What
is a computer software category? There are three types, or categories, of
computer software:
· Application software
· System software
· Programming software / Middleware
Application
software is what most people think of when they think of software. It is a
program or set of programs that fulfills a business requirement, such as Word
processors, Excel, payroll software, computer games, graphics and music.
System
software is any computer software which manages and controls computer hardware
so that application software can perform a task that enable the end-user to
perform specific, productive tasks, such as operating systems.
Programming
software, or middleware, usually provides tools to assist a developer in
writing computer programs in a more convenient way. The tools include text
editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, etc.
Application
software is a subclass of computer software that employs the capabilities of a
computer directly and thoroughly to a task that the user wishes to perform.
This should be contrasted with system software which is involved in integrating
a computer's various capabilities.
Typically
the software does not directly apply them in the performance of tasks that
benefit the user. In this context the term application refers to both the
application software and its implementation. Multiple applications bundled
together as a package are sometimes referred to as an application suite.
Microsoft
Office, OpenOffice.org, and iWork 08, which bundle together a word processor, a
spreadsheet, and several other discrete applications, are typical examples. The
separate applications in a suite usually have a user interface that has some
commonality making it easier for the user to learn and use each application.
Often
they may have some capability to interact with each other in ways beneficial to
the user. For example, a spreadsheet might be able to be embedded in a word
processor document even though it had been created in the separate spreadsheet
application.
User-written
software tailors systems to meet the user's specific needs. User-written
software include spreadsheet templates, word processor macros, scientific
simulations, graphics and animation scripts. Even email filters are a kind of
user software. Users create this software themselves and often overlook how
important it is.
In
some types of embedded systems, the application software and the operating
system software may be indistinguishable to the user, as in the case of
software used to control a VCR, DVD player or microwave oven. It is important
to note that this definition may exclude some applications that may exist on
some computers in large organizations.
