Types of Application Software

 Types of Application Software

    

 Software Applications

1) System software
2) Real-Time Software
3) Business Software
4) Engineering and scientific software
5) Embedded Software
6) Personal Computer Software
7) Web-Applications
8) Artificial intelligence software

1. System Software

• System software is a collection of a program written to service other programs.

• This class of software manages and controls the internal operations of the computer

system.

• It is responsible for using computer resources efficiently and effectively.

• Other system applications (e.g. operating system components, drivers, telecommunications

processors).

• Eg. An operating system is system software, which controls the hardware, manages

memory and multitasking functions, acts as an interface between application program and

the computer.

2. Real time Software

• Software that monitor/analyze/control real world events as they occur are called real

time software.

• Elements of real time software includes

– Data gathering components

– Analysis components

– Control / output components

– Monitoring components

• A real time system must respond within strict time constraints.

• Real time system differs from interactive or timesharing. The response time of an

interactive system can normally be exceeded without disastrous results.

• Eg. Weather forecasting s/w

3. Business Software

• Business information processing is the largest single software application area.

• Discrete systems (e.g. Payroll, accounts receivable/payable, inventory etc.) have evolved

into management information system (MIS) software that accesses one or more large

databases containing business information.

• These activities are usually performed with the help of business software that facilitates

business operations or management decision making.

• e.g. Client/Server computing application.

4. Engineering and Scientific Software

• Engineering and scientific software has been characterized by “number crunching”

algorithms.

• This class of software has emerged as a powerful tool in the research and development of

next generation technology.

• This software is designed to perform precise calculations on complex numerical data that

are obtained during real time environment.

• Eg. Weather Forecasting s/w, Radar s/w, military s/w

5. Embedded Software

• Embedded software resides in RAM and is used to control products and systems for the

consumer and industrial markets.

• Embedded software can perform very limited and esoteric functions (e.g. key pad control

for microwave oven, washing Machine, AC etc.) or provide significant function and control

capability.

• e.g. Digital functions in an automobile such as fuel control, dashboard displays, braking

system, etc

6. Personal Computer Software

• Word processing, spreadsheets, computer graphics, multimedia, entertainment, database

management, personal and business financial applications and external network or

database access are some of the example of personal computer software.

• Eg. Desktop Based Applications(Word, Excel , power point , Photoshop etc.)

7. Web-Applications

• This class of s/w acts as an interface between the user and internet.

• Data on the internet is in the form of text, audio, video format, linked with hyper link

• Web browser is software that retrieves web pages from the internet.

• In essence, the network becomes a massive computer providing almost unlimited software

resources that can be accessed by anyone with a modem.

• Eg. Websites

8. Artificial intelligence Software

• Artificial intelligence software makes used of non-numerical algorithms to solve complex

problems.

• Artificial intelligence (AI) is an area of computer science that emphasizes the creation of

intelligent machines that work and react like humans. the software which is used for

Artificial intelligence (AI) area is called Artificial intelligence software.

• An active Artificial Intelligence area is expert systems, also called knowledge based

systems.

• Other application area for AI software is pattern recognition (image and voice) theorem

proving and game playing.

• In recent years, new branch of AI is Artificial neural networks has evolved. A neural

network simulates the structure of brain processes (the function of the biological neuron).

o Eg. Decision Making s/w