| '...is the programs and procedure required to enable a | | | | standard packages that are then marketed and |
| computer to perform a specific task...'. The software | | | | distributed worldwide. The purpose can vary from |
| industry is huge and an ever changing one. Software | | | | general use, like operating systems and office |
| has been with us since the first computers. Without it, | | | | applications to specific use, like software written for |
| computers cannot operate. Various kinds of software | | | | hospitals and government departments. The process |
| exist in the market today. They can be classified into: | | | | of writing tailor-made software can be totally different |
| Operating Systems | | | | though. Before the programmers put their hands on |
| The lowest level form of software which has direct | | | | the keyboard and start coding, a whole process is |
| contact with the computer hardware. It manages | | | | carried out by systems analyst, normally called |
| resources as well as other software programs sitting | | | | feasibility study. This study serves to understand the |
| on top. The operating system takes care of all the low | | | | business requirements of the specific organization to |
| level functions a computer performs and is probably | | | | which the software is going to be written. A full |
| the most complex piece of software in circulation. | | | | documented systems design is then written explaining |
| Applications Software | | | | all these requirements, which will also server as the |
| Software which can normally be bought from stores is | | | | basis on which programmers write their code in order |
| called application software. These packages serve | | | | to produce the end product. |
| infinite purposes and can vary from office applications, | | | | The Works |
| like word processors, spreadsheets, payroll systems, | | | | Software applications need to be loaded through a |
| account systems, anti-virus applications and database | | | | disk or through a network link from an office server or |
| driven software, to games, communication and | | | | internet. It loads into the computer memory and |
| multimedia applications. | | | | normally gets installed on the local computer's internal |
| Tailor-Made Software | | | | drive. Once resident there, every time the package is |
| Same as application software, tailor made software is | | | | called from the user, it loads into the computer's |
| written specifically to perform a particular task and to | | | | memory and execution starts. Some applications |
| meet the user's specific requirements. This software | | | | remain resident in the computer's memory for as long |
| fills the gap that application suites leave in the software | | | | as the computer is functioning. These are normally |
| industry. Certain performances needed by particular | | | | functions forming part of the operating system and |
| businesses and organizations cannot be performed by | | | | other applications like network applications, anti-virus |
| the standard application suite found on stores' shelves. | | | | software and device drivers. |
| As a result, several software companies specialize in | | | | Everything one sees on a computer screen is made |
| this area and create software applications designed to | | | | up of software. Without it, a computer cannot operate |
| perform a specific task for specific sectors in our | | | | and is useless. Software applications have gone a long |
| society. | | | | way and today many software applications can |
| The Process | | | | perform millions of tasks every second, supported by |
| Software is normally written by professional | | | | the evolution of computer hardware and the huge |
| programmers working with small to medium | | | | leaps forward of technology. |
| companies as well as large corporations. They create | | | | |