output) back into our language; for example – Windows 95, 98, Unix, Linux etc.
type of operating system
There are five types of operating systems
1, Real Time Operating System
Its main purpose is to provide fast time to the user. This system is used to control machinery, scientific and industrial equipment. There is less user intervention in this, and the result of one program is used as input data in another program. An important part of the real time operating system is that a particular operation should be completed within a specific time period, otherwise the next program will get an error and the result will stop. Example – Scientific research, railway reservation, operation of satellites, etc.
2, Time Sharing Operating System:
In this, users have to share the same resources. The operating system balances the needs of different users to see if each program they are using is sufficient. In this operating system, proper management of memory is necessary. In this, every program gets equal CPU time.
3, Single tasking operating system:
This type of operating system allows a user to effectively perform only one task at a time.
4, Batch processing operating system:
In this system work is done in groups. That is, when the operating system does all the work in groups on the basis of priority without any intervention of the user, then that system is called batch processing system; such as making payroll, billing etc.
5, Multi programming operating system
In such a system, more than one program or task works simultaneously through the operating system. Every task is given a fixed time of the CPU which is called time slicing.
6, Multi Processing Operation System or Parallel Processing System:
In this system two or more central processing units are used in a single computer system.
Application Software:
Based on utility, there are two types of application software:
1. Special Application Software:
It is capable of completing a particular task. For example, special application software is used for meteorology, aircraft control, ticket reservation etc.
2. General Function Application Software :
It can be used by many users. When the requirement is very general, then application packages can also be used. Some common application packages are as follows.
a) Electronic Spreadsheet:
It is capable of displaying numbers on the screen in the form of a table and can calculate them. Those numbers can also be expressed in the form of graphs and charts. Like Microsoft Excel, Lotus 123, etc.
(b) Word Processor:
It helps in creating documents on the computer screen. That document can be converted, stored and printed; such as Word Star, Word Pad, MS Word, etc.
(c) Computer Graphics:
This program is used to create and modify designs, graphs and charts. Such as CAD, CAM, etc.
(d) Desktop Publishing (DTP-Desk Top Publishing):
DTP software is used for publishing with good quality at low cost. It takes input from word processor or directly from DPT software and completes the page by adding graphics electronically. Then it is printed from a high resolution output device. Such as – Page Maker, CorelDraw etc.
(e) Database Management System or Database Software:
This system allows us to input, change, sort and prepare reports on whatever data we want to store in the computer. It is capable of keeping a well-organized record of data; for example – D-Base IV, MS Excel etc.
(f) Report Generator:
Financial accounting, accounting of bank accounts, stocks, income and expenditure can be easily done with the use of this program, like Tally.
(g) Presentation Software:
It is used to tell stories, give public presentations or give information by arranging words and pictures. Example – Power Point, Page Mill, etc. Presentation software is also called presentation graphics.
Turnkey system: The hardware and software required for a particular application is called Turnkey system.
Free Ware: Free Ware is a software which can be purchased free of cost or downloaded from the internet. For example – Instant Messaging and Google Toolbar.
Basic Application:
Basic applications are also called general purpose software. These are software for general use. We use them for everyday tasks. Any computer user must know how to use basic applications to work on the computer. Names of some general purpose software are given below.
Word Processing Programs
Multimedia Programs
DTP Programs
Spreadsheet Programs
Presentation Programs
Graphics Application
Web Design Application
Utility software
It is a small software that increases the efficiency of the operating system. It specifically helps in managing the computer hardware, operating system or application to work together. Utility software performs a task or a small part of a task. With its help, using the computer becomes even easier.
1. Disk Formatting:
It helps to make the hard disk or other storage medium compatible with the operating system before using it.
2. Disk Cleaner:
It helps the user to decide whether to remove unnecessary programs when the hard disk is full and increases the memory capacity by removing them.
3. Backup Program:
This software copies all the information stored in the computer and places it at the desired location so that in case of any damage to the memory, all the information can be stored again.
4. Disk Compression:
This software compresses all the information on the hard disk so that more information can be stored in it. File compression is used to store many files in a small storage space.
5. Virus Scanner:
It scans computer files and folders to disable viruses. It is also called antivirus.
some examples of operating system
1. MS-DOS (Disk operating system):
It was the first operating system of Microsoft to be widely installed in personal computers. It is a simple non-graphical, command line operating system. It is simple but not user friendly, as it requires memorizing commands. Its most popular version is 7.0.
3. MS Windows:
This is a Graphical User Interface Operating System developed by Microsoft. The shortcomings of MS DOS were kept in mind and it was made user friendly. Its other versions are Windows-95, Windows-98, Windows 10. The most current server version is Windows Server 2008. It is also easy to learn and work on it.
3. Unix:
This is an operating system developed in 1969 by AT & T employees at Vail Laboratory. These included Ken Thompson, Dennis Ritchie, Douglas McIlroy and Joe Ossanna. Unix operating system is widely used in both servers and work stations. Unix was first written in assembly language. In 1973, it was rewritten in C programming language. In this, data management is done by Kernal
4. Linux:
Its first version was introduced in 1991. It is a Unix-like computer operating system based on Linux Kernal. It is mainly used for operating systems in servers. It is an open source softwae.
Virtual Memory:
It is an imaginary memory area supported by the operating system. We can also consider it as an alternative to the memory address which the program uses to store instructions and data. The purpose of virtual memory is to increase the address space. It is the space on the hard disk which the CPU uses as extended RAM. It can also be called logical memory and is controlled by the operating system.
Translator:
A translator is a program or a series of instructions that converts programming language into machine language. It is of three types.
1. Assembler:
It converts the program written in assembly language into machine language.
2. Compiler:
Compiler is a program that converts the program or source code written in high level language into machine language or object program. It reads the entire program at once and points out all the errors. After the errors are removed, it converts the program into machine language.
3. Interpreter:
It translates the instructions given in high level programming language into low level machine language. The interpreter translates each instruction one by one. It translates one instruction and executes it without storing it, then translates the next instruction. In this way, when the entire program is executed, it finally gives a response.
Device Driver:
It is also called a software driver. It is a program that helps high-level computer programs to establish a connection with a hardware device. The device driver establishes a connection through the computer bus or communication subsystem to which the hardware is connected.