Software Classification
Nishat Tasnim Sithy
Lecturer,
Department of CSE
Eastern University, Bangladesh
What is Software?
• Software is a collection of instructions, data,
or programs that run machines and carry out
tasks.
• It is the opposite of hardware, which refers to
a computer’s physical components.
• Examples: MS Word, MS Excel, PowerPoint.
Importance of Software
• Software is essential for the functioning of
modern devices.
• It enables communication between hardware
and users.
• Helps automate tasks and enhances
productivity.
Types of Software
• System Software:
– Operating System
– Language Processor
– Device Driver
• Application Software:
– General Purpose Software
– Customized Software
– Utility Programs
System Software Overview
• that directly operates the computer hardware
and provides the basic functionality to the
users as well as to the other software to
operate smoothly.
• Controls a computer’s internal functioning and
also controls hardware devices such as
monitors, printers, and storage devices, etc
• Examples: Windows, Linux, macOS.
Feature of System Software
• closer to the computer system.
• written in a low-level language in general.
• difficult to design and understand.
• fast in speed(working speed).
• less interactive for the users in comparison to
application software.
Operating System (OS)
• The core system software that loads when the computer
starts.
• Functions of OS:
– Resource Management
– User Interface
– Security Management
– Multitasking
– File Management
• Examples: Windows, macOS, Linux, Android, iOS.
Types of Operating Systems
• Single-User OS – Windows, macOS
• Multi-User OS – Linux, Unix (used in servers)
• Real-Time OS – Used in robotics and
embedded systems
• Mobile OS – Android, iOS
Language Processor
• Converts high-level programming languages
(C, Java, Python) into machine code.
• Types:
– Compiler: Translates entire code at once.
– Interpreter: Translates line by line.
– Assembler: Converts assembly language into
machine code.
Device Driver
• Controls specific hardware components like
printers, keyboards, and monitors.
• Ensures seamless communication between OS
and hardware.
• Examples:
• - Printer driver
• - Graphics card driver
Application Software Overview
• Designed to perform special functions or
provides functions that are much more than the
basic operation of the computer.
• Designed to perform a specific task for end-
users
• Runs on top of system software.
• Examples: Web browsers, multimedia players,
database management systems.
Features of Application Software
• An important feature of application software is it performs
more specialized tasks like word processing,
spreadsheets, email, etc.
• Mostly, the size of the software is big, so it requires more
storage space.
• Application software is more interactive for the users, so it
is easy to use and design.
• The application software is easy to design and understand.
• Application software is written in a high-level language in
general.
Types of Application Software
• General Purpose Software: Word processors,
spreadsheets, presentation software.
• Customized Software: Tailor-made for specific
organizations (e.g., railway reservation
system).
• Utility Software: Supports system
functionality (e.g., antivirus, disk cleaner).
Comparison
System Software Application Software
It is designed to manage the resources of the computer It is designed to fulfill the requirements of the user for
system, like memory and process management, etc. performing specific tasks.
Written in a low-level language. Written in a high-level language.
Less interactive for the users. More interactive for the users.
System software plays vital role for the effective functioning Application software is not so important for the functioning
of a system. of the system, as it is task specific.
It is independent of the application software to run. It needs system software to run.
Utility Programs
• Utility software helps maintain, optimize, and protect a computer
system.
• Functions:
– System Performance Optimization
– Security Enhancement
– File Management
– Backup and Recovery
• Examples:
• Antivirus Software: Norton, Windows Defender
• Disk Cleanup Tools
• Compression Software: WinRAR, 7-Zip
General Purpose Software
• Designed for various tasks.
• Commonly used by individuals and businesses.
• Examples:
• MS Word (word processing)
• MS Excel (spreadsheet calculations)
• MS PowerPoint (presentations)
Customized Software
• Developed for specific businesses or industries.
• Meets unique requirements.
• Examples:
• Banking software
• Airline reservation system
• Hospital management system
Importance of Software in Daily Life
• Banking – Online transactions and financial
applications.
• Education – E-learning platforms and research
tools.
• Entertainment – Streaming services and
gaming software.
• Healthcare – Medical imaging and hospital
management software.
