Explain different types of software

Computer software

. Computer software, or just software, is the collection of computer programs and related data that provide the instructions telling a computer what to do. We can also say software refers to one or more computer programs and data held in the storage of the computer for some purposes. Program software performs the function of the program it implements, either by directly providing instructions to the computer hardware or by serving as input to another piece of software. The term was coined to contrast to the old term hardware (meaning physical devices). In contrast to hardware, software is intangible, meaning it "cannot be touched".[1] Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only. Sometimes the term includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes, and records.[2] Examples of computer software include: •	Application software includes end-user applications of computers such as word processors or video games, and ERP software for groups of users. •	Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems. •	Programming languages define the syntax and semantics of computer programs. For example, many mature banking applications were written in the COBOL language, originally invented in 1959. Newer applications are often written in more modern programming languages. •	System software includes operating systems, which govern computing resources. Today[when?] large[quantify] applications running on remote machines such as Websites are considered[by whom?] to be system software, because[citation needed] the end-user interface is generally through a graphical user interface, such as a web browser. •	Testware is software for testing hardware or a software package. •	Firmware is low-level software often stored on electrically programmable memory devices. Firmware is given its name because it is treated like hardware and run ("executed") by other software programs. •	Shrinkware is the older name given to consumer-purchased software, because it was often sold in retail stores in a shrink-wrapped box. •	Device drivers control parts of computers such as disk drives, printers, CD drives, or computer monitors. •	Programming tools help conduct computing tasks in any category listed above. For programmers, these could be tools for debugging or reverse engineering older legacy systems in order to check source code compatibility. Types of software

Practical computer systems divide software systems into three major classes[citation needed]: system software, programming software and application software, although the distinction is arbitrary, and often blurred.

System software

System software provides the basic functions for computer usage and helps run the computer hardware and system. It includes a combination of the following: •	device drivers •	operating systems •	servers •	utilities •	window systems System software is responsible for managing a variety of independent hardware components, so that they can work together harmoniously. Its purpose is to unburden the application software programmer from the often complex details of the particular computer being used, including such accessories as communications devices, printers, device readers, displays and keyboards, and also to partition the computer's resources such as memory and processor time in a safe and stable manner. Programming software Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include: •	compilers •	debuggers •	interpreters •	linkers •	text editors An Integrated development environment (IDE) is a single application that attempts to manage all these functions. Application software System software does not aim at a certain application fields.In contrast,different application software offers different function based on users and the area it served.Application software is developed for some certain purpose,which either can be a certain program or a collection of some programmes,such as a graphic browser or the data base management system. Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (not directly computer development related) tasks. Typical applications include: •	industrial automation •	business software •	video games •	quantum chemistry and solid state physics software •	telecommunications (i.e., the Internet and everything that flows on it) •	databases •	educational software •	Mathematical software •	medical software •	molecular modeling software •	image editing •	spreadsheet •	simulation software •	Word processing •	Decision making software Application software exists for and has impacted a wide variety of topics.