A Computer Operating System And Softwares

A collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform specific tasks on a computer system as desired by the user is known as Computer Software. Examples include application software such as word processors, which perform productive tasks for users, system software.

They interact with the hardware to provide the necessary services for application software. And middle ware that controls and coordinates distributed systems. Software also includes websites, programs, video games etc that are coded by programming languages like C, C++, HTML, Java, PHP etc.

An operating system is a program designed to run other programs on a computer. A computers operating system is its most important software. It is considered the backbone of a computer, managing both software and hardware resources.

Operating systems are responsible for everything from the control and allocation of memory to recognizing input from external devices and transmitting output to computer displays. They also manage files on computer hard drives and control peripherals, like printers and scanners.

Commonly used operating systems for IBM compatible personal computers include Microsoft Windows, Linux, and UNIX variations. For Macintosh computers, Mac OS X, Linux, BSD, and some Windows variants are commonly used.

Device driver software is small files that act like liaisons between hardware in a computer system and the operating system (OS). Hardware requires device drivers so that the OS can see the devices and handle them effectively and efficiently.

Common components that require drivers include keyboards, mice, controllers, graphics cards, audio hardware, Ethernet hardware, wireless cards, ports, card readers, card slots and CD/DVD drives.

Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, and so on.

An Integrated development environment (IDE) merges those tools into a software bundle, and a programmer may not need to type multiple commands for compiling, interpreting, debugging, tracing, and etc, because the IDE usually has an advanced graphical user interface, or GUI.

Application software allows end users to accomplish one or more specific tasks. Typical applications include industrial automation, business software, educational software, medical software, databases, and computer games.

Businesses are probably the biggest users of application software, but almost every field of human activity now uses some form of application software. Multiple applications bundled together as a package are sometimes referred to as an application suite.

Microsoft Office, Open Office org, and work 08, which bundle together a word processor, a spreadsheet, and several other discrete applications, are typical examples.

User written software tailors systems to meet the users specific needs. User written software includes spreadsheet templates, word processor macros, scientific simulations, and graphics and animation scripts. Even email filters are a kind of user software. Users create this software themselves.

Some broad categories of software can be listed as;

1) Enterprise software (Database management system (DBMS) software, Document Management software)

2) Media development software (3D computer graphics software, Animation software)

3) Content access software (Web browser, Media players, and Screen savers)

4) Educational software (Classroom Management, Learning/Training Management Software)

5) Simulation software (Scientific simulators, Emergency simulators, driving simulators)

6) Product engineering software (Computer aided design, Program testing tools)

7) Computer protection software (Anti Virus, Firewall, Encryption)

8) Entertainment software (Computer and Video Games)

The worlds largest software companies across all categories are:

1) Microsoft

2) IBM

3) Oracle Corporation

4) SAP

5) HP

6) Symantec

7) Computer Associates

8) Nintendo

9) Electronic Arts

10) Adobe Systems

The list is primarily based upon a yearly analysis of a few hundred relevant annual reports by the foundations researchers.

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Comments

Wed, 24 Dec 2008 at 4:57 AM, by Mark
I think Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 is something you definitely want to look at. We specialise in this. There is more information on this at http://www.nsynergy.com/Products/SharePoint/Pages/default.aspx or please mail to Mark.Davis@nsynergy.com.

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