SOFTWARE

A REPORT BY ELIMINATORS
PARUL INSTITUTE OF ENGG. AND TECH.
COMPUTER SCI. AND ENGG.
CLASS B2












SOFTWARE
1. INTRODUCTION
Software is a set of programs, which is designed to perform a well defined function. A program is a sequence
of instruction written to solve a particular problem.
Computer hardware would be useless without software, the lists of instructions which tell the hardware what
to do.
Computer Instructions or data, anything that can be stored electronically is Software.

2. TYPES OF SOFTWARE:
2.1) SYSTEM SOFTWARE (OPERATING SOFTWARE)
2.2) UTILITY SOFTWARE
2.3) APPLICATION SOFTWARE
2.1) SYSTEM SOFTWARE (OPERATING SOFTWARE)

The operating system (OS) is the piece of software required by the computer to make sure that it works
correctly and efficiently. It manages the computer and allows the user to communicate with the hardware.
Modern operating systems are typically stored on Hard disk and loaded into RAM when the computer is
switched on. Storing the OS on disk means that it can be easily updated. Windows Vista and XP are updated
on a daily basis. The bootstrap loader is a small but very important part of the OS which is permanently stored
in ROM. When the computer is first switched on the bootstrap loader starts to run. It checks the RAM and
input/output devices to make sure that they are working and then locates the OS on backing storage, usually
on Hard disk but could be on CD or even a memory stick. It then loads the OS into RAM and the OS takes over
control.



The main part of the operating system in RAM manages the computer and allows the user to communicate
with the hardware
It has 6 main functions:

INTERPRETING USER COMMANDS
This part of the operating system accepts commands (from a keyboard, mouse, etc) and passes them to the
appropriate parts of the operating system.
If the syntax of the command is not correct then an error message should be displayed for the user or the
command should be ignored
e.g. clicking the left mouse button on a blank area of the desktop.
FILE MANAGEMENT
This part of the OS manages file operations and backing storage allocation.
It allocates blocks of data to particular areas on the backing storage medium. It maintains an index of where
all the user's applications and data are stored so that they can be found when requested.
If you give a command to load a file from disk, the Command Interpreter will pass this instruction to File
Management.
MEMORY MANGEMENT
Memory Management decides where programs and data are to be placed in RAM. It checks to make sure that
there is enough free space to store the new program and data. It allocates an area of RAM to store the
program. It allocates an area of RAM to store the data which the program is processing.
e.g. when you work with Word then you will have a Word document which also requires RAM space
INPUT/OUTPUT MANAGEMENT
It is the task of Input/Output Management to do all the actual data transfers and issue the appropriate control
signals to the peripheral devices. When a file is to be loaded, File Management will pass the information about
the physical location



MANAGING PROCESSES
A process is defined as being an instance of a sequence of code in execution. A modern OS will typically
have several processes on the go at the same time. e.g. Operating system, Microsoft Word, printing, virus
checker.
Processes have to share processor time. The OS has to manage the processes so that they can be carried out
efficiently and effectively.
RESOURCE ALLOCATION
The competing processes require access to resources. Resources include the processor, RAM and
Input/Output devices.
If one process is in the middle of sending data to the hard disk then another process cannot be allowed to
start sending its data there too until the first process has completed its task.
The OS has to manage the resources by controlling how and when the processes are to be allowed to use
them.
2.2) UTILITY SOFTWARE
Utility software consists of programs which are designed to help with the maintenance of the computer and to
ensure sure that it works correctly and efficiently.
The distinction between utility software and functions of the operating system is rather blurred as modern
operating systems are often bundled with utility software.
E.g. disk defragmenter, anti-spyware tools, firewalls.
There are many utility software:

DISK EDITOR
A disk editor is a utility program that lets the user read, edit, and write the low-level raw data on a disk. It can
be used to repair/reconstruct damaged files and directories.
This type of utility gives a user complete power over the contents of every block on the disk and so it requires
considerable knowledge and care to use it effectively.
It would be very easy for an inexperienced user to cause serious damage to the contents of a disk by altering
bytes of data on the disk.


DEFRAGMENTER
Magnetic disks are organised so that they store data in blocks of a fixed size. Depending on its size, a file will
typically occupy several blocks. Normally data is stored in consecutive blocks on the disk.
This makes sense as the Read/Write head moves to the required track and starts to read the consecutive
blocks.
After a time, the disk starts to fill up and files are edited and deleted. The remaining free blocks are not
necessarily next to each other.
VIRUS CHECKER
A virus is a program or programming code that replicates by being copied or initiating its copying to another
program, computer boot sector or document. A virus checker examines a computer system to find virus
software.
It can be set to examine any type of backing storage media, check email attachments and files downloaded
from the internet.
A good virus checker will constantly work in the background checking for signs of virus activity.
2.3) APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Primary function is to apply the power of the computer to give individuals, workgroups, and the entire
enterprise the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks
Application programs interact with systems software; systems software then directs computer hardware to
perform the necessary tasks
There are many types of application software:
An Application suite consists of multiple applications bundled together. They usually have related functions, features
and user interfaces, and may be able to interact with each other, e.g. open each other's files. Business applications often
come in suites, e.g. Microsoft Office, LibreOffice and iWork, which bundle together a word processor, a spreadsheet,
etc.; but suites exist for other purposes, e.g. graphics or music.
Enterprise software addresses the needs of an entire organization's processes and data flows, across several
departments, often in a large distributed environment. Examples include enterprise resource planning systems,
customer relationship management (CRM) systems and supply chain management software. Departmental Software is a
sub-type of enterprise software with a focus on smaller organizations and/or groups within a large organization.
(Examples include travel expense management and IT Helpdesk.)
Enterprise infrastructure software provides common capabilities needed to support enterprise software systems.
(Examples include databases, email servers, and systems for managing networks and security.)


Information worker software lets users create and manage information, often for individual projects within a
department, in contrast to enterprise management. Examples include time management, resource management,
analytical, collaborative and documentation tools. Word processors, spreadsheets, email and blog clients, personal
information system, and individual media editors may aid in multiple information worker tasks.
Content access software is used primarily to access content without editing, but may include software that allows for
content editing. Such software addresses the needs of individuals and groups to consume digital entertainment and
published digital content. (Examples include media players, web browsers, and help browsers.)
Educational software is related to content access software, but has the content and/or features adapted for use in by
educators or students. For example, it may deliver evaluations (tests), track progress through material, or include
collaborative capabilities.
Simulation software simulates physical or abstract systems for either research, training or entertainment purposes.
Media development software generates print and electronic media for others to consume, most often in a commercial
or educational setting. This includes graphic-art software, desktop publishing software, multimedia development
software, HTML editors, digital-animation editors, digital audio and video composition, and many others.
Product engineering software is used in developing hardware and software products. This includes computer-aided
design (CAD), computer-aided engineering (CAE), computer language editing and compiling tools, integrated
development environments, and application programmer interfaces.
Group members of eliminators
Rutviz Vyas 109
Dhrumit Patel (Leader) 110
Ghanshyam Chodavadiya 124
Prabhat 072
Abhik 088
Fenil 094
Hasmukh 087
Vatsal 071
Het 099
Yash 098
Virang 090