Scribd
Upload
2 views

4_Software

The document outlines the two main types of software: system software, which controls hardware and manages applications, and application software, which is designed for specific tasks. System software includes operating systems like Windows and Linux, while application software can be user-designed (bespoke) or ready-made (generic). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, development time, and suitability for specific needs.

Uploaded by

hilary
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
2 views

4_Software

The document outlines the two main types of software: system software, which controls hardware and manages applications, and application software, which is designed for specific tasks. System software includes operating systems like Windows and Linux, while application software can be user-designed (bespoke) or ready-made (generic). Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, such as cost, development time, and suitability for specific needs.

Uploaded by

hilary
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 17

Types of Software

H.T Mushonga
Introduction
• Software are programs or instructions that tell
a computer what to do and how to do it
• Computers need software to do even a simple
job, without software computers cannot
function
Types of Software
• Two types:
– System software
• These are programs designed to control and manage
computer hardware
• Systems software also manages applications and data.
– Application software
• It is a group of programs designed to accomplish a
single task or a group of related tasks
System Software
The systems software is the interface between the hardware and user
applications. Examples include operating systems, device drivers and
system utilities.
Operating Systems allow application software to communicate with
the hardware
• Example of OS are
– Window XP,
– Window 7,
– Windows 10,
– Android,
– ChromeOS,
– VISTA,
– Linux,
– Macintosh (macOS), etc.
Functions of OS
• Control the hardware, the memory and the
application software
• Manages the information on the disk
• Runs computer programs
• Manages the startup process
Application Software
• It is a group of programs designed to accomplish a
single task or a group of related tasks
• It divided into two categories:
– User-designed application software (Bespoke)
• Software that is created or designed for a specific
organisation or other user
– Ready-made application software (Generic)
• A collection of programs designed for general use
User Designed Application Software

• Also known as Bespoke Software or Tailor-


Made Software
• These type of software are designed and
developed specifically for the company or
organization
Advantages
• The Company will get the exact
software/system that they need
• The software will work exactly how they want
it to work
• The software will only have the features that
they specifically need in their business
Disadvantages
• Takes a long time to develop
• Cost a great deal of money to develop such
system
• Company need to employ a team of people
such as analysts and programmers
• There will be little in the way of user support
and online help
Ready-Made Designed Application Software

• Also known as Package Software or Package


• It usually comes with manuals
(documentation)
– Manuals are instruction on how to run the
application software
• Example Word Processing, PowerPoint
Ready-Made Designed Application Software

• Package is written in one of many


programming languages by a team of
computer specialists.
• These specialist are called programmers
• A company or organization which writes
packages is called a software house
• A package is specific to an operating system
Advantage of using
Ready-Made Packages
• User-friendly
• Cheap (Usually)
• Readily Available
Disadvantages of using Ready-Made
Packages
• Rigid, Functions cannot be changed
• Some may not suit own specific requirements
Ready-Made Designed Application Software

Ready made software can be classified as either open source


or proprietary depending.
Web based / installed application
software
• Desktop software must be purchased in
physical form (such as a CD) or downloaded
from the internet. In either case, the program
is installed using an installation program. Once
the software is installed, it is ready to use
• Web-based software is software that is
delivered on demand via the internet
Research on the advantages and disadvantages
of web based and installation/Desktop
software
The end

You might also like