Types of Software: System, Utility, Application, Database and Middleware.
4 Main Types of Software
There are 4 main types of software:
System software aids the user, computer hardware devices and application programs to function and interact with each other. This type of software is what makes the whole system work together seamlessly.
Utility software consists of programs that are designed to analyze, configure, optimize or maintain computers and other computer devices. Examples include antivirus software, games and communication solutions.
1. Operating System
An operating system is a large piece of software that manages the basic functions of hardware and software on a device. This includes memory management, determining which applications use the central processing unit and how long they do so; managing input and output from devices like keyboards and monitors; and providing a general interface for application programs to access underlying hardware functionality.
This system software is found on laptops, desktop computers, cellular phones, video game consoles and servers that run web browsers or other services. It translates basic system calls from application programs into actions that work with the specific hardware of each device, including graphical user interfaces, or GUIs; network services; disk-storage and file-system protocols; and other components. Modern systems support multitasking, which means that multiple programs may share control of the CPU and other hardware resources. They also often include time-sharing, which uses algorithms to allocate resources and accounting software that tracks the cost of processor time, mass storage and other hardware for each user.
2. Application
Application software is designed to complete tasks for the end user and is usually hardware agnostic. This includes word processing software, database management software and even inventory or payroll programs.
This software isn’t used by users directly unless it is bundled with the operating system. Application software can also be freeware or shareware, which are solutions that are offered for a limited trial period before you have to pay a subscription or fee. Examples of this include Netflix and Adobe Creative Suite.
There are other types of software such as CAD and simulation software, which aren’t included in the category of application because they are designed for a specific purpose. However, ecommerce software and email programs are examples of application software that can be found in most computer systems. These are referred to as non-essential computer software because the users decide whether or not to install them. This is different from the system software that is installed by manufacturers and is mandatory for the device to function properly.
3. Database
Known as DBMS software, database software helps computer users capture and analyze data. It also helps organize and store information in a structured way, providing easy access to it. It can also be used to manage, extract and share multimedia files.
Unlike spreadsheets, which are great for one user who doesn’t need a lot of sophisticated data manipulation, databases allow multiple users to quickly and securely access massive amounts of organized information. They can be categorized by the type of data they contain, how they are used (including business applications and analytics), their internal engineering for performance, scalability and resilience, and the query language that is used to access them.
The most important thing to remember about database software is that it’s a tool for collecting, organizing and managing information. It doesn’t replace hardware, but it can help with the tedious parts of computing that would otherwise take a lot of time and effort. It’s a valuable resource that can help your organization.
4. Middleware
Whether you open your smartphone’s weather app or create a spreadsheet with Excel, use the Zoom videoconferencing software to make a call or an instant messenger to check in with friends, all of these actions require software. Software (abbreviated as SW or S/W) is a collection of libraries, programs, procedures, instructions and documentation that perform various predefined tasks on computer systems and allow users to interact with them.
Middleware connects different application software and system software. It also links new and old software structures, allowing companies to continue using existing legacy applications without having to rewrite them. It does this by facilitating communication between applications and hiding low-level programming details. For example, in webwork, middleware takes input from a front end such as an online form or a query and updates the back end database with it. There is a large variety of middleware available, and choosing the right one depends on a company’s needs and infrastructure.