What is software? And its types

The software concept is a logical system capable of performing certain functions, such as executing multiple command execution pipelines. But it is not necessarily capable of running other computer programs or programs that do not provide the specific capabilities necessary for a logical system to function.

In addition, it is an intangible part of a system, i.e.; it can be seen, but not touched, we can only manipulate it through the hardware. Even though we can only see it, it is fundamental in a computer system because without it the physical devices would not work.

Types of software

System Software: It is the operating system as such and allows you to control applications and the devices themselves at the physical level. For example, there are multiple operating systems; Windows, Mac, Linux etc.

Application or Utility Software: These are the applications, programs and tools that we actively use according to our needs: system tools, web browsers, business applications, video and music players, Microsoft office, etc.

Programming Software: See focuses on applications for the development of software or applications, which allows us to have a management of a linear or structured programming language. In addition, it allows us to compile in real time to solve errors within it.

Malicious Software: It aims to damage the operating system, infect files and duplicate, encrypt or delete them. In such a way that it is frustrating for the user. These actions sometimes steal information from users and ask them for money to avoid fraud. In the exist:

• Virus
• Malware
• Spyware
• Rootkits
• Dialers
• Backdoors
• Trojans
• Worms
• Keyloggers

Freeware: Freeware is any computer software that can be downloaded to your computer and then distributed without any kind of payment, that is, it is free software.

Generally these programs are small portions of larger paid programs.

The source code of freeware applications is not available in most cases.

Shareware:  This classification of software applies to all those programs that can be distributed without any problem, but that have limitations that mean that the user must pay for them after a trial period.

Unlike freeware, it cannot be copied and installed without first paying a license fee.

Free software: It is software that can be copied, modified and distributed without any kind of restriction. Although it is not always free software, it is the great confusion that reigns in large spheres of the world software market.

Open Source SoftwareOpen source code is very useful in engineering, since it allows people to contribute to improve it and share it through repositories. However, it can be used without any kind of restriction and can contribute to the development for a better efficiency of it.

Its importance

The relevance of software in a computer system is that it is vital for it to work properly, helping us to perform digitized tasks. Without it we cannot process the binary information to the hardware, since it also translates the human language and interprets it to machine language. That is why it is important to know the types that exist within it.

Without it there are no tasks to process, nothing could be developed and practically the hardware would be useless, because inside it there is the microprogramming and configuration of it. Which allows you to control and manipulate it.

You can also read: What is RAM and what is it used for?