A software is a means of communication between the computer system and computer users.

It is the
operating system and applications that are used in computers. Basically, it is the collection of computer
programs, documentation and procedures performing several tasks on a computer system. Thus, it is
considered to be the heart of computer systems.

Generally, computer software consists of a machine language consisting of groups of binary values,
specifying the processor instructions. The instructions change the state of computer hardware in a sequence
that is predetermined. In conclusion, a computer system is a language in which a computer speaks.

There are 3 types of computer software. They are:

1. System Software
2. Application Software
3. Programming Software

1. System Software
It is a collection of operating systems, servers, device drivers, utilities and windows systems which helps in
running the computer hardware and the computer system. It is designed to provide a platform to run
application software and operate the computer hardware.

This software helps an application programmer to view away memory, hardware and other internal
complexities of a computer. Some of its common types are:

i) Operating system

From performing basic tasks to running important programs, the operating system is the most important
program to run a computer. It is the 1st program that loads into memory when the computer is turned on.
Without the operating system, no other programs such as spreadsheet

software, word processing software, etc. can be run. So, in a sense, this system brings the computer to life.

When given a command, the operating system issues the instructions to the ‘brain’ i.e. the CPU or
microprocessor. While working on the application software, such as Microsoft Word, your given commands
are sent through the operating system to the CPU.

Some of its examples are Windows2000, Windows95/98, DOS, UNIX, Mac OS, etc. Below are some of its
functions.

Provide security and backup.

Booting computers.
Controlling peripheral devices such as a keyboard, disk drives, printers, etc.
Provide interface between software and hardware.
Scheduling processes.
Memory management.
Keeping track of files and directories on the disk.
Recognize input from the keyboard.
Send output to the display screen.

ii) Utility Software

Utility software are set of collective programs, available to help you with the day to day chores that are
associated with personal computing and to keep your computer system run at peak performance. These are
designed to help manage, control and maintain computer resources.

Some examples of utility software are:

Virus scanning Software / Antivirus: It protects computers from computer viruses.

Scandisk: It scans disks for any potential problems on them, such as bad disk areas or any physical error.

Backup software: It helps in making copies of your files and even an entire computer hard drive for backup
and restoration.

Debuggers: These are used mainly to solve programming errors. ?

Disk Defragmenter software: It assists you in reorganizing those disk drives which have been scattered
across several hard disk locations while files are saved, deleted and resaved again. ?

File managers: They provide you a convenient method to perform routine data management, management
tasks and e-mail recovery.

iii) Language processor

It is a special kind of computer software which translates the programs written in one language into another
language. It is compulsory for both low and high-level language. The types of language translators are:

1. Compiler
2. Interpreter
3. Assembler

2) Application Software
Application software is used to solve application type of problems. Business software, educational software
and databases are some forms of application software. This software enables the users to accomplish
certain specific tasks and utilizes the capacities of a computer directly to a dedicated task. It can manipulate
numbers, texts and graphics. It can also focus on a certain single task like work processing, spreadsheet or
playing of audio and video files. Its types are:

i) Package software:

Package software is for general purposes. Designed by software companies, it is mainly to generalize the
tasks. Some common package software are:

Word Processing Software: This software enables the users in creating and editing documents. MS-Word,
Notepad, Word pad and some other text editors are some most popular examples of Word Processing
Software.

Database Software: It organizes the data and enables the users to achieve database operations. It also
allows the users to store and retrieve data from databases. MS Access, Oracle, etc. are its examples.
Spreadsheet Software: By displaying multiple cells that make up a grid, this software simulates paper
worksheets and allows the users to perform calculations. Its examples are Apple Numbers, Excel, Lotus 1-2-
3, etc.

Multimedia Software: This software allows the users to create and play audio and video media. Audio
converters, burners, players, video encoders and decoders are some forms of it. Real Player and Media
Player are examples of this software.

Presentation Software: This software is best used to display information in the form of a slide show. It
includes 3 functions.

1. Editing, allowing insertion and formatting of text.

2. A functionality of executing the slide shows.
3. Methods to include graphics in the text.

Microsoft Power Point is its best example.

ii) Tailored software:

Tailored Software is also called small type of software. Tailored software is for specific purposes. Written
in high-level languages such as C, JAVA, C++, COBOL (Common Business Oriented language), etc. these
types of

software are developed for a specific task. Banking software, hotel reservation software, hospital software,
billing software, etc. are its examples.

3. Programming Software
It includes tools in the form of programs or applications that software developers take in use to create,
debug, maintain and support other programs and applications. Compiler, debugger, interpreter, linker and
text editor are the parts programming software.

1. Compiler

They convert a high level language program into a low-level language program.

2. Assembler

They convert an assembly language program into low-level language programs.

3. Interpreter

It processes high-level language line by line and simultaneously produces low-level programs.

4. Linker

Most low-level languages allow the developer to develop a large program containing multiple modules.
Linker arranges the object code of all the modules that have been generated by the language translator into a
single program.

5. Debugger
It is a software that is used to detect the errors and bugs in programs. It locates the position of errors in the
program codes.

6. Text editor

It is a program that allows the user to work with texts in a computer system. It is used for documentation
purpose and enables us to edit information present in an existing document or file.
Example: C, C++, C#, BASIC, Java, Python, etc.

What is Computer Virus ?

A computer virus is a set of malicious code or program written to alter the way a computer operates. It is
usually designed to spread from computer to computer. A virus operates by inserting or attaching itself to a
legitimate program or document support macros in order to execute the codes.

A virus has the potential to cause unexpected or damaging effects such as harming system software by
corrupting or damaging data. Once a virus successfully attaches itself to a program, file or document, the
virus will remain dormant until circumstances cause a computer to execute its code. In order for a virus to
infect any computer, the infected program has to be run in order for the code to be executed.

Signs of Computer Virus

1. Frequent pop-up windows

2. Changes your homepage
3. Mass email being sent from your email account
4. Frequent crashes
5. Slow computer performance

Different types of Virus

1. Boot sector virus

This type of virus can take control when you start or boot your computer. It spreads by plugging Flash drives.

2. Web scripting virus

This type of virus exploits the code of web browsers and webpages. It spreads through infected webpages.

3. Browser hijacker

This type of virus hijacks certain web browser functions and might automatically be directed to unintended
sites.

4. Resident virus

This is the general type of virus that inserts itself in a computer system memory. A resident virus can
execute at any time when the operating system loads.

5. Direct-action virus

This type of function comes into action when you execute a file containing a virus otherwise it remains
dormant.
6. Polymorphic virus

A polymorphic virus changes its code each time the infected file is executed. It does this to invade antivirus.

7. File infector virus

This common virus inserts malicious code into executable files. i.e. files used to perform certain functions or
operations on a system.

8. Macros virus

Macros virus are written in some macro language used for a software application. Such virus spread when
you open an infected document often through an email attachment.

Prevention of Virus

Password protection should be employed.

Execute familiar programs only as to their origin. Programs sent by e mail should always be
suspicious.
Load software only from original CDs or disks instead of pirated or copied ones.
Check all shareware and free programs downloaded from online services with a virus checking
program.
Computer uploads and “system configuration” changes should be always performed by the computer
owner.
Purchase or download an anti-virus program that runs as you boot or work on your computer. Also,
update it frequently.

What is Antivirus?

Antivirus is a type of program designed and developed to protect a computer from malware like computer
virus, worm, spyware, botnets, boot-kits, keylogger, etc.

Antivirus function to scan, detect and remove such viruses from the computer. Most antivirus incorporates
both automated and manual filtering abilities. Instant scanning option may check files downloaded from the
internet, disks that are embedded into PCs and files that are made by software installers.

Features of Antivirus

1. Default deny protection

It is implemented to prevent the entry of suspicious files by default.

2. Auto sand-box technology

A virtual environment where suspicious and unknown files are secluded and run to check for any malicious
activity without interfering the normal operations.

3. Containment technology

It validates and authorizes the programs that are executable and ensure that processes are running without
affecting the regular operation of the system.
4. Host intrusion protection system (HIPS)

It terminates any malicious activity once found. This prevents malware from infecting the operating system,
registry keys, personal data or the system memory.

What are the Difference Between Program and Software?

There are some Difference Between Program and Software are follow on the basic of different terms.

S.N. Basic Term Software Program

Software is a set of Programs used Program is a set of

to execute for an entire application. Instructions written in
1. Definition There are Many programs combine a programming language used to
together to form software. it is also execute for a specific task or
used to perform a task. particular function.

2. Size Goes to Mb / Gb Goes to Kb / Mb

3. Documentations All Documentations No Documentations only Comments

4. Developer Experiment person , well trained For beginner person

Unplanned, not Systematic, un-

5. Development Approach Systematic, organized, planned
organized

Public, Buyer, Large or vast

6. Who Use Only developer
number of users

Software development
7. Yes Needed SDLC No Need SDLC
life cycle

GUI , INPUT / OUTPUT DATA ,

Limited functionality and less
8. Functionality PROCESS , Result Lots of Features
features
and Option

application software and system

9. Categories No Categories It
software
 Not need Compiled ,a whole
A program is compiled every time
software is compiled, tested and
10. Compiled Operation when we need to generate some
debugged in the development
output from it.
process.

11. Time Taken to Make 1-2years or more 5min – 1day

consists of bundles of programs and

set of instructions which are coded
Programming data files. Programs in a specific
12. in a programming language like C,
Languages software use these data files to
C++, PHP, Java etc.
perform a dedicated type of tasks.

13. Dependent Dependent on operating System Dependent on Compiler

Dependent on Programming
Most of Software are Having GUI
Graphical User Language Its GUI (VB,JAVA, PHP,
14. its included Buttons ,Option,
Interface python )or Command Line C, CPP,
process bars.
Java, vb, python

Application software are:

Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel,
Google Chrome, VLC media
15. Examples of
player, Firefox, Adobe Reader etc.
System Software are: Windows,
Linux, Unix, Mac etc.