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e\L-lovely-eng\comm13-1.pmd IInd 16-9-11 IIIrd 27-12-11 IVth 4-1-12

Information and Communication Technology Applications

13.1 Classification of Software
Notes
Software are broadly classified into the following two types:
(a) System Software
(b) Application Software
Let us discuss these.

System Software
Software that are required to control the working of hardware and aid in effective execution of a
general user’s applications are called System Software. These software perform a variety of functions
like file editing, storage management, resource accounting, I/O management, database management,
etc. Some of the examples of system software are DOS (Disk Operating System), Windows, BASIC,
COBOL and PC TOOLS. These software are developed by System Programmers. System software
can be further categorised into the following three types:
(i) System Management Software. These software are used to manage the computer hardware and
are essential to use the computer. They include operating systems and operating environments
such as DOS, Windows, UNIX, etc.
(ii) System Development Software. These software are used for development of both system and
application software. They include Language Translators, Application Generators, CASE Tools,
etc.
(iii) System Software Utilities. These software support the operation of the computer by providing
file management capabilities, data compression, diagnostic routines, virus detection and removal,
text editing, etc.
Application Software

Software that are required for general and special purpose applications like database management,
word processing, accounting, etc. are called Application Software. Some of the examples of
application software are dBASE, Word Star, Tally, etc. Application software are developed using
system software by Application Programmers. Application software can be further classified into
the following two types:
(i) General Purpose Application Software. Whenever an organisation purchases computers, besides
an operating system certain application software are also required to be purchased. These software
are needed for general purposes like word processing, database management, spreadsheets etc.
and are known as General Purposes Application Software. For example, Database Management
Packages, Word Processors, Spreadsheets, etc. are general purpose application software.
(ii) Special Purpose Application Software. Although general purpose application software are
exclusively used by all users for general applications, there are certain software which are meant
for some special applications and organisations. Besides general purpose application software, some
organisations also need software for desktop publishing, graphics, multimedia, animations, financial
accounting, sales and marketing, inventory, export documentation, etc. These software are
collectively known as Special Purpose Application Software. For example, software required for
Desk Top Publishing, Graphics, Multimedia, Accounting, Inventory, Production Management, etc.
are special purpose application software.

13.2 Operating Systems

An operating system is the most essential system software that manages the operation of a computer.
Without an operating system, it is not possible to use the computer. The computer is useless unless

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