Module I: Introduction to Computers (CH 101)-I

2. Software and Hardware

Software - Computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling computer hardware what to do and how to do a task. Hardware - Physical components that make up a computer. Software can be grouped into;System software is the basic software needed for a computer to operate and to provide a platform for running application software (eg- operating system). System software is responsible for controlling and managing the hardware components of the computer system. System software includes device drivers, operating systems, servers, utilities, and window systems. Application software is all the software that uses the computer system to perform useful work beyond the operation of the computer itself. Application software are written to do a specific task other than just running the computer, application software may consists of a single program such as photoshop. Application software can be of two types-; Application specific software is developed for a particular purpose. For example a shop may want to develop a software package that will suit all their needs. This software is developed only for that shop. General purpose software developed for general purposes. Spread sheet packages, word processing packages can be general purposes software.
Firmware is software that has been permanently stored in hardware. Thus, it has qualities of both software and hardware.

Computer Software

System Software

Application Software

System Management Program

System Development Program

Application Specific

General Purpose Page 1

Noonu Atoll Education Centre

Module I: Introduction to Computers (CH 101)-I

2. Software and Hardware

Software - Computer programs and related data that provide the instructions for telling computer hardware what to do and how to do a task. Hardware - Physical components that make up a computer. Software can be grouped into;System software is the basic software needed for a computer to operate and to provide a platform for running application software (eg- operating system). System software is responsible for controlling and managing the hardware components of the computer system. System software includes device drivers, operating systems, servers, utilities, and window systems. Application software is all the software that uses the computer system to perform useful work beyond the operation of the computer itself. Application software are written to do a specific task other than just running the computer, application software may consists of a single program such as photoshop. Application software can be of two types-; Application specific software is developed for a particular purpose. For example a shop may want to develop a software package that will suit all their needs. This software is developed only for that shop. General purpose software developed for general purposes. Spread sheet packages, word processing packages can be general purposes software.
Firmware is software that has been permanently stored in hardware. Thus, it has qualities of both software and hardware.

Computer Software

System Software

Application Software

System Management Program

System Development Program

Application Specific

General Purpose Page 2

Noonu Atoll Education Centre