Software -It’s types

What is Software?
Software refers to a series of logical instructions
given to the computer. A program or information
stored in the main memory of a computer is called
SOFTWARE
Software

Program 1 Program 2

Commands Commands Commands

Types of Software
There are diverse ways of categorizing software.
Software types that are commonly applied to
education are described, generally in terms of their
function in the learning process. It is possible to
access
a) specific examples of software types
b) review role of software in furthering learning
c) uncritical description of software resources and
software titles
 Main Categories
1) Application Software
2) System Software

Application Software

• The software developed for a specific function is

categorized in application software

• These programs are written to solve particular

problems only

• Application software is specific in nature. Thus a

single application will be able to do only the work
that it is meant for

• An application program requires input from a

user, processes the input and gives an output

• Application software can also be used to support

creative and unusual learning habits

• These softwares are provided to ease the burdens

of labour that are repetitive

• Examples of Application software include Word,

PowerPoint, Graphic Packages, Excel etc.
 System Software

• It is a collection of programs, which control,

coordinate and supervise the activities of various
components of a computer

• This category of software is concerned with

making the computer work and understanding the
user given data to produce the necessary software

• The functions of System Software are

1. To make the best use of the hardware
2. Interpreting the user-defined instructions
3. Controlling the machine

• System Software works in the background and is

not in direct contact with the user

• The most important software of this category is

the O.S. (Operating System)

• An O.S. is an organized collection of software

used to control the overall working of the computer.
Examples of an O.S. is Windows, Macintosh

• System Softwares also includes device drivers,

programming languages, compliers, assemblers and
translators
 Types of Application Software

1) Modelling Software

• These softwares are centrally concerned with

using a model to think about the other

• There is software that is used to represent models

picked from the real world. These softwares also
allow people to create their own models

• Making of Modelling software is a very

conscious process and involves sophisticated thinking
about several entities, properties and relations

• Some of the examples of Modelling Software are

spreadsheets, Dynamic Modelling System, STELLA,
Expert Builder, Linx88 etc.

• Certain tools like spreadsheets allows building of

qualitative models. Others are meant for constructing
quantitative models; few allow people to mix the
characteristics of both

• Simulations are another kind of Modelling

software but they also involve many other forms of
Application softwares in proper combination
2) Interactive Multimedia

• Multimedia is a collection of different forms of

media to be used together

• A Multimedia product would consist of at least

two forms of media. For example, DVD consists of
audio and video

• Most of the multimedia products today include

more than one type of media – sound, animation,
static images and text

• Multimedia softwares are large hence are

provided via a CD-Rom. However, lot more is now
also available over the Internet

• Multimedia provides many ways to present

information

Multimedia Conventional

Sound Pictures

Static Images Reading

Animation

Text
3) Simulation

• Simulations are one of the best software

examples in which various units are integrated
into a specific unit

• Simulations are also a way of providing goal-

based approaches using different applications

• Simulation uses a lot of properties of Modelling

and Multimedia softwares

Simulation Software

Modelling Multimedia Specially

Software Software Created
Programs

• Many Simulations are used as training tools for

certain jobs. For example, Flight Simulator is a
well-known series for flying planes, Simcity
series that is a Simulation of operating a city

4) Virtual Reality
• It is the latest type of Application Software

• Virtual Reality is an extension of Simulation,

where real life is simulated in such a way that
simulation appears real to the person

• Virtual Reality has little to show for in the public

world for it hasn’t been completely tested yet.
But in the US soldiers are already being trained
using such softwares

• Virtual Reality like all Application softwares can

only be used for a special function. For example,
a Virtual Reality software meant for training
soldiers cannot be used for entertainment
purposes

• Using Modelling, Multimedia, Simulation and

goal-oriented software created by manufacturers,
creates virtual Reality softwares. Virtual Reality
softwares also require a special device, which
has to be placed on one’s eyes
Softwares - Other Types
Here two other types of Softwares would be
discussed. They are:
1.) Internet
2.) Logo

Internet

• The Internet serves various functions and offers a

range of possibilities to teachers and learners

• As both resource and a publication &

communication medium, it presents a range of
pedagogic issues

• It helps those concerned with planning for its use

to support and extend the curriculum

• The Internet in some senses provides a unique set

of tools both for the learners and the teachers

• However there are questions about the limits to

which Internet can be extended. When is a book
better than the Internet – is one such issue

• Indeed there is a vast range of diverse comments

and views on the value of Internet in education.
It is beyond doubt, that Internet is here to stay
 • The most accessible and exciting face of the
Internet is provided by the “World Wide Web

(www)”. It is the hypertext media that allows

seamless navigation around information bases
that can contain a multimedia mix of graphical,
video, animated, text and audio information

• The key to the value of the “Web” lies in its

facility to allow non-linear representation of
information

• More particularly, the key to the value of the

“Web” in educational terms is in its facility to
allow users to participate in an active process of
handling and processing information

Logo
• Logo is procedure oriented computer
programming language developed for young
children to teach the computer how to perform
the tasks.

• Logo was created by Seymour Papert of MIT to

involve young children in exploring and building
understanding of concepts related to Maths

• Logo provides opportunities to build work and

play in learning environments characterized by
exploration and discovery
 • It is possible to obtain a range of programming
resources to help with Logo

Conclusion

Software is an ever-expanding field. Every day newer

fields are being created, older ones upgraded. This
is what makes the study of Softwares both
interesting and challenging
Experts spent sleepless nights trying to keep pace
with the latest in the field, but a newer application
would always elude them

That’s where the fun ends and the toil begins