Types of software with example

Types of software with example

Well there are two main categories of software. Some sources divide software into three categories. Well, this article will explain each type of software in details with examples.

There are three types of software:

1. System Software
2. Application Software
3. Utility Software (most of the people include this as a sub-category of application software)

System Software

System software is a collection of one or more programs used to control and coordinate the hardware and other application software. Generally the system software may perform the following functions:

• Communicates with hardware devices. Controls and monitors the proper use of various hardware resources like CPU, memory, peripheral devices like monitor, printer etc.
• Supports the execution and development of other application software.

Few examples of system software are:

• Operating system
• Programming language translators
• Communication software
• Compiler and Interpreters
• Command line shell

Application Software

Application software is a collection of one or more programs used to solve a specific task.

Generally software used in banking industry, airline/railway reservation, generation of telephone or electricity bills etc. all fall under application software.

Few examples of application software are:

• Word processing software
• Spreadsheet software
• Database software
• Education software
• Entertainment software

Utility Software

Utility software is a collection of one or more programs that helps the user in system maintenance tasks and in performing tasks of routine nature. Utility programs help the users in disk formatting, data compression, data backup, scanning for viruses etc.

Few examples of utility software are:

• Anti-virus
• Registry cleaners
• Disk defragmenters
• Data backup utility
• Disk cleaners