Computer software can be categorized as system software or application software. System software includes operating systems and utilities that enable the computer hardware to function. Application software includes programs that perform specific tasks for users like word processors, spreadsheets, presentations, databases, and multimedia programs. Software can also be open source with publicly available source code or proprietary with restrictions on use and modification. Common examples of open source software are Linux and Apache while proprietary examples include Microsoft Windows and CAD programs.

1. Computer Software
ICT- Grade 7

2. Software & Hardware?
• Computer Instructions or data, anything that can be
stored electronically is Software.
• Hardware is one that is tangible. The storage devices
(Hard disk, CD’s etc.,), mouse, keyboard CPU and
display devices (Monitor) are Hardware.
For example: There is a problem in the Software implies
– Problem with program or data

3. Types of Software
System Software
Application Software
Open source Software and
Proprietary Software

4. System Software:
System Software includes the Operating System and all
the utilities that enable the computer to function.
System software is a term referring to any computer
software which manages and controls the hardware so
that application software can perform a task.
Example:
Operating Systems, Compiler, Loader, Linker,
Interpreter.

5. Application Software:
Application Software includes programs that do real
work for user.
Example:
Payroll systems, Inventory Control, Manage student
database, Word Processor, Spreadsheet and Database
Management System etc.,

6. Open Source Software:
• Open source software (OSS) is computer software
whose source code is available under a license that
permits users to use, change, and improve the software,
and to redistribute it in modified or unmodified form.
• It is often developed in a public, collaborative manner.
Well-known OSS products are Linux, Netscape, Apache,
etc.,

7. Proprietary Software:
• Proprietary software (also called non-free
software) is software with restrictions on using,
copying and modifying as enforced by the proprietor.
Restrictions on use, modification and copying is
achieved by either legal or technical means and
sometimes both.
• Proponents of proprietary software are Microsoft.
• Ex: CAD, Norton Antivirus etc.,

8. System Software:
Operating System:
• Operating System is a software, which makes a computer
to actually work.
• It is the software the enables all the programs we use.
• The OS organizes and controls the hardware.
• OS acts as an interface between the application programs
and the machine hardware.
• Examples: Windows, Linux, Unix and Mac OS, etc.,

9. Application Software:
Word Processors:
Word processing is a tool that helps user in creating,
editing, and printing documents. Word processors will
normally have the following capabilities built into them:
▫ Spell checking
▫ Standard layouts for normal documents
▫ Have some characters appear in bold print,
italics, or underlined
▫ Center lines, make text line up on the left side of
the paper, or the right side of the paper
▫ Save the document so it can be used again
▫ print the document.
Examples: WordPerfect and Microsoft Word

10. Application Software (contd…):
Spreadsheets: The spreadsheet packages are
designed to use numbers and formulas to do calculations
with ease. Examples of spreadsheets include:
▫ Budgets
▫ Payrolls
▫ Grade Calculations
▫ Address Lists
The most commonly used spreadsheet programs are
Microsoft Excel and Lotus 123.

11. Application Software (contd…):
Graphic Presentations: The presentation
programs can make giving presentations and using
overheads easier. Other uses include:
▫ Slide Shows
▫ Repeating Computer Presentations on a
computer monitor
▫ Using Sound and animation in slide shows
The most recognized graphic presentation programs is
Microsoft PowerPoint.

12. Application Software (contd…):
Database Management System (DBMS):
• A DBMS is a software tool that allows multiple users to
store, access, and process data into useful information.
• Database programs are designed for these types of
applications:
▫ Membership lists
▫ Student lists
▫ Grade reports
▫ Instructor schedules
All of these have to be maintained so you can find what
you need quickly and accurately.
• Example:Microsoft Access, dBASE, Oracle.

13. Application Software (contd…):
MultimediaSoftware
Theyallowuserstocreateandplayaudioandvideofiles.Theyarecapableofplaying
mediafiles.Audioconverters,audioplayers,burners,videoencodersanddecodersaresome
formsofmultimediasoftware.ExamplesofthistypeincludeRealPlayerandMediaPlayer.

14. Application Software (contd…):
Educational Software
It has the capabilities of running tests and
tracking progress. It also has the capabilities of a
collaborative software. It is often used in
teaching and self-learning. Dictionaries like
Britannica and Encarta, mathematical software
like MATLAB and others like Google Earth and
NASA World Wind are some of the well-known
names in this category.

15. Application Software (contd…):
Simulation Software
Used to simulate physical or abstract
systems, simulation software finds applications
in both, research and entertainment. Flight
simulators and scientific simulators are
examples of simulation software.

16. Application Software (contd…):
Content Access Software
It is used to access content without
editing. Common examples of content
access software are web browsers and
media players.

17. Application Software (contd…):
Content Access Software
It is used to access content without
editing. Common examples of content
access software are web browsers and
media players.

18. Programming languages
A simple way to understand programming languages
is to think of them as bricks which can be used to create
applications and operating system. C++, Java and
Simlab are some popular programming languages.
Generally Java is used for internet applications. C++ is a
language of professional developers and used extensively
in developing operating systems. PHP is another
language used for internet applications.