Types of Software

• Software is categorised into system software and application software.
• System software is further categorised into operating systems and utility software.
• Software categories:

  A) Software

  B) System software

  C) Application software

  D) Operating systems

  E) Utility software

  
• System software provides the services that the computer requires. It enables the computer or device to work, or helps maintain the good working order of the computer.
• An operating system is responsible for important functions such as how a file is written to a hard drive or a program is loaded into RAM.
• Utility software helps in configuring and maintaining the device.
• Application software provides services that the user requires.
• Apps on smartphones and tablets get their name from application software.
• Application software includes:

  • Traditional computer software such as word-processors and spreadsheets.
  • More modern apps such as social media apps or video players.
  • Business software such as accountancy programs.
• Examples of utility software:

  • Compression tools.
  • Backup software.
  • Disk clean-up.
  • Disk defragmentation.
  • Antivirus.
• When files are saved to a magnetic hard disk they are stored in the next available space. This can lead to files being split into fragments which take longer to access as the drive head has to move more.
• Defragmentation software puts each file back into one contiguous location.
• Disk drives do not need actual cleaning as they are sealed.
• Disk clean-up tools help to improve free space and system performance by:

  • Deleting temporary files.
  • Clearing cached files for a web browser.
  • Removing unnecessary program files.
• Hard drives sometimes fail and may also be stolen. Regular backups are made to external drives or cloud backup services.
• Antivirus software scan computers to make sure that they don't contain viruses. It can also scans files as they are downloaded.
• Examples of software:

  • Photo editing.
  • iPadOS.
  • Formatting.
  • Regedit (changes Windows registry settings).
  • Video editing.