User:Prateekdutt1

'Software''

'''Software is a general term used for computer Programs. A computer program is a planned, step by step set of instructions that directs the computer what to do and how to do. It turns the data into information - that makes a computer useful.

Types Of Software Generally speaking, software can be categorized as: (1) System Software (2) Application Software

System Software The programs directly related to the computer hardware and perform tasks associated with controlling and utilizing computer hardware are known as system software.System software does not solve a specific problem for the user rather it helps to solva a problem.

System software falls into following categories.

(i) Operating System Operating systems are the most important system software. Operating system is a set of programs that control and supervises the hardware of a computer and provides services to application software, programmers and users of computer.Without operating system a computer cannot do anything useful. A user cannot communicate directly with the computer hardware, so the operating system acts as an intermediary between user of a computer and the computer hardware. The primary goal of an operating system is to make the computer convenient to use. The secondary goal is to use the computer efficiently.

Some important tasks of an operating system are managing the resources of the computer such as Central Processing Unit (CPU), memory, disk drives and printer and running user programs. Every type of computer has its own operating system. Operating system for mainframe and other large computers are very complex since they must keep track of several programs from several users all running in the same time frame.

Following are some of the popular operating systems used in personal computers: DOS, Windows, Unix, Linus, Solaris, etc.

(ii) Language Translators The computer does not understand a programming language, because computer only know the machine language or binary language. A program must be translated into machine language before the machine can execute it. Software associated with programming languages include language translators such as assemblers, interpreters and compilers.

(a) Interpreter An interpreter translates and executes each program statement one at a time. After execution the translation of a statement is removed from memory and next statement is loaded for translation. Translation is required if program is executed again. Therefore interpreter has limitations that it forgets translation after execution of statement. Interpreters are suitable for short programs developed by beginners to programming.

GWBASIC is an interpreter for BASIC language programs. Each programming language has its own interpreter.

(b) Compiler Compilers translate the whole program at a time and store their translated program on disk. The original program is called "Source Program" while its translated version is called "Object Program".

(c) Assembler The assembler is a language translator for a low level programming language called "Assembly language". Assembly language is a Symbolic language.

(iii) Data-management software Data-management software includes database and file management programs that manage data for an operating system. They can organize, update and print data.

(iv) Editors Editors allow the user to type-in a program, generate text and make modifications whenever necessary. A program is first written in an editor and then is compiled. It is possible that the compiler of any language has its own editor for writing programs.

(v) Utility Software These are programs that users can purchase as seperate products to perform a wide range of functions. The programs for these functions are PC-Tools, Scan Disk, Norton Disk Doctor (NDD), Anti virus and some of the utilities that are mostly bundled with the operating system.

Application An application is a job or task a user wants to accomplish through a computer. Application software are programs that help a user perform a specific job.

For example application software enables a user to write a letter and/ or create a drawing. It helps the user work faster, more efficiently and thus provide more productivity than manual performance.

Types of Application software Application software can be grouped into two broad categories. (i) General purpose Application software (ii) Special purpose Application Software

General Purpose Application Software These are called package software or commercial software. A single software can be applied to a wide variety of tasks. By using such software a user can fulfill his or her general needs.

General purpose software includes, MS Office, Corel Draw, Page maker, Adobe Photo shop, etc.

(ii) Special Purpose Application Software The software that is designed to perform a specific task is known as special purpose application software. This i also called Custom software. The Software can perform only one task for which it has been designed. Custom software for the tasks of a large organization may be extremely complex and takes a lot of time to develop.

For example, Software to process inventory control, software to maintain Bank Accounts, Software used in Airline Booking System, etc.

'''Hardware (Computer Hardware) '''

Definition: Hardware, in the computer world, refers to the physical components that make up a computer system. There are many different kinds of hardware that can be installed inside, and connected to the outside, of a computer.

Take a tour inside your PC to learn how all the hardware in your computer connects together to create the complete computer system you use everyday.

Here are some common individual computer hardware components that you'll often find inside a modern computer case:

Motherboard Central Processing Unit (CPU) Random Access Memory (RAM) Power Supply Video Card Hard Drive (HDD) Solid-State Drive (SSD) Optical Drive (e.g. BD/DVD/CD drive) Card Reader (SD/SDHC, CF, etc.) Here is some common hardware that you might find connected to the outside of a computer:

Monitor Keyboard Mouse Battery Backup (UPS) Printer Speakers Here is some less common computer hardware, either because these pieces are now usually integrated into other devices or because they've been replaced with newer technology:

Sound Card Network Interface Card (NIC) Expansion Card (Firewire, USB, Thunderbolt, etc.) Hard Drive Controller Card Analog Modem Scanner Floppy Disk Drive Joystick Webcam Microphone Tape Drive Zip Drive The following hardware is referred to as network hardware and various pieces are often part of a home or business network:

Digital Modem (e.g. Cable Modem, DSL Modem, etc.) Router Network Switch Access Point Repeater Bridge Print Server Firewall Network hardware isn't as clearly defined as some other types of computer hardware. For example, many home routers will often act as a combination router, switch, and firewall.

In addition to all the items listed above, there's more computer hardware that I like to call auxiliary hardware, of which a computer might have none, or several, of some kinds:

Fan (CPU, GPU, Case, etc.) Heat Sink Data Cable Power Cable CMOS Battery Daughterboard In Microsoft Windows, hardware resources are managed by Device Manager.

Examples: "I'm a huge fan of 3D video games so I regularly update my video card hardware to support the requirements of these kinds of games."