Software categories

• A computer consists of both hardware and software. The hardware cannot work alone; it needs software to provide the instructions and control the hardware components.
• Some computers, like the ones inside a washing machine or pocket calculator, are designed to perform specific functions. For these computers, the software will be custom-written to perform only these functions. For a general purpose computer that can perform multiple tasks, such as a desktop PC or a tablet, a combination of software is used.
• Software can be classified as either application software or system software by the role that it performs in the operation of a computer.
• Application software is designed to perform tasks that a user wants to complete, such as playing a game, writing a letter, or sending an email.
• Application software includes word processors, spreadsheet software, video games, database management software, media playback software, and communication software.
• Some application software may be pre-installed on a computer, but more often, the user has to install the application software on the device that they want to use it on.
• Application software can be general purpose, special purpose, or bespoke, depending on how it is intended to be used.
• General purpose software is software that can be used for a variety of tasks, for example, office applications such as a word processor or presentation software. Presentation software is primarily designed for users to create presentations, but it may also be used to create a simple poster or diagram.
• Special purpose software is software that can only be used for one particular task. For example, scientific calculator software can carry out calculations, but it cannot be used to perform any other tasks, such as writing an essay or designing a logo.
• Bespoke software is software that is developed to meet the user’s specific requirements. It is also referred to as tailor-made software. For example, a fast food restaurant would require bespoke software for their self-service touchscreen kiosks, to meet the restaurant's specific needs and how the order gets processed.
• System software controls the hardware of a computer system.
• Operating systems like Windows and macOS are examples of system software. Operating systems are loaded into RAM when the computer starts up, and has access to the hard drive. They provide a platform for application software to run on, and a way for application software to interact with the hardware it is running on.
• Other types of system software include:

  • Utility programs that help a computer run as efficiently as possible.
  • Translators that are software tools that convert source code into a format that your computer can read and execute (object code). Translators can be either compliers, interpreters, or assemblers.