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Chapter Profile
Chapter Profile
1 Software
System Software
Application Software
Types of
Software
A computer system is made up of a number of electronic devices which are connected together.
It is made up of both hardware and software. Hardware refers to the physical components
that make up a computer system. You have already learnt about hardware in the previous
classes. In this chapter, you will learn about software.
SOFTWARE
Software is a set of instructions that makes the computer perform tasks. Software is another term
for a computer program. It controls the computer and makes it do useful work. Without software a
computer is useless. Software can be classified into two broad categories: system software and
application software.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE
It is the most important software to operate a System Software
computer. The operating system is a type of system
software. System software can be classified into
three categories: Operating System, Programming Operating Language Processor Utility
Software and Utility Software. System Software
Operating System
An operating system is the most important software that runs on a computer. It manages the
computer’s memory, processes data and controls all its software as well as hardware. It serves as an
interface between the user and the hardware. Without an operating system, a computer is useless.
Types of Operating Systems
Operating systems usually come preloaded on any computer you buy. Most people use the operating
system that comes with their computer, but it is possible to upgrade or even change an operating
system.
Types of Software 7

