Software

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SOFTWARE

A set of instructions that directs a computer's hardware to perform a task is called a program, or software program. Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system. The two main types of software are system software and application software.

System software controls a computer's internal functioning, chiefly through an operating system , and also controls such peripherals as monitors, printers, and storage devices. Utilities and compilers are also parts of system software.

Application software, by contrast, directs the computer to execute commands given by the user and may be said to include any program that processes data for a user. Application software thus includes word processors, spreadsheets, database management, inventory and payroll programs, and many other "applications." They can be of three main types:

1. Office Suites

2. Graphic Applications

3. Communication Applications

SYSTEM SOFTWARE

Operating System:

The operating system is a remarkably complex set of instructions that schedules the series of jobs (user applications) to be performed by the computer and allocates them to the various hardware systems of a computer, such as the central processing unit, main memory, and peripheral systems. It is the master program based on which all other program work. Popular operating systems are Microsoft Desk Operating System (MS-DOS), Microsoft Windows, Red Hat Linux, Apple Mackintosh, etc.

MS-DOS: Released in 1981, MS-DOS is a command-line operating system which requires the user to enter all commands from a command prompt. It performs two types of functions:

1. Automatic functions which read data, allocate memory u...

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...rs due to the superior security it provides.

Internet Explorer: Released in 1996, Microsoft's Internet Explorer browser is a popular browser which makes it easier to get the most from the World Wide Web. It has built-in IntelliSense technology which can save time while doing routine Web tasks such as automatically completing Web addresses and forms, and automatically detecting network and connection status. When Microsoft began bundling it with Windows, its user-friendliness, and performance easily made it the most popular browser among internet users.

Outlook Express: Outlook Express is the ideal e-mail and newsgroup client for home users. It has features like Address Book where one can store e-mail addresses and other details, and Inbox which can be used to send and receive mail. Outlook Express checks for new messages every 30 minutes by default.

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