PC software allows a computer to perform a wide range of tasks. These include word processing, video game graphics and design and online communication. It also includes specialized management programs and telecommunications software.
Utility software analyzes, configures and optimizes a system’s infrastructure. Examples include a memory tester, benchmarking tools and disk cleaners.
Operating system
The operating system is the software that sits between the hardware and applications software. It directs how a computer runs by managing the resources like memory, storage and CPU time. It controls how many programs can be running at the same time and keeps them from interfering or crashing.
The OS also manages processes by ensuring that each program gets enough of the CPU’s processing power to run smoothly. This involves using algorithms that optimise throughput, turnaround and waiting times.
System software also handles basic functions such as converting programs written in human-readable languages into sets of instructions that are understandable to computers (known as machine code). It then interprets keyboard commands and mouse clicks, which allows users to interact with the computer and its programs.
Applications
Computer applications are the programs that users are most familiar with – things like music and media players, web browsers, word processors and communication tools (email, IM, Skype). They differ from other types of software, such as system software or utility software, which support and maintain the operating system.
These application programs are specialized and perform user-specific tasks that may be different from one another. For instance, a word processing program can be used to create professional-looking documents such as letters, memoranda, proposals and reports; database management programs can store information in tables; and graphic software can design presentations, maps and charts.
These programs often use system calls and APIs to communicate with the OS and hardware. As such, they can become incompatible with new versions of Windows and impact the OS’s performance and security. Unused or infrequently used programs can also take up disk space and slow the operating system. Performing a regular cleanup of these programs helps lighten the load and improve the performance of the PC.
Graphics and image processing
Computer graphics and image processing software provide the tools needed to manipulate digital images. They are used in the production of movies, flight simulators, and video games and also to modify existing images for a specific purpose.
PC software includes programs designed to make a computer more productive, efficient or enjoyable. Examples include word processors, music and multimedia players, video games and online communication platforms. It also includes productivity suites, database management software and image editing programs.
All pc software provides the directions and data computers need to work, but they do so in different ways. System software coordinates the activities of all other programs and hardware, while application software performs specific tasks for end users. The latter often includes user-friendly graphical features that are easier to use than traditional text-based commands. For example, an employee may need to enter his or her name and other information onto a photo ID card using a graphical pc software program.
Security
PCs have a range of hardware and software options that enable them to perform a wide variety of tasks, including word processing; business presentation graphics; computer-aided design, or CAD; geographic information systems, or GIS; encryption; telecommunications; and the Web. They also have built-in security features that can help protect them from malware and viruses, and ensure the integrity of hardware devices and files.
The operating system is the foundation of overall system security, and it’s a target for attacks that exploit vulnerabilities to gain unauthorized access or disrupt services. Keeping the OS up to date with the latest security patches reduces the risk of exploitation, as do strict application allowlisting and the principle of least privilege, which limits user access to only those tools they need for day-to-day operations.
Security features that help protect the OS include UEFI secure boot, which prevents unauthorized firmware and drivers from running at startup by verifying their digital signatures; BitLocker drive encryption, which helps ensure that data remains protected even if the physical device is stolen; and advanced threat detection capabilities that use Intel CPU telemetry to detect attack signatures and anomalies.