Types of Software and Interrupts

• Types of Software

  1. System Software 
  2. Application Software 
• System Software:

  • A set of programs which control and manage the operations of hardware
  • Gives a platform for other software to run
  • Required to allow hardware and software to run without problems
  • Provides a human-computer interface (HCI) to the user
  • Controls the allocation and usage of hardware resources
• Application Software:

  • Allows a user to perform specific tasks using the computer’s resources
  • Maybe a single program (for example, NotePad) or a suite of programs (for example, Microsoft Office)
  • Can execute the software as and when they require and it is mostly not automatic
• System Software:

  • Compiler
  • Linker
  • Device driver
  • Operating system
  • Utility programs
• Application Software:

  • Word Processor
  • Spreadsheet
  • Database
  • Control and Measuring Software
  • Apps
  • Photo and Video Editing Software
  • Graphics Manipulation Software
• Interrupts: a signal sent to the microprocessor, either from a device or software, prompting the microprocessor to pause its ongoing tasks and handle the interrupt temporarily.

  Including:

  • Timing signals
  • Input/Output processes
  • Hardware faults
  • User interaction
  • Software errors