Software : Summary

1. A piece of software is a computer program which has been written to carry out a particular task.
 
2. 

Software programs are originally produced in a programming language.

 
3.  Software is usually classified as being either systems software or application software.
4. Systems software controls the operation of a computer. The operating system and utility programs are systems software.
 
5. 

Application software is software that is written to solve a particular problem or carry out a particular job. Application software can be either generic or application specific :

Generic A generic package is a package that can be put to a wide variety of uses. The most common generic software packages are : word processors, desktop publishers, graphics packages, spreadsheets and databases.
Application Specific An application specific package is produced to perform one specific task. For example a program written to produce invoices and manage stock levels for a garage.
 
6. If you need a piece of software that will perform a specific task then you will have to choose from one of three options :
  • Off-the-shelf : If a package already exists that performs exactly the task that you need then you can buy it "off-the-shelf" from a shop.
  • Customise a Generic Software Package : Modify a generic package such as a database to carry out the task.
  • Custom Written Software : Pay a computer programmer to write a new piece of software to perform the task.
 
7. To select a piece of software for a particular job it is useful to draw up a set of comparison criteria, based upon what you need the software to do.

(C) P Meakin 2004