Introduction to Software Categories

Study Notes

Software is a collection of computer programs, procedures, rules, documentation and data related to data processing systems.
Software includes pictorial, video and audio representations.
Software can be categorized into two types: System Software and Application Software.

Responsible for controlling and integrating hardware components of a system to facilitate interactions between software and users.
Example: Operating Systems.

Software embedded in hardware or non-PC devices.
Designed specifically for the hardware it runs on.
Often has processing and memory constraints due to device's limited capabilities.
Examples: GPS devices, factory robots, calculators, and smartwatches.

Simulates human intelligence processes using computer systems.
Examples of AI applications: expert systems, natural language processing, speech recognition, and machine vision.
Computer programs that mimic human behavior by learning data patterns and insights.
Features of AI software: Machine Learning, Speech & Voice Recognition, Virtual Assistants.

Determine whether software is good or bad.
Understandability: Software should be easy to comprehend and use.
Cost: Software should be cost-effective for its intended use.
Maintainability: Software should be easily maintainable and modifiable in the future.
Modularity: Software should use a modular approach for easy testing.
Functionality: Software should be functionally capable of meeting user requirements.
Reliability: Software should provide failure-free service.
Portability: Software should be adaptable to different environments.
Correctness: Software should be correct according to its requirements.
Documentation: Software should be properly documented for future reference.
Reusability: Software code or logic should be reusable for future projects.
Interoperability: Software should be able to communicate with various devices using standard bus structures and protocols.

Software engineering can be viewed as a layered technology consisting of processes, methods, and tools.
These layers enable efficient software product development.
Quality Focus Layer: Focuses on creating high-quality software products.
- Ensures the output meets the specified requirements.
- Organizations may use Total Quality Management (TQM).
Process Layer:
- Foundation of software engineering.
- A set of defined activities that, when performed in sequence, results in the desired outcome.