Computer Software Classification

Computer Software: Classification

• Software is categorized into Application and System software
• Application software is further divided into Information Worker, Entertainment, and Education software.
• System software includes Operating Systems, Device Drivers, and Utility Tools.

Application Software (User)

• Also known as User Applications
• Designed for specific user functions, not for managing the computer.
• Examples include:
  • Information Worker: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), PDF applications, Document Management
  • Entertainment: Music Players, Video Players, Gaming
  • Education: Subject-specific software (e.g., MathLab), Learning Management Systems (LMS)
• Enterprise Infrastructure Software includes tools like ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), Accounting, and Financial Systems.
• Other examples include Simulation Software (e.g., Motion Modeling, Workflow Modeling), Media Development Software (e.g., Audio/Video editing), Product Engineering Software (e.g., AutoCAD), and Software Engineering tools (e.g., IDEs like Eclipse).

System Software

• Controls the overall operation of a computer
• Provides means for users to store, retrieve and execute programs
• Includes Operating Systems, Device Drivers, and Utility Tools

Operating Systems

• Manages the computer's resources (memory, processes, etc.)
• Manages the boot-up and shutdown process.
• Manages System Memory and other System Resources
• Manages Scheduling
• Manages Application Management and Process Administration
• Includes the Kernel and User Interface.

Device Drivers

• Written by hardware manufacturers
• Enable the operating system to interact with the hardware
• Specific set of instructions

Utility Tools

• Designed for user control and management of specific parts of the computer system
• For example, managing or maintaining the computer

Firmware

• Low-level control software embedded within hardware
• Usually stored permanently in ROM (Read-Only Memory)

Operating Systems (Details)

• Primary Responsibilities :
  • Managing boot-up and shut-down processes
  • Managing system memory and other system resources
  • Scheduling tasks and processes
  • Application management
  • Process administration
• Booting process :
  • Machine starts, boot loader program is executed
  • Operating system is loaded into memory
  • Control is transferred to the operating system
• Interrupt Handling :
  • System responds to external events (e.g., keyboard input, mouse clicks)
  • Processes are switched between by the Kernel
  • Advancing time with time slices is managed efficiently.
• Deadlock Handling:
  • Scenarios where processes are blocked, unable to proceed.
  • System mechanisms must handle and prevent potential deadlocks effectively

Operating Systems examples

• Server Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, Linux)
• PC Operating Systems (e.g., Windows, Linux)
• Apple Operating Systems (e.g., Mac OS X)

This quiz explores the classification of computer software, distinguishing between application and system software. It delves into specific categories like information worker applications, entertainment software, and the various types of system software. Test your knowledge on software types and their functions.