Did you know that the first computer software was created by a woman known as Ada Lovelace in the 18th century? She is the mother of programming and the motivation for writing this article to answer the question, What is Software in Computer?
Charles Babbage, the father of computers, tutored Ada Lovelace. In her notes, she mentions methods on how code can be used to communicate with machines to produce various outputs such as numbers and letters. It is this foundation that created what we know today as modern computers.
The most fantastic thing about these notes is that they were written in 1833, and these works still apply today in the 21st century.
What is Software in Computer
Software in a computer refers to a set of instructions that tell a machine what to do based on specific tasks. The tasks are facilitated using computer hardware. In simple terms, the software tells a computer how and what to do.
How Does a Software Work?
Software is a code. It can be written in various programming languages like C++, Java, Python, or Ruby. What is essential is that the code allows software developers to write a set of instructions that they and the computer understand.
Once a software developer writes the code, it is converted into binary for compilation. Computers can only execute binary instructions once the code is converted into a readable format and stored in the Central Processing Unit {CPU}.
The computer will then retrieve these instructions from the CPU and execute the instructions as requested by the software developer. The instructions mainly involve calculating mathematical equations and manipulating and interacting with hardware components.
The software can accept further instructions via the keyboard or mouse. Most software applications involve data storage, retrieval, and managing databases to store, query, and manipulate information.
Examples of Popular Software in the Market
Operating Systems
- Microsoft Windows: It is mainly used for personal computers and laptops.
- MacOS: Used in the Apple operating system for Apple computers.
- Linux: This is an open-source operating system used in various distributions (like Ubuntu, Fedora, and CentOS).
Office Productivity Suites
- Microsoft Office: Microsoft Office has software such as Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook.
- Google Workspace: A cloud-based suite that includes Docs, Sheets, Slides, and Gmail.
- LibreOffice: An open-source alternative to Microsoft Office.
Web Browsers
- Google Chrome: A popular web browser known for its speed and extensions.
- Mozilla Firefox: A free and open-source browser focused on privacy and customization.
- Safari: The default web browser for Apple devices.
Graphic Design and Editing
- Adobe Photoshop: A leading software for photo editing and graphic design.
- Adobe Illustrator: Used for vector graphics and illustrations.
- Canva: An online tool for creating graphics, presentations, and social media posts.
Video Editing
- Final Cut Pro: A video editing software designed for macOS.
- DaVinci Resolve: A powerful tool for video editing and color correction.
Development Tools
- Visual Studio Code: A popular code editor for software development.
- Git: A version control software
Communication and Collaboration
- Slack: A messaging platform for team collaboration.
- Zoom: Used for video conferencing
- Microsoft Teams: A collaboration tool that integrates chat, video meetings, and file sharing.
Security Software
- Norton Antivirus: A widely used antivirus software for protecting devices from malware.
- McAfee: Another popular antivirus and internet security software.
Types of Computer Software
Though there are different types of computer software, they can generally be grouped into two:
- System Software
- Application Software
A system’s software controls a computer’s internal components/functioning. It controls monitors, storage devices, and printers.
On the contrary, application software is used to instruct a computer to execute specific demands given by the user. Examples of these application software include word processors, databases, spreadsheets, and payroll systems.
Other types of software in computers are:
Middleware software
Middleware software creates an intermediary between two different applications, databases, or systems. In a nutshell, middleware software is used to create interoperability.
Some examples of middleware software are Apache Kafka and RabbitMQ, which are message-oriented Middleware. Others are
- Database Middleware: Allows different applications to access information in the database in a standardized way. An example is Open Database Connectivity or Java Database Connectivity.
- Object Middleware: Uses protocols such as COBRA {Common Object Request Broker Architecture} to communicate with distributed objects in various systems.
- Web Middleware: These are also called web application middleware. They are created to facilitate the smooth exchange of data between web-based applications.
System Software
System software manages and controls the computer hardware. The software is also an intermediary between the hardware components and the user application. Other functions of system software are to manage the operating systems {OS} and manage system resources such as the CPU, storage, files, and security access controls.
Examples of systems software are
- Microsoft Windows: A widely used OS for personal computers and laptops.
- macOS: The operating system for Apple computers.
- Linux: An open-source operating system with various distributions (e.g., Ubuntu, Fedora).
- Device Drivers: These types of software make it possible for the OS to communicate with hardware components. An excellent example is printer devices that enable the OS to print images to a printer.
- Firmware: This software is installed to help with hardware setup or communicate with other gadgets
It’s important to note that users do not interact directly with a system’s software as it operates in the background.
Database Management Software
This type of software helps organizations develop, manage, and interact with data. Some of the key functions of a database management software are:
- Data retrieval and storage
- Data security
- Data manipulation
- Backup and recovery of data
Some of the most common types of database management software are relational DMBS and NoSQL. Relational databases store data using rows and columns, while NOSQL handles unstructured data.
Popular database management software is:
- MySQL: This deals with relational data and is the most commonly used in web applications
- MongoDB: This is a NoSQL database that is created to handle large amounts of unstructured data
- Microsoft SQL Server: This is a relational database designed for enterprise-scale platforms
- Oracle Database: Oracle designed this database, which is ideal for storing relational data.
- PostgreSQL: This open-source database is perfect for its advanced functionalities and standard compliance.
Graphic Software
These applications are designed to create, manipulate, and edit visual content such as graphics and images. The tools are designed for photographers and graphic designers.
One of the most popular graphics software in the market is the vector graphics software. This software uses mathematical equations to create images by making points, lines, and shapes. Vector graphics software is scalable and ideal for making illustrations, icons, and logos. Examples of such software include:
- Adobe Illustrator
- CorelDraw
Other types of graphical software are:
- 3D Modeling Sofware: The software makes illustrations using three-dimensional objects and scenery. They are used to power popular industries like video games, architecture, and product design. Examples of such software are Blender and Autodesk.
- Animation Software: This is best for creating visual effects and motion graphics for video and film. Examples of this include Adobe After Effects and Toon Boom Harmony.
Development Tools
Development tools are also known as software development tools or programming tools. These applications help software developers create, test, and debug programs. Some of the most common types of software development tools are:
Integrated Development Environment {IDE}: Built to help software engineers write, test and debug code. Examples of these tools are Visual Studio, Eclipse, and JetBrains.
- Version Control Systems {VCS}: They are built to enable developers to edit their code and collaborate with other teams. Examples of these are GitHub and GitLab.
- Build Tools: Created to automate compiling code into executable programs. A good example is Apache Maven, which is designed for Java developers to use
- Compiler Tools: Compilers are created to translate a programmer’s code into binary so a machine can understand. Examples of compilers include GCC {GNU Compiler Collection} and Clang, which is usually used for C and C++ codes.
Security Software
These types of software are created to protect programs from malicious attacks and digital threats such as phishing attacks, data breaches, and viruses. There are different types of security software, such as
- Antivirus Software: Created to detect, prevent, and contain virus threats such as Trojans, Worms, and Spyware. Examples of this software include Norton Antivirus and Kaspersky.
- Encryption Software: This software converts readable code into unreadable code. The aim is to secure sensitive data such as personal information and passwords. Examples are VeraCrypt and Bitlocker.
- Network Security Software: This software was created to protect network infrastructure from cyber threats, such as unauthorized access and hackers. Examples of such software include Cisco Secure, Palo Alto Networks, and Fortinet FortiGate.
Frequently Asked Questions {FAQ} About Software
What is Open-Source Software?
Open source software is one in which the source code is freely available to anyone who wants to view and modify it. Some of the most popular open-source software in the market are:
- Linux
- Firefox web browser
- WordPress
- GIMP {image editing software similar to Photoshop}
- VLCmedia player
What is Software in Computer?
Software in computer is a collection of programs installed to give the laptop specific instructions on performing certain tasks. Computer hardware can execute certain tasks through software, such as turning on/off.
What is the Difference Between Hardware and Software?
Hardware consists of the physical components that make up a computer, such as the CPU, memory cards, and SSD drives. Software is a computer program/ set of instructions created to tell hardware what to do based on specific instances.
How Does Software Work in Computers?
Software works by giving computer hardware a set of instructions. The Central Processing Unit {CPU} receives and processes these instructions. The instructions can be used to display, process, or share data.
What is Software Engineering?
Software engineering is a computer science branch that designs, builds, and deploys software programs.
In conclusion, software engineering and software in computers is an exciting field to pursue. If you aspire to join the software development world, start now! Contact us and enroll in one of our full stack software development programs/boot camps.
