Software is a series of instructions, data, and programs used in operating a computer and performing specific tasks on the computer and includes operating systems (OSs), drivers, disk formatters, text editors, compilers, etc. to help the computer work proper and better. We are a Software Company in Karachi and can understand why you need to have software.
Software, as opposed to hardware, has no physical form and it requires “loading” into the device’s storage. It is the non-physical component of the system. Software is written in many programming languages and each language has its own set of programming tools. Hardware is a major part of the computer but what actually makes a computer work is a software. In more simple words ‘software’ is a tool that helps the machine’s user interconnect with the machine’s system. Cryptically Developers are engaged in developing 100% customizable software according to your business’s needs. Let’s talk about the universality of software. The software can be used in all industries (banking, education, aerospace, construction, production, defense, etc) and all departments (accounts, marketing, human resource, production, etc). We can say that software is used every time a person does any business and everywhere.
Now that we understand what software is, can move onto the types of Software. There are mainly two types of Software:
- Systems Softwares
- Applications Softwares
System Softwares
A software which is designed to cater a platform for other software is system software. It harmonizes the tasks and functions of software and hardware and it also controls the performance of the hardware of the computer. Here we think of the systems software as a model with many layers, systems software work as an attachment between the user application and the hardware. Some systems software work in the background and others are used directly by the users. System files include drivers for hardware, system services, system preferences, and other configuration files. When you install your operating system the system software is installed on your computer. Systems software are divided under the following five categories:
Operating Software – A type of system software which links the end-user to the computer hardware. It allows users to run other applications on a device. OS manages a computing device’s hardware which includes input devices (mouse, keyboard, scanners, joysticks, etc), output devices (monitors, printers, speakers, headphones, projectors, etc), storage devices (hard disk, DVDs, CDs, USB flash drives, etc) and network devices (modems, routers, network switches, etc).
Device Drivers – A type of computer program more commonly known as ‘driver’ that controls or operates a particular device attached to a computer. A driver enables an operating system and other computer programs to access hardware functions. Without drivers, a computer can neither send nor receive data correctly to the computer.
Middleware – It serves as a bridge between database or OS and applications. The name ‘middleware’ came from the fact that it’s a software that lies between the back-end resource being requested and the client-side request on the front-end. The key role of middleware is to allow and ease access to back-end resources.
Utility Software – This type of software basically supports the infrastructure of the computer. It is designed to help in analyzing, configuring, optimizing or maintaining a computer. Although utility software is considered a part of the OS, users may also install replacement or additional utilities like anti-virus, clipboard managers, debuggers, diagnostic programs, network utilities, etc.
Shells and Windowing System – A ‘shell’ is a user affiliation for access to an operating system’s services and a ‘windowing’ system manages separately various parts of the display screen. The name “shell” was given because it is the outermost layer around the operating system kernel. A computer system shell either uses a graphical user interface (GUI) or command-line interface (CLI). Examples of shells are MS-DOS Shell (command.com), PowerShell and that. A windowing system is a type of GUI. Examples of windowing systems include HP windows, Quartz compositor (mac OS X), ReactOS explorer, Dojo, intuition, mini GUI.
Application Softwares
Any program or set of programs designed for the end-user is application software. It is also called end-user program. They are designed to perform a group of coordinated tasks, functions or activities for the users. Applications can manipulate graphics, texts, audio, numbers and a combination of all these. There are a number of applications software depending on the level of language used.
Word Processing Software – The tool is used to create word sheets, letters, type papers, etc.
Eg: MS Word, MS Works, and AppleWorks.
Spreadsheet Software – The tool is used to compute number intensive problems like forecasting, budgeting, etc.
Eg: MS Excel, Quattro Pro, Lotus 1-2-3 and MS Works.
Desktop Publishing Software – The tool is used to create illustrative worksheets, newsletters, banners, signs, gift cards, etc.
Eg: MS Word, MS Publisher, and Adobe PageMaker.
Database Software – It is used to store data like text information, address, memberships, etc. which helps users to sort information accordingly.
Eg: MS Access, FileMaker Pro.
Communication Software – It allows connected computers to communicate with each other using audio, video or chat-based medium.
Eg: MS Net Meeting, IRC and ICQ.
There are also many other types of application software being used.
Advantages of Softwares
Software is a really important and heavily used component of a computing device. It can help automate your business. It is very important for tracking as well and will organize your data for easy access and analysis. Some advantages of the software are stated below:
- The software makes the process of conversion easy and convenient to store new leads, capture existing ones and track future sales prospects.
- Customer relationship management software makes it easier to effectively manage customer relationships, loyalty, boosting satisfaction and repeat business.
- One of the most valuable features software has for a business is to give it an edge over the competitors – something every small business needs in today’s huge marketplace.
Any business whether it’s a startup or an old one needs software for their daily choirs. The advantages of software do not end here. It has uncountable advantages for every business irrespective of the size, geographical location and the type of business you do.
