Whether you’re running a PC, laptop or mobile device, it’s important to have the right software installed. This is especially true if you want to keep your device functioning properly.
The two main types of computer software are system software and application software. Each works in a different way.
Operating system
The operating system (OS) is a software program that controls your computer’s memory, operations, and software. Without the OS, your computer is useless.
Most computing devices, including desktops and laptops, enterprise-class server computers, and your mobile phone run some form of OS.
An operating system gives you and your programmers a common set of commands for managing computer hardware, making it easier to write and read applications. These commands help make the device’s behavior predictable and consistent, and reduce program complexity.
The operating system also controls when a program can access the central processing unit’s (CPU) processor and memory, and in which order it should execute those instructions. This process is called passing of execution control, and it’s done through a mechanism known as a context switch.
Application software
An application software is a computer program that performs a specific function for an end user. Examples of modern applications include word processors, spreadsheet programs, database management programs and web browsers.
System software, on the other hand, is a kind of pc software that runs the hardware and application programs in a computer. It is composed of operating systems, device drivers and language processors like interpreters and compilers.
It also includes other pc software that enables the hardware and provides an environment for the user to work in. These include firewall utilities and antivirus applications, as well as disk defragmenting tools and other utility applications.
The most common type of pc software is application software. It helps users jot down notes, perform online research, set alarms, keep account logs and even play games.
Utilities
Utility software mainly supports the basic function of a computer and is closely related to the hardware and the higher-level application software. They are usually grouped into various types based on the purpose they serve.
Virus protection, file management system, compression tools, disk management tools, disk cleanup tool, defragmenter and backup utilities are some of the important utility software. They help in solving the problems of slowing down, clogging and unwanted files that cause the performance of a computer to decrease.
Clean up tools are also an important utility that improves the speed of a computer by removing unnecessary data and cookies from the system. This reduces the load on the hard drive and increases the performance of the system by ensuring the system doesn’t have to work so hard.
Drivers
Drivers are the software that let your hardware devices connect with the operating system. They include everything from your network card and video card to printers, mice, external keyboards, speakers, and even USB drives.
Drivers communicate with your PC’s operating system, which tells them what to do with the data they get from your hardware device. They also receive command requests from applications that need to talk to your devices, and they respond by delivering data back to those apps.
Drivers are updated all the time to fix glitches and patch security problems discovered by manufacturers. Keeping drivers up to date is vital for avoiding computer issues that could leave your computer vulnerable.