Contents :
- Concept of Software.
- Relationship Between Hardware and Software and its Features.
- Types of Software.
- Types of System Software.
- Types of Translators are Available Presently.
- Types of Application Software.
- Difference between System Software & Application Software.
What is Software ?
Software is the planned sequential instructions which required for processing the input data and transform it into information. So, it makes the working of the computer meaningful.
A Program is a set of instructions that performs a specific task. Such program as single or in a group is termed as software. These instructions help the computer to process the input data and produce the desired output results.
Hardware and software together make a computer system complete. Either of them singularly, is of no use. It is the software which makes the computer alive or usable. Both software and hardware helps the computer to perform functions like storage, retrieval and solving different types of problems.
Relationship between Hardware and Software :
Hardware and Software are two vital components of a computer system which make it a complete system. Each without the other is incomplete and cannot survive on its own. The computer without software is just a metal box. One can store, retrieve and solve different types of problems only by using the software. A user friendly environment is created with the help of the software for software development. The set of instructions, present in the software, develop the arithmetic and logical capabilities of the hardware units of the system to achieve optimal performance.
In order to achieve optimum output, hardware and software should always work collectively. Each on its own has no value as they are dependent on each
other.
For example, a cassette player and the cassettes available in the market are hardware and the songs recorded in the cassette are the software. In order to listen to a song, it requires recording in the cassette first and then it is to be mounted in a cassette player to be played. Likewise, in order to get a work done on computer, the software has to be loaded onto the hardware and then implemented.
The above Example brings about the Following Features of the Relationship Between Hardware and Software :
- Both hardware and software are required for completion of a computer system job as they complement each other.
- The same hardware can store different software for performing different types of jobs just like various songs can be recorded and played on a single cassette player.
- Hardware is a one-time expenditure except for upgrades like increasing main memory and hard disk capacities or adding speakers, modems, etc. On the other hand, software is a continual expenditure.