What are the Different Types of Computer Software?

Computer software is the set of instructions, data, procedures, and programs that tell a device how to work and perform a particular task. The software has no physical shape, but you can see it on the graphical user interface (GUI). The hardware and software are the incredible factors of a computer. The computer is functional with them.

Different types of software help the device to work efficiently. A computer can’t work correctly without software—different types of software work on the computer. Every software is responsible for one special task for which it organizes. In this article, you will learn about different types of computer software. We shall also tell some important and amazing facts about the software, which will surprise you.

How does the Software Work?

Computer programmers write the instructions in the computer language ( coding). According to these coding, the special software operates them. These instructions are given to the system with the help of hardware components. Through this coding, you tell the software what to do and how to do it.

In this process, commands transfer from the application software to the system software, which receives the commands as machine code. Each instruction causes the computer to act, such as transferring data, performing a calculation, or changing the order of instructions.

Types of Computer Software

Every computer contains on different types of software. Every software performs a specific task. A system is nothing without software. The system needs a hardware component for giving instructions to the software. Both hardware and software are incredible factors in any computer. Some types of computer software are explained below:

Programming Software

Computer programmers use programming software to write coding for any software. This software helps developers develop, write, test, and debug other software. Programming software is also called computer language. It uses to generate some specific codes. Common examples of programming software include compilers, debuggers, assemblers, and interpreters. 

The programming language is the software language used to write programs. In the program, developers write instructions through computer language. And tell the software what to do and how to do this task. Examples of programming languages are HTML, C++, Javascript, Laravel, etc.

Common Examples of Programming Software

Writing computer languages like Java or PHP in plain-text editor apps is possible, but more robust, industry-standard applications are available. Typical examples of programming languages are assemblers, interpreters, compilers, and debuggers. Integrated development environments (IDEs) are a mixture of all these software.

Almost every software developers use programming software apps like:

1. GitHub
2. Notepad ++
3. GitLab
4. Android Studio
5. Visual Studio Code
6. XCode
7. Eclipse

System Software

System software is the main type that contains different types of software. All these software are related to the functions of the computer. System software work as a bridge between the user and computer hardware to perform different tasks such as computer operating system, disk operating system, and file management utilities. The system software is a translator that takes instructions from other languages and then translates them into machine language.

System software runs in the background and helps the other software attempt the tasks. That is the basic reason the system software is known as low-level software. It always exists between the hardware and application software. All these types of software engage with the computer hardware like processor and motherboard. It offers a foundation framework for users to run different programs on their PCs.

Examples of System Software for PC 

1. Linux / GNX
2. Microsoft Window
3. MacOS ( Apple devices)

Examples of System Software for Smartphones:

1. Google’s Android
2. Windows Phone OS
3. Apple’s iOS

Application Software

Application software is a group of programs developed to perform a specific user task. You can add and remove the application in the computer system through the operating system. It is less technical but an essential type of computer software. Anything that is not an operating system in the computer is application software. The main job of operating software is to run the application software. All apps on computers, laptops, and mobile are examples of application software.

The main difference between system software and application software is the user interface. The system software has no interface, while the application software is the interface. Any user can’t see system software because it works in the background. Its common examples are operating systems and graphical user interfaces.

Examples of Application Software

1. Graphic software
2. Word processor
3. Spreadsheet
4. Web browser
5. Database management program
6. Image editors
7. Video Editors
8. Software development tools
9. Chrome browser
10. Microsoft Office

Types of Application Software

There are many types of computer software. The name of the list of application software is here:

1. Word Processing Software
2. Database Software
3. Spreadsheet Software
4. Multimedia Software
5. Presentation Software
6. Communication Software

Open Source Software

The open-source software is unrestricted for any user with source code, which implies that any user can change, spread, and add additional features. It can be free and chargeable. Open source means the user can investigate and change the original code the app wrote. In open-source software, you can edit according to your requirements. 

Repositories (computer storage for maintaining data) are open source, and developers can easily find the right solution to their issues. They can clone whole projects or download elements for free. Developers can download the source code and edit it as they see fit. New flavors of Linux help target a specific need as a result.

Some typical examples of open-source software are:

1. GNU Compiler Collection
2. Mozilla Firefox 
3. Thunderbird
4. Apache Web Server
5. Moodle

Closed Source Software

Every app or software that makes private or encrypts its source code is known as closed-source software. Many software and applications are closed-source because they do not allow the user to see their original code. 

All closed-source software gives the licenses, but cracking is never allowed. These licenses are always paid. Some packages are monthly, some are yearly, and some licenses are lifetime. Its general example is Zoom. It gives access to the user for video calls and is paid and free versions.

Examples of Closed Sources Software

1. Skype
2. Adobe Reader
3. Microsoft Windows
4. Microsoft Office
5. WinRAR

Benefits of Closed Source Software

Some benefits of closed-source software are:

1. Improve the functionality power of the system.
2. Enhance the security system.
3. Increase user-friendliness.

Driver Software

Driver software is the system software that controls and operates the device connected to the computer. Driver software ensures that the device will perform its particular tasks. Every component connected to the system needs the driver to perform the function. Any instrument is only functional with the correction of software drivers.

Examples of Driver Software 

The general examples of driver software are:

1. Game controller
2. USB storage devices
3. Printers
4. Keyboard
5. Headphones
6. Mice
7. Display drivers
8. Motherboard drivers
9. Printers drivers
10. Sound card drivers
11. VGA drivers

Types of Driver Software

There are many types of drivers in every system. Some of them are:

1. BIOS driver
2. Motherboard driver
3. Block driver
4. User made driver
5. Virtual device driver

Utility Software

Utility software is an important system component that performs the special task of making a computer functional. This software work on the background of the computer. Programmers develop this software to analyze and optimize a device. This software detects problems in the system and alerts the system like overheating.

Examples of Utility Software

Utility software helps the system to stay stable and work usually. Common examples of utility software are:

1. Security
2. Backup 
3. Optimization programs.

Types of Utility Software

1. Disk Cleanup tool
2. Backup utility
3. Compression tool
4. Antivirus Tool
5. Disk Management tools

Some Interesting Facts About Types of Computer Software

1. Application software is the backbone of computer software.
2. First time in history used, the word software to describe the different hardware devices.
3. System software is famous as low-level software.
4. 70% of the coding job has nothing to do with technology.
5. Many CEOs of tech companies love video games like kids.
6. The first computer virus was Creeper.
7. The first computer programmer was a daughter of a Mad poet.

Learn More About Computer Software

I wrote different articles on the topic of computer software. You can study these articles through this link:

Conclusion

Computer software is the set of instructions, data, procedures, and programs that tell a device how to work and perform a particular task. The software has no physical shape, but you can see it on the graphical user interface (GUI). The hardware and software are the incredible factors of a computer. The computer is functional with them.

Different types of software help the device to work efficiently, like programming software, system software, application software, open source software, closed source software, driver software, utility software, and etc.

FAQs About Types of Computer Software

In this section, I give the answers of all questions about the computer software. Further, if you have any query then you can ask in the comment section. I will assist you.