Setting up a new computer can be both exciting and intimidating. Whether you’re looking to boost productivity or simply blast some tunes, there are plenty of software options out there.
Among the most important is system software, which manages all other types of software on your machine. Other essentials include device drivers and utility software.
Software
Computer software is a set of programs that enables computers to perform tasks, such as writing documents or playing games. These programs, which are written in binary code (ones and zeroes), regulate all actions that take place on a computer system.
There are two different types of computer software: system software and application software. System software coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and applications, while application software accomplishes specific tasks for end users.
Application software includes a wide variety of programs, including word processors and web browsers. It also includes multimedia and music programs, video games and online communication tools such as email and Skype.
The majority of application software is freeware, which means that it can be downloaded and used for no cost. Other types of application software include proprietary, or business-specific, software that is designed for a particular organization. Utility software is a type of application software that helps to configure, optimize and maintain a computer.
Operating system
The operating system acts as an intermediary between the hardware and software of a computer. It provides an interface through which users interact with the computer, either by a GUI like those found on Windows, macOS and various Linux distributions or a CLI that allows commands to be entered in text form.
Functionality:
Operating systems allow software programs to run in parallel by managing processor time, choosing which processes receive CPU attention and mediating conflicts between multiple software programs. They also manage communication with input and output devices such as printers and disk drives and provide device drivers.
In addition, the OS manages storage devices by organizing data into directories and files, optimizing space use and ensuring the integrity of stored data. Finally, the OS sends messages to applications and interactive users or to a system operator about the status of the program and any errors that may have occurred. It also offloads the management of what are called batch jobs, such as printing, so that the initiating application can be freed to handle other tasks.
Applications
PCs, or personal computers, are multipurpose machines that usually run Windows, though some use Linux and Apple Macintosh operating systems. They come in many shapes and sizes, from desktop towers to laptops, tablets to smartphones. Older PCs can also be repurposed for tasks outside standard computing, such as contributing processing power to distributed computing projects like Folding@home.
The operating system controls inputs, processes data and stores outputs. It also manages hardware devices such as monitors, keyboards and mice. It sends input information such as what key is being pressed and where the mouse is clicking to application software, which then displays that information on the screen.
There is a wide range of application software available for the PC, including web browsers, music and video-playing programs, productivity applications and games. Ninite makes it easy to load up a new PC with the required software by providing a single installer that offers dozens of programs. It even declines the bloatware that most free downloads try to bundle in with them.
Hardware
Computer hardware includes all of the tangible elements that make up a computer system, such as monitors and keyboards. It also encompasses the internal parts of a computer, like microchips and hard drives. Computer software, on the other hand, is a set of instructions and programs that directs the hardware in its operations. Examples of computer software include adobe Photoshop and video games.
There are two main types of computer software: system software and application software. System software, which is installed on the computer’s hardware and enables it to function, manages other software programs that run “on top” of it. Examples of system software include the operating system, which is the first program that loads into memory when a computer is turned on and manages all of the other hardware in the computer.
Other types of software include application software, which is designed to perform specific tasks, such as word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and database management. This category of software also includes programs for Internet browsing and email, as well as audio and video players. Other examples of application software include accounting, desktop publishing and language processors.