What are different types of computer software?
A piece of computer software is a program that allows the owner to use his computer. The hardware consists of all the physical components of the computer and the software consists of programs that are compiled to allow hardware to operate. Software types include operating systems, applications and compilers for writing computer programs. Most of the software is designed to be easily installed and used so that any consumer can access it. Other types are more advanced and require knowledge of computer programming languages to use them.
The operating system is often considered the most important piece of computer software. It is a program that allows the user to communicate with internal components of the computer through inputs such as mice and keyboard and pass virtual images to the computer monitor. Windows, Macintosh and Linux are examples of operating systems. These systems allow the user to run other software programs, print Items, and surfOn the Internet, among others tasks. They also help all internal components of the computer to run smoothly by allowing them to communicate with each other and different user inputs, divide memory and start and turn off different software programs.
The application is a piece of computer software that is added to the top of the operating system. The term computer program most often refers to applications. They may include text processing programs, Internet browsers and most other types of consumer programs. Computers are usually sold with some already installed applications such as text processor, Internet browser and music player. Consumers are able to purchase other applications by downloading from the Internet or buying them in the form of CD-ROM, DVDs and other formats. The user must then install the application to run it. Some applications must be triggered and operated by the user like JSOU Video or Accounting Programs. Other pieces of computer software run in the background without much warning, such as virus protection programs.
More advanced users sometimes buy computer software that can be used to write, test and implement new computer programs. These programs often come up with a software compiler that is specific to the individual language of computer programming such as Java or Visual Basic. With this software, the programmer can write a computer program, try it and perform other advanced features.