|
| |
Software is a collection of instructions for computers. This ranges from a simple test program designed to print out a few words to large scale systems with complex structures and millions of lines of code. The following are common types of software.
ApplicationsSoftware designed to be used by people. Perhaps the single largest category of software that includes countless subcategories including most business software.AppsApplications designed specifically for mobile devices.Tools for developing knowledge materials such as a spreadsheet or text document.
Software for automating work such as business processes or manufacturing tasks. Software for autonomous machines. Although robots have a physical form, most of the work of developing a robot is software.Systems that implement controls. For example, safety controls on a high speed train such as automatic breaking when an earthquake is detected.
Applications that support decision making processes such as strategic planning. For example, business analytics tools that visualize patterns, correlations and trends in sales data.Knowledge & MediaTools for organizing information that is meaningful to people such as documents, photographs, sound and video. For example, content management systems, document management and media publishing tools.
GamesComputer generated environments and activities designed to be entertaining and engaging.Ecommerce & MarketsSoftware designed for commercial transactions such as a stock exchange or ecommerce website.MarketingSoftware designed for marketing such as a digital advertising platform.AlgorithmsA generic term for software that solves a problem. Implies a rigorous design based on the best known solution to a problem or original research and development.
Artificial IntelligenceSoftware that learns and self improves.Software Development Software for developing other software.SystemsSoftware that is primarily intended to provide services to other software.DatabasesSystems for managing and accessing data.IntegrationSystems that integrate systems, processes and data.
Operating SystemsSystems for managing the resources of a computer and providing a user interface.Libraries & APIsSoftware that acts as a building block for other software.DriversSoftware for operating a device such as a network card or sensor.
Computing Basics
This is the complete list of articles we have written about computing basics.
If you enjoyed this page, please consider bookmarking Simplicable.
© 2010-2023 Simplicable. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction of materials found on this site, in any form, without explicit permission is prohibited.
View credits & copyrights or citation information for this page.
|
