1. COMPUTER SOFTWARE

UNIT ONE: INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE

By the end of this unit you should be able to:

  • Define and describe the types/classifications of software: (definitions with examples) Application & System Software
  • Describe the characteristics of computer software

UNIT INTRODUCTION
The usefulness of computer hardware depends a lot on available software and the ability of users to evaluate, monitor, and control the utilization of the software. (The Computer System), we met the term ‘computer software. We saw that: Computer software refers to the electronic instructions and procedures that control the operation of a computer.

There are two major types of software: system software and application software. Each performs a different function. System software e.g. the Operating system manages and coordinates all the other computer programs, devices, resources, and activities. While Application software like Word-processors, Paint, Calculator, and, Games solves the specific or exact needs of the user.

TYPES AND CLASSIFICATIONS OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer software can be generally broken down as shown in the chart below: