TYPES OF SOFTWARE

TYPES OF SOFTWARE

1. OPERATING SOFTWARE

   • controls allocation & use of memory, CPU time, disk space, peripherals
   • e.g. Windows, Linux

2. UTILITY SOFTWARE

   • monitors & maintains computer system
   • e.g. virus checkers, file compression software

3. APPLICATION SOFTWARE

   • allow computer to perform particular tasks
   • spreadsheet, database, word processor graphics package, etc

4. USER INTERFACE

   • method of user communicating with computer
   • command based
     • good knowledge of commands needed
     • less memory than GUI
   • menu
     • part of a WIMP
     • GUI or text-based
   • forms
     • can look like a paper form
   • natural language
     • spoken
     • written