Software

Software

1. Application Software

   • Bespoke Software
     • Custom-made software for use by a specific organisation
   • General Purpose
     • Software capable of carrying out multiple tasks
       • e.g word processor
   • Special Purpose
     • Software specialised to do one task efficiently
       • e.g payroll calculator

2. System Software

   • Operating System
     • 1. Hides the complexity of the hardware
     • 2. Provides an interface for the user
     • 3. Provides resource management
     • e.g. Windows 7
   • Utility
     • 1. Maintenance of the computer
     • 2. Optimisation for best perfomance
     • e.g. disk defrag
   • Library
     • pre-written code (subroutines) to make programming more time efficient
       • e.g. Dynamic Link Library (DLL)
   • Translators
     • Compiler
       • Converts all source code at once to make an executable file
         • e.g. Pascal (Lazarus)
     • Interpreter
       • Converts source code one line at a time
         • e.g. web browser
     • Assembler
       • Used for converting assembly language into machine code
     • Translating source code into machine code (binary)