What is Software? Characteristics of Software.
As you are aware, computer cannot do anything on its own. It is the user who instructs computer; what to do, how to do and when to do. In order to perform any task, you have to give a set of instructions in a particular sequence to the computer. These sets of instructions are called Programs. Software refers to a set of programs that makes the hardware perform a particular set of tasks in particular order. Software can be classified mainly into following categories and sub-categories are shown in figure.
Types of Software:
As you are aware, computer cannot do anything on its own. It is the user who instructs computer; what to do, how to do and when to do. In order to perform any task, you have to give a set of instructions in a particular sequence to the computer. These sets of instructions are called Programs. Software refers to a set of programs that makes the hardware perform a particular set of tasks in particular order. Software can be classified mainly into following categories and sub-categories are shown in figure.
Types of Software:
- System Software Click here...
- Application Software Click here...
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| Fig. Classification of Software |
Software Characteristics
Different individuals judge software on different basis. This is because they are involved with the software in different ways. For example, users want the software to perform according to their requirements. Similarly, developers involved in designing, coding, and maintenance of the software evaluate the software by looking at its internal characteristics, before delivering it to the user. Software characteristics are classified into six major components.
• Functionality: Refers to the degree of performance of the software against its intended purpose.
• Reliability: Refers to the ability of the software to provide desired functionality under the given conditions.
• Usability: Refers to the extent to which the software can be used with ease.
• Efficiency: Refers to the ability of the software to use system resources in the most effective and efficient manner.
• Maintainability: Refers to the ease with which the modifications can be made in a software system to extend its functionality, improve its performance, or correct errors.
• Portability: Refers to the ease with which software developers can transfer software from one platform to another, without (or with minimum) changes. In simple terms, it refers to the ability of software to function properly on different hardware and software platforms without making any changes in it.
