Types of SoftwareTypes of Software

Module 5.12

Types of Software

0Operating Systems

0Utilities: Translators (Assemblers, Compliers,

Interpreters)

0Drivers

0Application Software

0Programming Languages? Is this software?

User Interface

Operating Systems

0 A program or suite of programs that control the entire operation of the computer.

0 Deals with the basic functions of the computer.

0 At a technical level, it handles the basic and central functions such as input and output operations and interrupts.

0 Examples include: MS-DOS, UNIX, Windows 7, LINUX, Android, Mac OS, Ubuntu

User Interfaces

0Methods by which the user can interface with the operating system/application

0 Command line

0 Dialog boxes

0 Menus

0 Windows

Utilities0 Designed to perform a commonplace task,

for example the transfer of data from one storage device to another, sorting a set of data, disk editor.

0 They are designed to make the operation of the computer easier.

0 Other examples: formatting programs, backup programs, anti-virus, etc.

Translation

0Programs which convert a program from one language to another, for example from low level language to machine code.

0This is the general name for three types of translators:0Assemblers0Compilers0 Interpreters

Application0 Generic0 Tailor-Made0 Off-the-shelf

0 Cross over between categories:0 Generic is off-the-shelf0 Programming languages can be off-the-shelf

and used to create tailor-made software

Generic0 These are off-the-shelf packages which do not

meet a specific purpose but serve a general purpose

0 For example:0 Microsoft Office; Word Processors, Spreadsheets,

Databases0 Photoshop0 OpenOffice.Org

0 The software can then be customised to produce the result you want.

Tailor-Made

0 Either:0 Bespoke

0The application is written for the purpose by a software house0 Disads: Time consuming, expensive, limited support/books.0 Ads: Fulfils purpose, individual support

0 Or:0 Customisation

0A generic application is customised using a programming language0 Disads: Need to purchase the application and you get more

than required.0 Ads: Cheaper, lots of support.

Off-the-Shelf

0 Purchasing solutions from a shop without alteration

0 For example:0 Microsoft Office0 Adobe CS6 (Creative Suite)

0 The idea is to be able to open the package and run the software which delivers a specific solution

0 Can be generic (word processors)

Programming Languages0 There are a variety of programming languages

available.

0 Each language has a specific purpose0 FORTRAN – Formula Translation

0Mathematical and Scientific0 COBOL – Common Business Orientated Language

0Business, Data Processing

0 Languages can also be used to enhance the application:0 Use of VBA to write macros, or write dll’s