- Softwares are the computer programs containing instructions that cause the computer to do work. Software consists of a set of instructions a computer uses to manipulate data, such as a word-processing program or a video game. Software also governs how the hardware is utilized; for example, how information is retrieved from a storage device.
- Software as a whole can be divided into a number of categories based on the types of work done by programs. The two primary software categories are as follows:
- Operating systems (system software) control the working of the computer. These softwares handle essential, but often invisible, chores as maintaining disk files and managing the screen, etc.
- Application software addresses the multitude of tasks for which people use computers. Application software performs tasks like word processing, database management, and the like.
- Two additional categories that are neither system nor application software, although they contain elements of both, are as follows;
- Network softwares enable groups of computers to communicate, etc
- Language softwares provide programmers with the tools they need to write programs.
- In addition to the above task-based categories, several types of software are described based on their method of distribution. These include the Following
- Packaged software; developed and sold primarily through retail outlets
- Freeware and public-domain software; made available without cost by its developer
- Shareware; usually carries a small fee for those who like the program.
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