software The software can be best defined as a set of instructions, technically

referred to as programs, that perform operations and specific tasks based on the
commands of the user. Every single task that a user intends to perform is regulated
by software. Made of binary language (ones and zeroes), there is a variety of
software for different tasks. With that said, here’s everything about software that
you should know.

Examples and Types of Software

There are several types of software based on their functionalities, which are as
follows-

System Software
System software allows the user to run computer software or hardware and is
responsible for managing their interaction with each other. It perpetually runs in
the background to maintain the basic functionalities and the hardware of the
computer. It essentially acts as a mediator between the computer and the user to
facilitate operations. System software is of four types, which are as follows-
 Operating System – The operating system is a collection of software that helps
execute programs and offers a computer application’s general services. There are
various types of operating systems, such as iOS, macOS, Windows, Unix, Linux,
and Ubuntu, among others.


 Device Drivers – Device drivers handle the operations of the hardware devices
connected to a computer. They act as a software interface for the hardware devices
so that applications and the operating system of a computer can run the hardware
functions without having the knowledge of the hardware’s exact specifications.


 Firmware – Firmware is embedded in the read-only memory of a system and is a

type of permanent software that offers low-level control for certain device
hardware.


 Utility – Utility software functions to configure, maintain, and offer support in the
analysis and optimization of the computer.

Application Software
Application software or application programs are end-user programs that serve
specific functionality to help users accomplish certain tasks. This includes graphic
designing, researching online, drafting documents, watching movies or playing
games, and managing finance among others. Developers keep creating software
applications based on the evolving needs of users. There are various types of
application software, which are as follows-
 Word Processors – Word processor software, as the name suggests, is designed
for making notes, typing data, and documentation. Users can also format, store,
and print their data and documents respectively using word processes.


 Database Software – Also known as Database Management System (DBMS),

database software allows users to perform various operations on quickly retrieved
data, such as creation, management, organization, and modification. Some popular
examples of DBMS are MS Access, dBase, MySQL, Oracle, Microsoft SQL
Server, and FileMaker.
 Multimedia Software – Users can perform certain actions on their computer, such
as playing and recording music and video files as well as creating images with the
help of multimedia software. This type of software has a massive application in the
field of graphic designing where users create gifs, images, animations, and edit
videos. Adobe Photoshop and Illustrator, Windows Movie Maker and Media
Player, Corel Draw, and Picasa are some common types of multimedia processors.
 Web Browsers – Web Browsers are used for browsing the internet and their
primary function is to allow users to fetch data across the web and also position the
data. In simpler terms, you would access the internet with the help of web
browsers so that you find the information that you need. Chrome, Opera, Mozilla
Firefox, Microsoft Edge, Apple Safari, and UC Browser are very commonly used
web browsers.


 Freeware – Freeware software is made available free of cost for a lifetime and it
can be downloaded from the internet. This type of software is generally created by
companies to improve their reach and gain more popularity. Some such software
that is available free of cost for different purposes are Skype, Audacity, Zoom,
Adobe Reader, WhatsApp, etc.


 Shareware – Shareware, much like Freeware, can be downloaded from the

internet. However, the main difference between both is that, while freeware can be
used for an unlimited amount of time without having to make any payment,
shareware can be used on a trial basis. Adobe Acrobat and Photoshop, WinZip,
and PHP Debugger are some popular types of shareware software.
 Open-Source – Open-source software is also available on the internet free of cost.
However, what differentiates them from freeware is that they are available with
their source code. This means users who download open-source software can make
changes and transformations to it and even add features to it.


Programming Software
Programs and software are created by coders using different software tools, known
as programming software. Some such programs used for software development by
coders are as given below-
 Compilers – The conversion of codes written by humans into lower-level machine
code is performed by compilers. These machine codes can be interpreted directly
by computer hardware. While compilers serve a very basic purpose, they are the
basis for creating even the most complicated and sophisticated software.


 Debuggers – Debuggers play an essential role in ensuring your software or

application performs well by testing and debugging the computer code.


 Linkers – Linkers are responsible for combining various individual files from a
compiler into a single executable file. The file converted, as a result, runs on its
own without requiring a programming environment.


 Malware – Malware is software developed to attack computers and their software

in a harmful way to cause them to misbehave or seize to work. This includes
viruses, ransomware, trojans, and worms. Since there are a variety of malware that
may be mistakenly downloaded, it is crucial to have antimalware software on your
computer to keep it safe from their attacks.

How Does Software Work?

A software serves the purpose of executing commands provided by the user. These
commands, known as inputs, are processed by the software. While the input is
given in complex language that humans use, it is first converted into a binary
language that the software understands. Based on the input, the software provides
output to users. This output depends on the nature of the command given and the
functionalities of the software.

How Software is Distributed?

There are different ways in which software can be distributed based on various
factors. With that said, here are some common distribution mechanisms for
software-

1. Commercial
The commercial distribution of software means providing users with a license to
use that particular software. Since users don’t completely own the software and are
only provided a license, they cannot make any modifications or add features to the
software. While the most common type of distribution mechanism in the past, it is
less popular in recent times.
2. Open-Source
Open-source software is the opposite of commercial ones as it can be downloaded
from the internet along with its source code. Since users can download the source
code of the software as well, they can work on the codes and make changes to the
software. While some open-source software might be free of cost, some may also
be sold at retail prices.

3. Freeware
Freeware type of software is available to be downloaded from the internet and is
completely free of cost. Freeware is commonly adware, which means it comes
with embedded advertising to generate revenue, which compensates for the
software being free of cost.

4. Shareware
Shareware is a variation of software, which is available for download for a limited
period of time on a trial basis. It is aimed at offering a realistic experience to users
so that they make the decision to buy the full version of the software for an
unlimited amount of time, based on their experience with the shareware.

Design and Implementation

There are several tasks to accomplish when developing software, and project
managers use a framework known as the software development lifecycle to
describe these tasks. Analysis of the needs of users and planning the software
based on this requirement analysis is the first step, followed by coming up with a
strategy for fulfilling those requirements.
After designing, implementation is the next step wherein developers accomplish
the development of the software and then test it. Once tested, the software passes
through the maintenance phase which involves tasks to ensure the system keeps
running. Therefore, as a whole, designing and implementation are at the core of the
software development lifecycle.
How to Maintain Software Quality?
A software quality test helps ensure it runs smoothly and performs operations as
intended. It comprises two parameters- functional and non-functional
requirements. While functional requirements are a software’s core capabilities,
non-functional requirements are its quality attributes that determine how the
system should work.
Software testing is performed to determine and resolve any technical issues in the
source code of the software. It also assesses other aspects, such as security,
performance, and usability. To maintain software quality post-development, the
developer constantly determines the requirements of users and issues pertaining to
its features to make the needed modifications.
 Modern Software Development
Modern software development leverages Lean and Agile principles. The focus of
these principles is the requirements of customers for incorporating new
functionalities and features into the software. Whether you make changes to small
software products or those that are large-scale and complex, these principles are
equally applicable to both types.

Software Licensing and Patents

Software licensing refers to putting a restriction on the usage and distribution of
software with the help of a legally binding document known as a software license.
These software licenses, without any copyright violation, give users the rights to
one or multiple copies of software. They highlight the basic responsibilities of the
concerned parties to an agreement, and also put restrictions on the ways software
can be utilized.
The terms and conditions of a software license typically involve the fair use policy
of the software, limitations of liability, guarantees and warranties, disclaimers, and
protections in case of infringement of the intellectual property rights of others
because of the software or its usage.
Even though software infringements can be prevented with the help of copyright
laws, these do not completely prevent others from independently developing
similar software without copying. Patents, on the other hand, stop a person from
making use of the functional aspects of software claimed by a software developer
in that patent.

History of Software
Up until the late 1950s, the term software had not been used. Even though different
software was being developed during this period, they had not been made available
to people commercially. As a result of this, users, which included mostly scientists
and big enterprises, often resorted to developing their own software.
Here is a brief timeline of the history of software-
 21st June 1948 – Tom Kilburn, a computer scientist at the University of
Manchester in the United Kingdom, wrote the world’s first software piece.
 1958 – John Tukey, a statistician, coined the term software in one of his articles.
 1977 – Apple II was released by Apple and shortly after VisiCorp released
VisiCalc for the Apple II, which was the first spreadsheet for PCs.
 1981 – IBM began the sale of software. Commercial software became available to
consumers.
 In the mid-1980s – Software applications like AutoCAD, MS Word, and MS Excel
were released.
 1985 – Microsoft Windows 1.0 was released.
 1997 – DVDs were introduced which were able to store the whole MS Office Suite
on a single disk.
 1999 – Salesforce.com started using cloud computing which pioneered software
delivery through the internet.
 2000 – The term Software as a service (SaaS) became a trend.
 2007 – The first iPhone was launched, and mobile applications started gaining
popularity.
 2010 to present – DVDs became outdated as software could now be easily bought
and downloaded over the internet by users.