The Importance Of Computer Software And What It Is

Do you know what computer software is? Of course most people will say yes to that question. Computer software describes different computer programs, or procedures. Computer software includes several different types, like application software, system software, and even middleware. To be a bit more specific application software is like a word processor it performs productive tasks. System software is your operating systems it interfaces with your computer hardware and will provide service for your application software. Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems. Even film, tapes and records are some times caught in the broader meaning of software.

Why is computer software called software? This distinguishes it from computer hardware, or the devices that are required to store the software. Software at it's lowest level is called machine language, which is specific to an individual processor. Machine language is a group of binary values which basically run the computer. Software is really just an order of commands that change the hardware in a certain sequence. Normally software will be written in higher level programming languages, because it's easier for humans, unlike machine language. These higher level languages get compiled into the machine language. Or perhaps the software is written in assembly language, a representation of machine language, but by using the alphabet.

The different softwares are as follows:

System software which helps in the normal everyday running of the computer hardware, and system. It has such things as the operating system, like Windows Vista, device drivers, windowing systems, utilities, and much more.

Programming software, here the software provides assistance to a programmer who is writing computer programs. Here you will find such things as text editors, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and etc.

Application software this will allow the computer user to do certain tasks, like medical software to help out the medical industry, or business software to help a business keep information and run smoother. Even educational software, like those games you can get to help your children out with math. And of course the most popular application software games, there are tons of games out there that people buy everyday.

Of these software there are also different levels of software, such as:

Platform software, which is where you get the device drivers from or an operationg system.

This is what allows a user to interact with their computer.

Application software as stated above includes games. This is purchased seperately, unlike platform software which will come with the purchase of your computer. Games as we all know will range in price, so it just really depends on what you want to spend.

User Software, this is written by either the user of the computer, or a programmer for a specific user. There may be specific tasks the person needs to have the computer do, but it's not available in any other software, thus you get user software.

One of the big things in society now is the pirating of software on free download sites, there are also sites that will only offer the free trial for you to try something out. We all know that pirating is illegal, thus really something you shouldn't do. However, if you can find a way to try out something for a week as a free trial, then by all means if it's legal go for it. Trial and error is the best way to see if the software you are thinking of getting is best for you. Happy software hunting!