The difference between software and hardware is as follows: Software … · 2020. 6. 9. · Types...

Made by: Miss Qurat-ul-ain Soomro CS Lecturer, IBACC,JCD

The difference between software and hardware is as follows:

Software Hardware

Software is a set of programs that tell a computer exactly what to do.

Hardware is physical parts of computer.

Software cannot be executed without hardware.

Hardware cannot perform any task without software

Software cannot be touched. Hardware can be seen and touched.

Software is debugged in case of problem. Hardware is repaired in case of problem.

Software is reinstalled if the problem is Hardware is replaced if the problem is not solved.


1.5 Computer Software

What is System Software?

System software is the software required to run hardware and application software. It is an interface

between the user program and hardware. It converts the human-readable instructions into machine

understandable instructions.

System software is a type of computer program that is designed to run a computer’s hardware

and application programs.

Example

Operating System

Programming Language Translator

Utility Software

Device Driver

There are various types of system software. Operating systems, languages processors and device drivers are few

examples for system software. An operating system is system software that handles the functioning of the

hardware to carry on their tasks successfully. Memory management, file handling, resource management and

scheduling are some tasks of an operating system. Furthermore, language processors such as assemblers,

compilers and interpreters convert the high-level programs or assembly language to machine language. Device

drivers will control and monitor the functionalities of specific devices such as printers. These are some common

examples of system software.

What is Application Software?

Application software cannot function without system software. It is designed to accomplish a specific task

such as managing documents, handling calculations, editing images, etc. They are written in programming

languages such as C, C++, Java, Visual Basic, etc. There are various types of application software. Word

processors allow the user to create documents, reports and other documents. It provides formatting

features and spelling and grammar checking. Moreover, presentation software allows the users to create

presentations. Spreadsheets allow the users to prepare financial documents, create graphs and charts. It

also provides formulas to perform complex calculations easily. Meanwhile, database software helps to

store and manage a collection of data. Business organizations, educational institutes and even worldwide

popular websites such as Amazon use database software to store and manage data.


Types of Application Software:

1. Customized/ Specific Purpose

Custom software (also known as bespoke software or tailor-made software) is software that is specially

developed for some specific organization or other user. This software is designed to perform only one

task for which it has been designed. This software is very useful for a particular company for which they

are developed.

Example

Airline reservation system

Student Information System

Attendance Management System

Maintain Bank Accounts

Process inventory control etc.

Advantages of Custom-Written Software

• The company will get the exact software that they need.

• The software will work exactly how they want it to work.

• The software will only have the features that they specifically need in their business.

• The threat of viruses invading custom-made applications is very small, since any business that

incorporates it can restrict access and can come up with means to protect their network as well.

• An effective software package can make a company work more efficiently, improve their

performance and have a positive impact on customer satisfaction levels.

Application Software

Off-The-Shelf Software

Productivity Entertainment Educational

Custom Written Software

Business software

Airline Reservation

System

Inventory Control system

Bank Account


Disadvantages of Custom Written Software

• Depending on the size and complexity of the software, it may take months or even years to

develop.

• It costs a great deal of money to develop such a system.

• The company may need to employ a team of people such as business analysts, programmers,

testers etc.

• Risk of hiring the wrong developer or company.

• unlike off-the-shelf software, there is unlikely to be any internet forums or websites to help

users. For example popular spreadsheet applications have dozens of online help sites run by

users and professionals. It is down to the company to provide employee training which is an

added cost.

2. OFF-THE-SHELF SOFTWARE: (Or General Purpose/ packed or Commercial

Application Software):

An application is any program, or group of programs, that is designed for the end user. Applications

software (also called end-user programs) include such things as database programs, word processors,

Web browsers and spreadsheets.

These soft wares are used to fulfil our general needs. These general needs may include writing letter,

writing reports, preparing accounts, design cards and posters etc.

Some examples of OFF-THE-SHELF or General Purpose Softwares are:

Productivity Software: (Word processing software, Spread sheet software, database

management software, Graphics software, Communication software)

Business Software: (Accounting & Payroll applications )

Educational Software: (Electronic encyclopedias and educational simulations)

Entertainment software: games

Advantages of Off-The-Shelf Software

• Off-the-shelf software is much cheaper than custom software. Off-the-shelf software is easy to

use and install as many people already know how to use it.

• Off-the-shelf software is more reliable than custom software because off-the-shelf software is

well tested before it has been sold.

• Licensed application software gets regular updates from the software developer for security

reasons or as per the user requirement.

• The Developer also regularly send personnel to correct any problems that may arise from time

to time.

• If it is a commonly used package, users and I.T. staff may already be familiar with it, saving on

learning time and training costs.

• If the software is popular, there may be books, articles, forums and online communities offering

support and advice to help you learn or resolve any issues.

• Off-the-shelf software often has more functionality, because the developers try to meet the

requirements of as many users as possible.


Types of OFF THE SHELF Software:

1. Productivity Software

• Productivity software is a category of application programs that help users to produce things such

as documents, databases, graphs, worksheets and presentations.

• Examples of office productivity software include word processors, database management

systems (DBMS)-MS-Access, graphics & designs software, presentation software

and spreadsheet software and software that lets you create labels, business cards, brochures,

pamphlets and other specialized products and organization software ( Calendars etc).

EXAMPLES:

• Word Processing application – writing reports, CV, letters & notes & assignments.

• Spreadsheet application – keeping simple company accounts, calculating employee

commission payments, simple stock control system, making report cards and

• Database application – keeping customer records, sales records, appointments system.

• Desktop publishing application – creating brochures, posters, business cards.

• Presentation software – creating presentations to show to customers or staff.

• Graphics application – manipulating images that can be used at home, school or a business.

• Web design application – creating personal or business websites.

2. Educational & Reference Software:

• Software developed for educational purpose is known as education software.

• Educational software is also the category of application software whose primary purpose is

teaching or self-learning.

• Educational software includes typing tutor, language learning, medical & health, driving test and

flight simulation software.

• Educational software includes programs for child learning and home learning, educational

material for teachers and trainers, class room aids and computer games for learning.

• Atlas, almanac, dictionary, encyclopedia etc are reference books. The publishers of these

books publish them in the form of software also apart from printed ones. These are also

included among educational software. Almost all the dictionaries and encyclopedia are available

in the form of software.

3. Entertainment Software:

As the name indicates, their basic purpose is providing entertainment to the user.

These softwares include video games, songs, videos, animation etc. They also includes the

softwares used to run these things like media player, audio players etc.

4. Business Software:

• Any software that helps in running business in a more efficient way to improve productivity is

known as business software.

• Some examples of commonly used business software are accounting, sales and marketing and

payroll software & inventory control system.


1.5.1 Differentiate between the types of software, i.e. system software and

application software.

Definition

System software is computer software designed to provide a platform to other software. System

Software is an interface between application software and system.

Application software is a software designed to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks

or activities for the benefit of the user. It runs on the platform which is provided by system software.

Main Usage

System software manages resources and helps to run hardware and application software.

On the other hand, Application software performs a specific task according to their type.

Time of Execution

System software runs when the system starts and runs till the end.

The application software runs when the user requires.

Languages

C, C++, Assembly are some languages to develop system software.

Java, C, C++, Visual Basic are some languages used to develop application software.

Requirement

System software is essential for the proper functioning of a system.

Application software is not extremely important for the functioning of the system. Therefore, the

system can work without application software.

Examples

Operating system, language processors, utility programs and device drivers are some examples of

system software.

Word processor, Spreadsheet, Presentation software, web browsers, graphics software, database

software, accounting software are some examples of application software.

Conclusion

The difference between system software and application software is that system software helps to run

computer hardware and application software while application software helps to achieve a specific user

requirement. System software is essential for the system to work properly but the system can work without

application programs.

1.5.2 Differentiate among the following types of system software

1. Operating system

An operating system (O.S) is the best-known example of system software. An operating system is a

collection of system programs that controls and coordinates the overall working of a computer system.

The Operating System is also an interface between the application software and computer. Without

the operating system, the application programs would be unable to communicate with the computer. It

manages the resources of a computer system such as CPU, memory and input output devices.

An operating system performs the following tasks:


1. Controls basic Input and Output devices.

2. Allocates system resources.

3. Manages storage space

4. Supports application software

5. Maintains security

6. Detects equipment failure

2. Device drivers

• A device driver or hardware driver is a group of files that enable one or more hardware devices

to communicate with the computer's operating system.

• When first turning on a computer, the OS works with device drivers and the basic input/output

system (BIOS) to perform hardware tasks.

• Without drivers, the computer would not be able to send and receive data correctly to hardware

devices, such as a printer.

• A driver acts like a translator between the device and programs that use the device.

3. Utility programs:

Utility programs or Utility software is used to perform basic maintenance tasks on a computer. Utility software helps the user to control, manage, and maintain a computer's operating system, hardware and application software. Utility programs are used to support the computer infrastructure, distinguishing it from application software which is aimed at directly performing tasks that benefit ordinary users.

Examples include disk utilities like defragmenters, compressors and cleaners. There are

also operating system utilities such as antivirus programs, registry cleaners and system

restoration programs.

These programs are designed to perform specific functions like finding files, backing up

data, playing multimedia files, viewing images and so on. These programs are available to keep

your system running at peak performance.

Data compression (e.g. WinZip) helps to reduce the size of a stored image/text for more efficient

transmission. Some examples of utility programs include:

Virus scanning software

Backup software

Scandisk

Disk defragmenter

Utility Program Purpose

File sorting Sort files by date, type, size etc

File renaming Rename existing files

File conversion e.g. convert a sound file to MP3

File transfer move, copy, delete files


Diagnostic tools Test the system to see if any problems

Defragmentation

Reorder the files on the hard disk to make them

contiguous (next to one another)

Disk formatting preparing the disk to store files

System

information

a record of all the hardware and details of

operating system

Anti-virus

Checks files before opening for viruses.

Performs scans of system

Backup Performs data backups at regular times

System cleanup

tools

Removes old installation details, temporary files

and dead shortcuts

4. Language processors;

A language translator is a translating-software that converts high level language into machine language

and it enables a computer to respond the user’s instructions. Since it is very difficult to write a program

in machine language that computer can understand. Hence, it becomes necessary to convert user’s

instructions into machine code by using a language processor.

There are three types of language processor:-

1. Interpreter

2. Compiler

3. Assembler

1. Interpreters:

An interpreter translates a program written in high-level language into machine code.

Interpreter does not display all the errors at time it displays errors line by line.

Interpreter read program line by line and then execute it.

Interpreters are easy to write and also do not require large computer memory.

Disadvantage of interpreter is that it is time consuming processor because each statement from the

source program must be translated and executed before translating the next source statement and thus

wastes a lot of time.

2. Compiler:

A compiler is a system software that converts a program written in high-level language into low-level

machine language. Once a program is compiled the machine code can be used again and again to

perform the same task without recompilation.


Compiler converts the entire program at a time into machine code before execution.

Compiler displays all the errors at a time.

Compiler doesn’t display any result if there is any error.

Compiler is faster than interpreter.

3. An Assembler:

Assembler is system software that translates a program written in an assembly language into machine

code so that it can be directly used by a computer to perform a required task. Once a program is

assembled the machine code can be used again and again to perform the same task without re-

assembly.

Source Program & Object Program

SOURCE CODE

A program written by a programmer in any language other than machine language is called source

program or code.

OBJECT CODE

Source program that is converted into machine language code is called object program or code.

Translated program is called object code.

Compiler Interpreter Assembler

Translates a high-level

language program into

machine code.

Executes a high-level

language program a

statement at a time.

Translates a low-level

language program into

machine code.

An executable file of

machine code is

produced.

No executable file of machine

code is produced.

An executable file of

machine code is

produced.

One high-level language

statement can be

translated into several

machine code instructions.

One high-level language

program statement may

require several machine code

instructions to be executed.

One low-level language

statement is usually

translated into one machine

code instruction.

Compiled programs are

used without the compiler.

Interpreted programs cannot be

used without the interpreter.

Assembled programs can

be used without the

assembler.

A compiled program is

usually distributed for

general use.

An interpreter is often used when

a program is being developed.

An assembled program is

usually distributed for

general use.


1.5.3 Describe the use of the following application software:

1. Word processor A word processor is a type of application software used for composing, editing, formatting and printing

documents. Word processing software enables the user to do the following:

To create a document Store it electronically on a USB or on a computer Display it on a screen

Modify or format it by entering commands and characters from the keyboard print the document on a

printer.

Word processors have a variety of uses and applications within the business world, home and

education.

Businesses tend to have their own format and style for any documents produced. In Business word

processing is used for:

1. legal copies

2. letters and letterhead

3. memos

4. reference documents

Many homes have word processors on their computers, in the home word processing tends to be

educational, planning or business related, dealing with assignments or work being completed at

home,or recreational. Examples include:

1. writing short stories

2. letter writing

3. résumé/CV creation

4. card creation

In education word processing is used in a variety of different ways in the production of assignments,

notes, exams, and for practicing its uses!

2. Spreadsheet: Spreadsheets are frequently used to record information and perform calculations by using excel

functions and formulas. You can also analyze your data in forms of graphs and charts. In mathematics,

spreadsheets are particularly useful when a number of repetitive calculations need to be performed. Microsoft Excel application can be used in various business operations. Such as goal setting, budgeting

process, and planning, team management, account management, income, and expenses calculation,

product and service valuation, and management of client’s data, etc. Uses of Excel for Housewives:

Housewives can use Excel to manage their daily house expenses. They can create monthly expenses

report. They can track their spending habits. Also if housewives learn Excel then it’s also beneficial for

them to teach kids basic excel skills too.

Database management A database is a computerized record-keeping system. Databases are used when a large quantity of

data has to be stored. A database is very useful because it will provide tools to let the user search

through the data that has been stored to find particular pieces of information. The data stored in a

database must have a regular structure.


Applications of database:

Redundancy is controlled.

Unauthorized access is restricted.

Providing multiple user interfaces.

Enforcing integrity constraints.

Providing backup and recovery.

3. Presentation: Presentation software is used to create presentations, e-learning packages,

information points and many other multimedia products. A presentation program is used to display

information in the form of a slide show. It has three major functions: An editor that allows text to be

inserted and formatted, a method for inserting and manipulating graphic images, and a slide-show

system to display the content. Presentation programs let you include a video, animations, transitions

and sound. Presentation programs can be used in businesses and schools for discussing a topic or for

teaching.

In a business presentation a co-worker may go through slides that illustrate how well the company is

doing, its profits, sales, and other important information. Presentation programs such as PowerPoint,

Key point, Prezi and many others are meant to help you take your ideas and visualize them in front of

the audience.

3. Desktop publication

Desktop publishing programs can be used to create books, newspapers, magazines, newspapers,

flyers, pamphlets, brochures, business cards, greeting cards, web pages, posters, and more for

professional or desktop printing as well as for online or on-screen electronic publishing.

Programs such as Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher, QuarkXPress, Serif Page Plus, and Scribus

are examples of desktop publishing software. The main advantage of desktop publishing is that it

is frame based. Text and picture frames can be laid out on the page, and moved and resized as

necessary.

4. Communication Communication software allows you to connect with other computers or mobile devices via text, video

or audio formats in either a synchronous or asynchronous manner. Email, Skype, Video conferencing

and video chats are the examples of communication Softwares. While some means of communication,

such as email, are asynchronous, Web conferencing and video chat are synchronous -allowing all

parties to communicate in real-time. Video messaging offers a choice of either method. Some

communication software is only available for mobile devices; others can be used on computers as well.

5. Entertainment As the name indicates, their basic purpose is providing entertainment to the user. These Softwares

include video games, songs, videos, animation etc. They also includes the Softwares used to run these

things like media player, audio players etc.

https://www.lifewire.com/what-is-software-4153107


1.5.4 Differentiate among open source software, shareware and freeware.

Open Source Software

Open source software is software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.

"Source code" is the part of software that most computer users don't ever see; it's the code computer

programmers can manipulate to change how a piece of software—a "program" or "application"—

works.

Example

Linux, Audacity, Firefox, Android, Ubuntu, MySQL, VLC, Joomla etc…

Shareware

Shareware is software that is distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that the user may

need or want to pay for it later. Some software developers offer a shareware version of their program

with a built-in expiration date (after 30 days, the user can no longer get access to the program).

Users prefer shareware because of following reasons:

Available free of cost

helps to know about the product before buying it

Example: Adobe acrobat 8 professional, PHP Debugger 2.1.3.3, WinZip, Get right etc.

Shareware are of following types: Adware – Contains ads to generate revenue for the developers Donationware – payment is optional Nagware – reminds user to purchase the license or the software Freemium – free for non-premium but of cost for premium features Demoware – demonstration version. It is further classified as cripple ware and trial ware.

• Crippleware – Some features are disabled under time-limit • Trialware – all features are available under time-limit

Freeware: Freeware software is a software that is available free of cost. An user can download

freeware from internet and uses it. These software do not provide any freedom of modifying, sharing

and studying the program as in open source software. Freeware is closed source.

Users prefer freeware because of following reasons –

• Available free of cost • Can be distributed free of cost

Examples: Adobe PDF, yahoo messenger, Google Talk, MSN messenger etc.

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