Introduction
This section is groing to cover everything you need to know about Software at a very basic level. Firstly going through how software works and functions. Then we will go through uses of Software, pricing
and different terminologies to familiarise yourself.
What is Software?
A Software is a piece of code that has been programmed to carry out certain tasks or instructions. Every Software contains
unique instructions. The Software is programmed using ordinary programming language that compiles the instructions or other so that
the computer can understand. Every Software is compiled to binary as this is what the computer understands.
A Software is also easily distinguished from Hardware as it is virtual and something that cannot be physically touched. It is the Software that controls the
Hardware, otherwise without Software the Hardware is just an ordinary machine that doesn't process or do anything. If you are using a computer to view this information you are definitely using Software,
the browser you are using to view the information on this website is a type of Software.
Different types of Software
We know what a Software is now, but we don't know the different types out there. Below is a list of different types of Software available:
- Application Software
- System Software
- Firmware
- Programming Software
Application Software: this is any program that allows the user to perform productive tasks. This can be creating letters or Memo using Word or editing graphics
using Photoshop. So an application software is one that is installed in a machine and used for a particular task(s), such as a Web Browser for surfing the Internet. An application Software is mainly designed
for one particular platform or more that it will function on.
System Software: this is also known as system platform or Operating System (OS). This is the most important piece of Software in any machine. It is the heart of any computer and it is this that controls all the hardware.
The Operating System allows Application Software to function and it provides many management tools. Some of which are quite basic such as Account:
Frimware: is Software programmed and resident in to electrically programmable memory device on mainbords or other types of integrated hardware carriers. The most famous firmware is the BIOS ROM which contains unique settings
relevant to the computer's operation.
Programming Software: these Softwares are used by application developers to create programs i.e. applications that users or businesses can use for certain tasks. Not only does it provide the ability to create programs from scracth
but also allows the developers to test the program for errors and performance. There are different Programming Softwares available each supporting a particular language or multiple.
Different license types
- Shareware
- Freeware
- TrialWare
Shareware: this is a Software license that is distributed on a trial basis with the understanding by the users that a fee may be charged in order
to continue using the Software. Shareware is free to download from the Internet whether that is from the author's website or a another. Shareware Software has reduced functionality i.e. certain tasks or options are disabled and can
only be available once a purchase and registration is made. By registering you are provided with more functionality and support.
Freeware: this is a Software Licence that allows usage and download of the Software for free. You don't have to pay anything and some might require registrations but apart from that it provides full
functionality. You can also pass on freeware to friends or colleagues without breaking the license agreement. Some freeware does require registering.
Trialware: Trialware is quite different from the two above. With trialware you get the full functional program but for a limit period of time usually in (days). The trialware can also be downloaded from the author's website
or any other Software sharing such as Download.com or Tucows. The trialware has a countdown as soon as it is installed it is activated and usually once the trial has expired the Software will not longer function.
The majority of them once installed and cannot be installed again to use, because of the information it puts to the registry.
