Software is a set of instructions or commands that tells a computer how to perform a specific task.
- It acts as the link between the user and the hardware, since hardware cannot work on its own without instructions.
- Unlike hardware, software cannot be seen or touched. It is stored in memory and executed by the CPU.
System Software
Software that directly operates the computer hardware and provides the basic functionality to the users as well as to the other software to operate smoothly.
- Controls computer’s internal functioning and also controls hardware devices such as monitors, printers, and storage devices, etc.
- It is like an interface between hardware and user applications; it helps them to communicate with each other because hardware understands machine language (i.e., 1 or 0), whereas user applications work in human-readable languages like English, Hindi, German, etc.
- Examples are Operating Systems, Device Drivers, and Utility Software.
Application Software
Software that performs special functions or provides functions that are much more than the basic operation of the computer.
- It is designed to perform a specific task for end-users. It is a product or a program that is designed only to fulfill end-users' requirements.
- Examples are Word Processors, Spreadsheets, and Web Browsers.
