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Overview of Software Systems

System software includes operating systems, utility programs, and language translators like assemblers, compilers, and interpreters that allow software to communicate with hardware. Application software performs tasks related to users like word processing, web browsing, and games. There are general purpose, special purpose, and bespoke applications. Other important software includes device drivers, debuggers, business software, graphics software, personal software, communication software, and servers.
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0% found this document useful (0 votes)
155 views4 pages

Overview of Software Systems

System software includes operating systems, utility programs, and language translators like assemblers, compilers, and interpreters that allow software to communicate with hardware. Application software performs tasks related to users like word processing, web browsing, and games. There are general purpose, special purpose, and bespoke applications. Other important software includes device drivers, debuggers, business software, graphics software, personal software, communication software, and servers.
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd

Software system

Software System

1. Introduction to Software System

Software system comprises of collection of different types of software that are needed to
perform tasks by a computer. There are different kinds of software and these software
varies according to their usage.

Basically software can be classified into two parts as shown below:

1.1 System Software

System software term is used for software that use to operate the hardware.

Operating System: Operating system is a software that allows users to operate on


hardware. Operating system acts as an interface between user and hardware.
Operating system provides a platform to interact with the hardware. It is very user
friendly in nature. Some operating systems are Windows XP, Windows 8, MAC OS
etc.
Utility Programs : These are the software that perform a specific task related to
management of hardware. Some utility software comes with operating system while

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Software System

some can be purchased later and can be installed. Some utility program are disk-
frag(dividing the disk space), firewall, anti virus etc.
Language Translator : This kind of software is responsible for converting source
code into machine code. Only machine code can be executed on the computer.

➢ Assembler : An assembler is a program that translates the mnemonic codes used


in assembly language into the bit patterns that represent machine operations.
Assembly language has a one-to-one equivalence with machine code, each
assembly statement can be converted into a single machine operation.
➢ Compiler : A compiler turns the source code that you write in a high-level language
into object code (machine code) that can be executed by the computer. The
compiler is a more complex beast than the assembler. It may require several
machine operations to represent a single high-level language statement. As a
result, compiling may well be a lengthy process with very large programs.

➢ Interpreter : Interpreters translate the source code at run-time. The interpreter


translates statements one-at-a-time as the program is executed. Interpreters are
often used to execute high-level language programs whilst they are being
developed since this can be quicker than compiling the entire program. The
program would be compiled when it is complete and ready to be released.

Library Program : Library programs are compiled libraries of commonly-used


routines. On a Windows system they usually carry the file extension dll and are
often referred to as run-time libraries. The libraries are run-time because they are
called upon by running programs when they are needed.

1.2 Application Software

Application software are used to perform those tasks that have some relationship with
outside the world of computer system e.g. web browser is an application software that
is responsible for communication via internet to other computer, like we can use
microsoft word for writing letters to the officials etc. they are application specific
software.

General Purpose Software : Software is general-purpose if it can be used for lots


of different tasks. You can use a word processor to write letters, memos, essays,
instructions, notes, faxes, invoices and lots more. general-purpose software is

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Software System

provided, usually with the facility to combine elements from each application in a
single file.

Special Purpose Software : This software performs a single specific task. This task
might be complex like payroll calculation , browsing internet etc. They are still
primarily focused on a single task.

Bespoke Software : Bespoke software is written for a single client. Large


organizations have a need for well-developed applications suited to their specific
needs. Such software is often expensive to develop since the development costs are
not shared among a large number of people purchasing the software.

2. Special Other Software:

Device Driver Program: This is basically a software program that enables


interaction with hardware devices like printers, scanners etc. They communicate via
hardware subsystem or system bus.
Debugger : It is used to test and debug the programs. It is a system software.
There are two types of debugger : command line debugger and graphic debugger.
Business Software: Business in the era of changing technology needs software to
meet its need. This is set of computer program used by business user to perform
various business functions.
Graphic Software: It is a set of program that enables a person to create,
manipulate images on computer. These can be of two types raster type and vector
type. with 2D and 3D variants. e.g. Adobe Photoshop, Picasa etc.
Personal Software: These are software that are built keeping in mind its usage
specific to personal use. Now a days many home specific electronic products are
made that uses personal software.
Communication Software: It is a type of software that is responsible for
establishing communication between different systems. It provide remote access to
system and also allow exchange of files among the systems e.g. Emails etc..
Servers: It is a computer software or a device which provides service to other
computer program which are known as clients. It serves many kind of information to
the user. It can store, retrieve, and send files from and to the systems. E.g. proxy
servers , Mail server, FTP server etc.

Common questions

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Graphical debuggers offer visual interfaces that make it easier to manage breakpoints, view variable states, and step through code, enhancing usability and reducing the learning curve for developers. They also provide intuitive ways to analyze program flows and identify issues, making them ideal for large-scale or complex projects. In contrast, command-line debuggers offer a more controlled environment with scripting capabilities, preferred by developers who require precise control over debugging processes .

Assemblers translate mnemonic codes in assembly language into machine code with a one-to-one relationship. Compilers translate high-level source code into object code, typically requiring multiple machine operations per high-level statement, which makes the process lengthy. Interpreters, on the other hand, translate high-level code at runtime, executing programs one statement at a time, making them useful for program development by providing immediate feedback .

Bespoke software is custom-developed for a specific client's needs, usually resulting in higher development costs as they are not spread across multiple purchasers. This contrasts with off-the-shelf software, which is pre-built and less expensive due to widespread sale. For large organizations, bespoke software offers tailored solutions that align closely with their specific operational processes, potentially offering greater strategic advantages despite higher initial costs .

A business might opt for communication software when the primary need is for establishing remote access, exchanging files, or facilitating communications across systems, such as through email or video conferencing tools. In contrast, business software is chosen when performing specific business functions such as accounting or inventory management. Thus, the choice depends on whether the focus is on enhancing organizational communication or executing business operations .

Servers function primarily to provide resources and services to other programs or devices, known as clients, rather than for direct interaction by end-users. They handle requests sent over a network, manage data storage and retrieval, and facilitate internet browsing as a proxy server does. In contrast, end-user software, like word processors, is directly used by individuals to perform specific tasks. Examples of servers include mail servers and FTP servers, which maintain email services and file transfers, respectively .

General-purpose software can perform a variety of tasks, such as word processing and data management, offering flexibility and cost-effectiveness due to their broad applicability. Special-purpose software, however, is designed to perform a specific task, such as payroll processing or internet browsing, offering tailored solutions that can significantly improve task efficiency. Organizations may choose general-purpose for versatility across tasks or special-purpose for specialized and optimized solutions, impacting overall efficiency based on their needs .

Key considerations for integrating graphic software include understanding the difference between raster and vector graphics. Raster graphics are pixel-based and best for detailed and colorful images, while vector graphics are composed of paths and are scalable without loss of quality, ideal for logos and illustrations. Professionals should choose based on project demands; for instance, high-detail images might benefit from raster types, whereas scalable design elements are well-suited for vector graphics .

Device drivers are system software that enable communication between the operating system and hardware components. They act as translators, converting operating system commands into hardware-specific actions, thus facilitating correct and precise hardware operation. This interaction is critical, as it allows for seamless integration and operational efficiency of peripheral devices such as printers and scanners within the computer system .

Library programs are integral because they consist of compiled routines that enhance code reuse and minimize redundancy in software development. By providing commonly used functions, they reduce the need for developers to write repetitive code, resulting in more efficient program execution and reduced development time. This modularity allows programs to scale effectively and reliably, as libraries are periodically updated and optimized independently of the main software applications .

Operating systems perform primary functions such as acting as an interface between users and hardware, providing a platform to interact with the hardware, and enabling device management, file management, and network services. They improve user experience by allowing multiple programs to execute simultaneously, managing resources efficiently, and providing user-friendly interfaces like graphical user interfaces (GUIs).

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