Introduction to Software | General Awareness for SSC CGL PDF Download

Introduction

Software is a collection of instructions that guides a computer in processing information.
It can be categorized into three main types:

System Software

System software is designed to operate and control computer hardware, and provide a platform for running application software. It can be further divided into two main components:

1. Operating System

An Operating System is the most crucial software on a computer. It manages the computer’s memory, processes, and all hardware and software operations. Here are the core functions of an Operating System:

• Process Management: Controls and schedules the execution of processes, ensuring efficient performance.
• Device Management: Manages hardware devices, facilitating communication between the OS and peripheral devices.
• Memory Management: Allocates and deallocates memory space as needed for various applications and processes.
• Application Program Interface (API): Provides a set of tools and protocols for developing and interacting with applications.

Types of Operating Systems

• Real-time Operating System: Ensures that processes are completed within a fixed time frame, used in systems where timing is critical.
• Multi-tasking and Single-tasking Operating Systems: Multi-tasking allows multiple tasks to run simultaneously, while single-tasking allows only one task at a time.
• Distributed Operating System: Manages a group of independent computers, making them appear as a single system to users.
• Network Operating System: Provides features to manage and facilitate communication across a network of computers.

Examples of Operating Systems

• Disk Operating System (DOS): A single-user, single-tasking OS with basic kernel functions, running only one program at a time.
• Unix: A multi-tasking, multi-user OS used widely in workstations and servers.
• GNU: A Unix-like OS developed by the GNU project, aiming to be a complete Unix-compatible software system.
• Linux: A Unix-like OS developed under the model of free and open-source software, widely used across various devices.
• Mac OS: An open-core graphical OS developed by Apple, based on Unix.
• Microsoft Windows: A graphical interface OS developed by Microsoft, including:
  • Windows 10: Released in July 2015, designed for various devices like PCs, tablets, and Xbox.
  • Windows Server 2012: Formerly known as Windows Server 8, it is a network operating system used for managing network resources.

2. Language Translators

Language translators convert code written in high-level programming languages into machine language. They include:

• Assembler: Converts assembly language code into machine language.
• Compiler: Translates the entire source code of a high-level language into machine code all at once.
• Interpreter: Executes high-level language instructions line by line into machine code.

Utility Software

Utility software helps manage, maintain, and control computer resources. Examples include:

• Antivirus Software: Protects against malicious software and viruses.
• Disk Tools: Manage and maintain disk storage and file systems.
• Backup Software: Creates copies of data to prevent loss in case of system failure.

Application Software

Application software is designed for specific tasks that users wish to perform, using the capabilities of a computer directly. Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, and media players.

Computer Networks

Computer networks connect multiple computers to share resources and information.
They include:

• Local Area Network (LAN): Covers a small physical area, such as a home or office. For example, a network in a small business.
• Metropolitan Area Network (MAN): Spans a city or large campus, such as a university network connecting multiple buildings.
• Wide Area Network (WAN): Covers large areas, including regional or national boundaries. For example, the internet is a WAN.
• Personal Area Network (PAN): Connects devices within a personal space, like connecting a smartphone to a laptop via Bluetooth.
• Wireless Personal Area Network (WPAN): Uses wireless technologies for PANs, such as Bluetooth or Wireless USB.
• Body Area Network (BAN): Involves wearable computing devices that communicate wirelessly with miniaturized sensors on the body.
• Virtual Private Network (VPN): Allows secure connections over the internet to isolated remote networks, protecting data from unauthorized access.
• Ethernet Networking: Ethernet provides local area network technology, enabling connectivity across various devices and offices, forming the backbone of modern network infrastructure.