Classification of computer software - Grade 8

CLASSIFICATION OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

By ICT Assessments

COMPUTER SOFTWARE.

1. Computer Software refers to a set of instructions or programs that tell the computer what to do.

2. Software are programs or set of instructions that enables a computer system to operate.

 

Examples of computer software's include, Windows 10, Ms Word, Adobe Pagemaker e.t.c.

 

 Categories of computer software include;

1.   System software

2. Application software

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

•      This is a Software that manages and controls a computer hardware resources and other application programs.

Categories of system softwares:

a. Operating systems

b.   Firmware

c. Utility Software

d. Networking software

Operating System and its functions

-This is a system software that interfaces between the hardware and the application softwares.

-It manages all operations of the computer such as the inputs, processing, outputs and storages.
-It offers interface between the user and the computer.

Examples of operating systems include:

 1.      Windows Operating Systems (such as Windows 11, 10,8,7,XP, VISTA, 2000 etc)

2.      Ubuntu

3.      Fedora

4.      Android

5.      MS DOS

6.      Linux

7.      Unix

8.      IOS

9.      Mac OS etc

Firmware:

•      Firmware is also referred to as stored logic. Its recorded mounted permanently on the motherboard as ROM (Read Only Memory)

E.g. BIOS (Basic Input Output System/) -Helps the computer start and load OS

Utility software:

•       Utility software is a special program that is designed to ensure a computer system operates smoothly.

•      Examples of utility software include:

i. Antivirus Software: Scans and removes malware e.g. Kaspersky, Norton. McAfee, Windows Defender etc.

ii.  Disk Cleanup Tools : Deletes temporary and unnecessary files tp free up space e.g. Cleaner, windows Disk Cleanup                      

iii.  Backup Software: Creates copies of files or the entire system e.g. Google drive, one drive, drop box, Acronis True Image etc

iv. File Compression softwares e.g. WINRAR, 7-zip

v. Firewall software: monitors and controls incoming/outgoing traffic e.g. Windows firewall

vi. System Monitoring Tools: Displays CPU usage, memory, temperature etc e.g. Task manager.

 

Networking Software:

•      They are the software that are used to manage a network. Examples include;

1.      Network Operating systems: Used to manage networks and installed in the server computer e.g. Windows Server ,windows NT, Novel Netware etc

2.      Email Clients: Used to send and receive emails e.g. gmail, yahoo etc

3.      Browsers: Used to access the internet e.g. Google Chrome, Mozilla etc

4.      Network Monitoring Tools: Monitors network traffic and performance e.g. Wireshark.

APPLICATION SOFTWARES:

•      Also known as application packages.

•      Application software are software designed to help the user accomplish specific tasks or activity.

•      They include:

a. Word Processor software: Used for typing documents e.g. MS Word, Lotus WordPro, Open Office Writer, Google docs etc

b. Spreadsheet softwares: Used for calculations and analysis of data e.g. MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Google sheets.

c. Presentation softwares: used for creating audio visual presentations to an audience e.g. Ms. powerpoint, Google slides

d. Desktop Publishing software: Used for designing publications such as newspapers, certificates etc. Eg. Adobe Pagemaker, Adobe Indesign, Ms Publisher etc.
e.  Database softwares: used for keeping and managing records and files e.g. Ms Access, mysql, FoxBase, Xamp, Wampp, Oracle etc

f. Computer Aided Design: Used for technical drawing e.g. Autocad

g.  Graphics Softwares: Used for designing and manipulating graphics e.g. Corel Draw, Photoshop, Picasa, Paint etc

h. Games: Used for playing games e.g NFS, GTA etc

 

APPLICATION SOFTWARES:

i. Video players : Used for playing video files e.g VLC media player, Windows Media player

j.  Audio players: Used for playing audio files e.g itunes, Winamp, spotify

k  Video Editing software : Used for editing videos and films e.g Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro etc

l.  Web browsers: used for browsing or surfing the internet e.g. Google Chrome, Mozilla, Microsoft edge etc.

m.  Video conferencing softwares: Allows users to remotely communicate via videos-face to face e.g Zoom, Google Meet etc.

n. Cloud storage softwares: Allows users to store, access and share files via the internet e.g. Google drive, Drop Box, One Drive etc.