System Software Vs Application software
Computer Software refers to a series of computer language coded instructions that tell a computer how
to perform a given tasks.
Computer software can be broadly divided into two categories Namely; System software and Application software
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
This is a set of programs software which manages the operation of the computer itself
Functions of system software
- Starting up a computer
- Transferring data between input and output devices
- Executing and storing application programs
- Storing and retrieving files
- Formatting disks
- Translating program instructions into machine language
- Sorting data files
System software is divided into three categories:
- Operating system
- Utility software/system utilities/utilities
- Programming Languages
APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application Software, often referred to simply as “apps” or “programs,”.
Application software refers to a class of software specifically designed to perform various tasks and functions for end-users.
Unlike system software, which manages the computer’s hardware and provides a platform for other software to run on, Application Software enables users to perform specific tasks, such as word processing, graphic design, or even playing games.
Uses of application software
- Create graphics and multimedia projects
- Productive tool/business tool
- Support personal activities, business and education
- Facilitate communication
Features of application software include:
- Cursors
- Scrolling
- Menus
- Help screens
- Dialog boxes
- Special purpose and function keys
- Macros
- Tutorials and documentation
CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is divided into two main groups and these include:
- Off the shelf software [Packaged software / Pre written software / General
software] - Custom made [Bespoke software / Tailored / made-to-order software ]
Off the shelf software
Off the Shelf Software is also know as packaged software ,pre written software or general
software.
Packaged software refers to the software programs that are ready to run when purchased and installed on
computers.
This is commercial software which is copyrighted and designed to meet needs of a wide
variety of users. For example word processing.
Advantages of off the shelf software
- They are usually provided with extensive documentation to help the user.
- They are easy to use and are suitable for people with little or no computing
knowledge. - They are appropriate for a large variety of applications
- They are relatively low priced since they are sold in large numbers.
- They are readily available
- They can be customized
- They have less errors
Disadvantages of off the shelf software
- Some packages need developing for example databases so require thorough knowledge that is quite expensive.
- The user has to provide documentation for the particular application created.
- It is easy to forget commands to use the package especially if it is not used
frequently
Customized software/custom made software/tailored software/bespoke software
These are user specified software programs written by users or independent software
professionals to meet the user’s specifications.
These are applications designed and developed at a user’s request to satisfy personal
data processing needs.
They are application programs designed to meet a client’s particular needs.
They are also called in-house developed software and are designed by following the
user’s directives to produce a program that solves a given individual’s or organization’s
requirements.
They are very expensive but can always be modified to suit the user’s particular interest.
They are mainly developed by large companies to handle specific tasks in that
organization.
Examples include:
- Accounting packages like sage, sand systems, pastel, tally, point of sale
- Stock control packages
- Library software systems
- Statistical analysis (statistical presentation software systems) (SPSS)
- School management system
- Banking system
- Insurance system
- Payroll systems
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