Computer Software: Applications Software and Systems Software

Software is the term used to describe all programs that are used in a particular computer. The process of writing or coding programs is termed as programming, and individuals who specialize in this task care called programmers. The terms is often used to mean not only the programs themselves but their associated documentation.

However, programs are set of instructions to be carried out by the computer systems. The stored program concepts means that a program must be stored in the computer's primary memory along with the required data in order to execute it, or have its instructions performed by the computer.

The functions of software are to (i) manage the computer resources of the organization' (ii) provide tools for human beings to take advantage of these resources; and (iii) act as an intermediary between organizations and stored information. Selecting appropriate software for the organization is a key management decision.

There are two major types of software: Systems software and application software. Each kind performs a different function.

Systems software is a set of generalized programs that manage the resources of the computer, such as the processor, communications links, and peripheral devices. Programmers who write system software are called system programmers.

Application software describes the programs that are written for or by users to apply the computer to a specific task. Software processing an order or stock control analysis is application software. Such programs are given the collective name systems software. Any one of these programs is a system program.

The user of a computer has at his or her disposal a larger amount of software provided by the manufacturer. Much of this software will be programs that contribute to the control and performance of the computer system. Such programs are given the collective name systems software. Any one of these programs is a system program.

However, this is the collection of programs that direct the basic functions of the computer in such a way that they are for the most part transparent to the users.

The major sub-classifications of systems software are:

Operating system and control programs

Translators

Utilities and service programs

Communication monitors

General Purpose subroutine

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Operating Systems

An operating system is a suite of programs that controls, monitor and co-ordinate the execution of all other programs. The operating system (OS) is the software responsible for the control and allocation of hardware resources on the computer system. It provides the basic instructions and commands your computer needs. It serves as a platform on which other applications program runs. Operating system provide services, such assigning the facilities of the computer to a job (resource allocation), selecting jobs or tasks to be performed (scheduling), controlling input and output operations and managing data. Every computer system needs an operating system to start it up.

It also provides a basis for application programs and acts as an intermediary between a user of a computer and the computer hardware.

However, an operating system can be viewed as resources manager. The primary resources it manages are:

Processors

Primary and secondary storage

Input/output devices

Data/Information

Programs

Memory

An operating system is a suite of programs that takes over the operation of the computer to the extent of being able to allow a number of programs to be run on the computer without human intervention by an operator.

However, the operating system controls the way software uses hardware. This control ensures that the computer not only operates in the way intended by the user but does so in a systematic, reliable and efficient manner.

The Basic Function of an Operating System

The functions of operating system include:

The scheduling and loading of programs, subprograms, in order to provide a continuous sequence of processing or to provide appropriate responses in events.

Control over hardware resources

Protecting hardware, software and data from improper use

Diagnose Disk errors

Format new disk

Passing of control from one job (program) to another under a system of priority when more than one application program occupies the main storage.

Control of assembler, interpreter, compilers utility software and sub-routine

Control of database management systems(DBMS).

Receive, interprets and execute command from computer operators

Control of data transmission terminals between the computer and the operator and from computer to computer.