Basic Hardware and Software
Computer system is the combination of hardware and software.
Hardware
Hardware are components of the Computer System; Physical, Tangible pieces that we can see and touch as mother board, SMPS, VDU, Sound, RAM etc.
Software
Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks.
Type of Software
- System Software
- Application Software
System Software
System software is a program whose job is to run a computer and make it work System software is developed to run computer hardware and application programs. System software provides a platform for other software. Example :- Operating System, Device Driver, Language Translator(Compiler/Interpreter/Assembler),Utilities, Firmware
Operating System
An operating system (OS) is system software that manages computer hardware and software resources, and provides common services for computer programs. Example:- Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Linux, Unix, DOS etc.
Device Driver
A device driver is a special kind of software program that controls a specific hardware device attached to a computer. Device drivers are essential for a computer to work properly. Example:- USB Drivers, Printer Drivers, Motherboard,
Utilities Software
The Utility Software is system software that helps to maintain the proper and smooth functioning of a Computer System. Example:- Antivirus Software, Disk Cleaners., Backup Software., File Compression Software., System Utilities.
Compiler
Compiler is a translator which translates high level language into low level language. It translates all high level language into low level language at once.
Interpreter
The interpreter carefully checks each line of code and if the line is correct, it directly converts it into machine language. The first use of interpreter was in 1952.
Assembler
Assembler is a computer program that helps in converting code written in assembly language into machine language. Assembler is sometimes also called assembly language compiler.
Firmware
Firmware is a type of software that is embedded with your hardware. Firmware is a software installed at the time of manufacturing of any hardware, it includes hardware like keyboard, hard drive, BIOS, graphic card. And besides printer or any of your home appliances like TV, microwave oven and washing machine etc. it comes embedded in it. Firmware software is installed in ROM.
Embedded Software
It works on real time. They are made specifically for a particular machine. Example :- Car OS, smartwatch OS, Satellite OS, Washing machine OS, ATM OS, Refrigerator OS etc.
Application Software
The term “application software” refers to software that performs specific functions for a user. When a user interacts directly with a piece of software, it is called application software. The sole purpose of application software is to assist the user in doing specified tasks. Microsoft Word and Excel, as well as popular web browsers like Firefox and Google Chrome, are examples of application software.
Types of Application Software
- Horizontal Software
- Vertical Software
- Open Source Software
- Closed Software
- Public Domain Software
- Freeware Software
- Shareware Software
- Nagware Software
- Adware Software
- Malware Software
Horizontal Software
These software which are used by all computer users are example MS Office, Photoshop, Tally. etc
Vertical Software
software that is targeted to a particular niche or industry vertical, Example:- Finacle, MIBS.etc
Open Source Software
Open source software is software developed and maintained through open collaboration. It is made available for anyone to use, examine, alter and redistribute however they like, typically at no cost.
Closed Software
Closed source (or proprietary software) means computer programs whose source code is not published. The source code is not shared with the public for anyone to look at or change. Closed source is the opposite of open source.
Public Domain Software
Software not protected by copyright laws of any nation that may be freely used without permission of or payment to the creator, and that carries no warranties from or liabilities to the creator.
Freeware Software
Freeware is in contrast to commercial software, which is typically sold for profit, but might be distributed for a business or commercial purpose in the aim to expand the marketshare of a “premium” product. Popular examples of closed-source freeware include Adobe Reader, Free Studio and Skype.
Nagware Software
Nagware is a software utility that “nags” users into upgrading or buying a premium version of software by sending constant pop-up messages or notifications. Software developers use nagware as a marketing tactic to remind users to take advantage of special offers and purchase software.
Adware Software
Adware is a type of malware or unwanted software designed to deliver targeted advertisements on infected computers. Adware can serve ad pages and collect information about users to target them better with customized ads.
Malware Software
Malware, or malicious software, is any program or file that’s intentionally harmful to a computer,…