Categories
What is a computer software category? There are three classes, or categories of computer software:
- Application software
- System software
- Programming software / Middleware
Application software is what most people think of when they think of software. It is a program or set of programs that fulfills a business requirement, such as Word processors, Excel, payroll software, computer games, graphics and music.
System software is any computer software which manages and controls computer hardware so that application software can perform a task that enable the end-user to perform specific, productive tasks, such as operating systems.
Programming software, or middleware, usually provides tools to assist a developer in writing computer programs in a more convenient way. The tools include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, etc.
The term computer software category includes application software which perform productive tasks for users, system software, which interface with hardware, and middleware which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
For more detail on the types of software:
- Application software
- System software
- Middleware software
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