Types of Software: Concise Notes - Class 11 CS

System software helps manage and control computer hardware so that application software can perform. It includes:

Operating Systems (OS):
- Manages hardware and software resources.
- Provides a user interface (e.g., Windows, macOS, Linux).
System Utilities:
- Programs that perform maintenance tasks.
- Examples: Antivirus software, disk cleanup tools.
Device Drivers:
- Software that allows the OS to communicate with hardware devices.
- Examples: Printer drivers, graphics card drivers.

These tools help in writing and converting code into a language that computers can understand:

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Assembler:
- Converts assembly language into machine code.
- Used for low-level programming.
Compiler:
- Translates entire high-level programming code into machine code before execution.
- Examples: GCC (GNU Compiler Collection), Java Compiler.
Interpreter:
- Translates and executes code line-by-line.
- Slower than compilers but useful for scripting and testing.
- Examples: Python Interpreter, JavaScript Engine.

Application software helps users perform specific tasks. It includes:

Productivity Software:
- Helps in creating documents, presentations, spreadsheets.
- Examples: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
Web Browsers:
- Software to access and browse the internet.
- Examples: Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox.
Media Players:
- Programs to play audio and video files.
- Examples: VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player.
Graphics Software:
- Used for creating and editing images.
- Examples: Adobe Photoshop, GIMP.

System Software: Manages computer hardware and provides a platform for applications (Operating Systems, System Utilities, Device Drivers).
Programming Tools and Language Translators: Aid in writing and translating code (Assembler, Compiler, Interpreter).
Application Software: Helps users perform specific tasks (Productivity Software, Web Browsers, Media Players, Graphics Software).