Types of computer software

First attempts to create devices for computingare connected with mechanical (exclusively hardware) units. Later similar ideas were realized in the form of systems with so-called "rigid logic", i.e. also had a purely hardware implementation. Such devices had one significant drawback: they could solve only one type of problem and could not be modified during operation.

Therefore, the logical continuation of developmentcomputer systems was the creation of such devices that could flexibly adapt to the solution of an arbitrary task. And this is possible only with the use of software and devices that operate under these programs.

The creation of software has become yet anothera serious breakthrough in the field of computer technology. It is a compulsory addition to the hardware. For decades of programming development, different types of software have been created. These include system, application and instrumental programs.

System programs are designed to providethe operability of the system itself, the interaction of hardware and software, the interaction of the computer and the user. These include operating systems, drivers, utilities, service programs and other types of software. Currently, the most common operating systems are Windows and Unix.

A variety of types of software,related to application, allow the user to solve a wide variety of tasks - from typing to complex metamorphosis with specialized data. Applied programs include: text and graphic editors, spreadsheets, games, translators, etc. A set of applications the user himself determines, depending on their own needs.

There is never a lot of software,but everything should be within reasonable limits. On the one hand, the more programs are installed on the computer, the more universal tool it is. On the other hand, these programs require more resources and can significantly reduce system performance.

A few years ago, very popular werecomputer courses for beginners or for users on certain software products. Although for an advanced user any kind of software is available for learning through the help system.

The software issuch programs with which you can create other programs. These programs are called programming languages ​​and consist of a code editor, a translator and a communications editor. Unlike the first two types, certain skills are required to use the software. Examples of tool programs are the integrated environment Delphi, Pascal, C ++ and others.

So, different types of software have different purposes and different degrees of complexity.