Category
Description
Purpose
Example
System Software
Consists of a group of
programs that control
the operation of a
computer.
Operating Systems and
Utility System
Application Software
Software that can
perform a specific set
of useful task for the
user.
The purpose of the
system is to run the
computer, managing
resources: memory,
processes, etc.
The general purpose is
so that application can
be used for a variety of
task.
Open Source Software
Software that is the
source code to the
general public for use
in certain ways.
Machine Language
Native language
directly understood by
computers central
processing unit (CPU)
Assembly Level Language
Low-level
programming language
that does use wordbased commands.
For writing system
software.
N/A
High Level Language
User friendly and
similar to English, with
words and symbols.
So that languages can
be translated into
many machine
languages.
The complier does this
in advance of executing
the complied program.
Perl, ECMAScript,
Rudy, and Visual Basic
Compiled Language
Interpreted Language
Coded statements are
processed by a
compiler program,
which converts them
to machine language.
This language is
processed within an
interpreter program
Typically created as a
collaborative effort in
which programmers
improve upon the code
and share the changes
within the community.
These binary numbers
represent the actions a
CPU can perform.
The Purpose is to code
in an intermediate
language for the
interpreter.
Word Processing
Software, Database
Software, Spreadsheet
Software, Presentation
Software and
Multimedia Software.
Apache, Blender,
DSpace, Eprints, and
The GIMP
N/A
Example are C++, Swift
(apple) and Java
Examples are Python,
PHP, and Delphi