Computer Software & its Types
Week#1
Lecture #1(a)
Software
A set of instructions given to the computer to solve a
problem
Software is a single/collection of programs that
performs a particular task.
Software is also called Program.
Different software's are used to solve different
problems.
Types Of Software
There are two types of software on the basis of their
functionality:
System Software
Application Software
System Software
Manages the fundamental operations of the
computer, such as
- loading programs and data into memory,
executing programs, saving data to disks,
displaying information on the monitor, and
transmitting data through a port to a
peripheral device.
System software: operating systems, utilities, device
drivers.
Operating System
Collection of computer programs that control the
interaction of the user and the computer hardware.
Responsible for directing all computer operations and
managing all computer resources.
Controls basic input and output, allocates system
resources, manages storage space, maintains security, and
detects equipment failure.
A part of the operating system code is stored in a ROM and
the rest of it resides on a disk.
Loading the operating system into memory is called
booting the computer
Responsibilities of an Operating
System
Communicate with user, receive and execute commands, show
error messages.
Manage allocation of memory, processor time and other
resources.
Collect input from keyboard, mouse, and provide data to running
programs.
Convey program output to screen, printer, or other output
device.
Access data from secondary storage.
Write data to secondary storage.
Maintains security (checks user-name , password, virus infection)
Tasks Performed by Operating
System
Following are some of important functions of an operating System.
Booting
User Interface
Processor or CPU Management
Memory Management
File Management
Device Management
Task Management
Security
Control over system performance
Job accounting
Error detecting aids
Coordination between other software and users
Tasks Performed by Operating
System
➢Booting
Cold Booting
Warm Booting
➢User Interface
Command Driven Interfaces
Menu Driven Interfaces
Graphical User Interfaces
Processor or CPU Management
Supervisor or Kernel manages the CPU
In multiprogramming environment, the OS decides which
process gets the processor when and for how much time. This
function is called process scheduling. An Operating System does
the following activities for processor management −
Keeps tracks of processor and status of process. The program
responsible for this task is known as traffic controller.
Allocates the processor (CPU) to a process.
De-allocates processor when a process is no longer required.
Memory Management
Memory management refers to management of Primary
Memory or Main Memory.
An Operating System does the following activities for
memory management −
Keeps tracks of primary memory, i.e., what part of it are in
use by whom, what part are not in use.
In multiprogramming, the OS decides which process will
get memory when and how much.
Allocates the memory when a process requests it to do so.
De-allocates the memory when a process no longer needs
it or has been terminated.
Memory Management Methods
Partitioning
Foreground/ Background
Queues
File Management
A file system is normally organized into directories for easy
navigation and usage. These directories may contain files and
other directions.
An Operating System does the following activities for file
management −
Keeps track of information, location, uses, status etc. The
collective facilities are often known as file system.
Decides who gets the resources.
Allocates the resources.
De-allocates the resources.
Device Management
An Operating System manages device communication
via their respective drivers. It does the following
activities for device management −
Keeps tracks of all devices. Program responsible for
this task is known as the I/O controller.
Decides which process gets the device when and for
how much time.
Allocates the device in the efficient way.
De-allocates devices.
Task Management
➢ A task is an operation
➢ An Operating System manages all the tasks
➢ It does this by following method
Multitasking.
Multiprogramming.
Time-Sharing.
Cont….Task Management
➢ Multiprocessing
▪ Co- Processing
▪ Parallel Processing
Security Management
➢ Controls Access to Computer
Access Rights
Assigning and managing Passwords
Other Important Activities
Following are some of the important activities that an Operating
System performs −
Security − By means of password and similar other techniques, it
prevents unauthorized access to programs and data.
Control over system performance − Recording delays between
request for a service and response from the system.
Job accounting − Keeping track of time and resources used by
various jobs and users.
Error detecting aids − Production of dumps, traces, error messages,
and other debugging and error detecting aids.
Coordination between other software and users − Coordination
and assignment of compilers, interpreters, assemblers and other
software to the various users of the computer systems.
Device Driver
A Device Driver is a computer program that operates
or controls a particular type of device that is attached
to a computer.
Like printers
Utility program
Utility program is a system software that allows a user to
analyze, configure and Maintain the computer.
It performs a specific task related to the management of
computer.
Backup
Data Recovery
Virus Protection
Data Compression
File Defragmentation
Disk Scanner
Application Software
It is a program or group of programs designed for end users.
Examples :
▪ word processor
▪ a spreadsheet
▪ an accounting application
▪ a web browser
▪ an email client
▪ a media player
▪ a file viewer
▪ simulators
▪ a console game or a photo editor
Types of Application Software
Commercial Software
Public Domain Software
Shareware
Free Software
Rental Software
Pirated Software
Custom Software
Application Software
Productivity Software
Specialty Software
Educational /Reference Software
Personal Software
Entertainment Software
