Software
There are two main types of software, systems software and application software.
Systems Software
Systems software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer's hardware and application programs.
| Example | Description |
|---|---|
| Operating System | Operating systems are needed to allow the hardware of a computer system to talk with the applications software. |
| Utility Software | Utilities are developed to perform specific tasks. For example, file management and antivirus protection. |
| User Interface | The user interface allows the user to interact with a computer system. |
| Drivers | Drivers are needed for each piece of hardware to allow the operating system to communicate with it. |
Application Software
These are the everyday programs that we use to perform certain tasks, for example:
| Example | Description |
|---|---|
| Word Processor | Used to produce letters and reports. |
| Spreadsheet | Used for mathematical calculations (modelling). |
| Presentation | Used for combining multimedia to create slideshows. |
| Media Player | Used for the playback of content such as audio and video. |
| Graphics | Used for creating and editing graphics. |