Program
Section titled “Program”An ordered sequence of instructions that the hardware can execute.
Software
Section titled “Software”The programs that allow users to use a computer system and control its activities.
Process
Section titled “Process”An instance of a running program.
Categorization of Software
Section titled “Categorization of Software”Software can be categorized into system software and application software.
System software
Section titled “System software”Any software that satisfies one of the following conditions:
- manages the computer hardware
- can be used to maintain the computer so that it runs efficiently
- helps to do tasks easily and quickly
- helps to create new software
- may not be targeted for end-users
Example: operating system
Systems programming requires a greater degree of hardware awareness compared to programming application software.
Utility software
Section titled “Utility software”Performs very specific tasks, usually related to managing computer system resources.
Software development tools
Section titled “Software development tools”Software that are required to create new software.
Examples:
- Compilers
- Assemblers
- Linkers
- Debuggers
Some operating systems, like Linux, include such software by default.
Firmware
Section titled “Firmware”System software embedded in a hardware device.
Examples:
- BIOS in personal computers
- controlling software in DVD players
Application Software
Section titled “Application Software”All software except system software. Designed to be used by end-users.
