Understanding Software along with the most

common functions and types of software

Hardware or known as hardware is all parts of a computer that can be physically seen, touched
and held. For example, the keyboard, mouse, monitor, CPU, hard drive and much more. In contrast,
software or software is intangible because it is a set of code installed on a computer. Both hardware
and software both play an important role in computerized systems and both need each other.
On a PC, hardware is everything that makes it work. For example, the processor processes
information, RAM or hard drive stores data and video cards provide images to the monitor. While
software allows someone to interact with hardware. Almost all software also requires hardware to
operate properly.
Maybe for those of you who have been struggling in the world of technology already understand
outside the head of the two parts of the PC. But, for those who still lay out, it is necessary to digest
each sentence above properly. To be more understanding, refer to the discussion about the definition
of software, software functions and the following types of software.
Definition of software is a computer program that becomes a bridge between users and
hardware. It can also be defined as an application composed of a set of programming language codes.
According to other sources, software is a data programmed and stored digitally and intangible,
but inside a computer. There is also a mention that the software is a collection of electronic data in the
form of programs or instructions that are stored and managed by computers.

Software Functions
In helping to operate a computer system, software has special functions, including:
a. Set various hardware devices to work simultaneously.
b. Become a link between other software and hardware.
c. As an interpreter of every other software command into machine language, it is able to be
accepted by hardware.
d. Identify programs.

Types of Software
In line with technological advancements, software has grown quite rapidly. Evidenced by the many
outstanding software currently available, both licensed and free. According to its function, it is divided
into:
1. Operating System
In English it is called the Operating System and is often abbreviated as OS. Its existence in a
computer is very important because without an operating system, users will not be able to run
and utilize hardware and software, except booting. It is a complex software that has many
functions, including managing all the hardware integrated with the CPU, giving instructions to
the processor to work on user requests, managing all processes that occur within the CPU and
becoming a platform for running application software.
Usually, the OS only gives permission to the software to operate one application at a time. But,
there are some that are multi-tasking operating systems or allow various applications to run
simultaneously. No need to linger, here are some of the most widely used OSes in the world
today:
a. Microsoft Windows
b. Unix
c. Macintosh Operating System
d. Linux
2. Word Processing Software
As the name implies, this program or application is used for writing needs. Some examples,
namely:
a. Lotus Word Pro
Created by International Business Machine (IBM), this application has advantages, the file
can be opened and edited using Microsoft Word. It also features a Helpful Menu Finder
facility that helps you find instructions that are compatible with Microsoft Word and Word
perfect.
b. OpenOffice Writer
This free licensed application (freeware) is multiplatform alias can be run on various
operating systems, ranging from Windows, Linux, Unix, Mac OS and Solaris. The features
that are owned are similar to Microsoft Word, so new users will have no trouble using them.
Data created through OpenOffice Writer can also be opened and edited in Microsoft Word,
and vice versa.
c. Star Office Writer
As with OpenOffice Writer, this program is also multiplatform. It is able to convert files
from Microsoft Word and Word Perfect. In addition, there are many examples of memos,
letters, faxes, resumes and documents.
d. Corel Wordperfect
The advantage of the Wordperfect application lies in its cheaper price than Microsoft Word.
He can also read files from the program. But, the drawback, which requires a higher
hardware specification, a minimum of Pentium III with 128 MB of memory.
e. Microsoft Word
You must be familiar with the application issued by this Microsoft Corporation. It is usually
packaged with other Microsoft Office programs, such as Excel, Power Point and so on. The
application brings many advantages, ranging from easy use (user friendly), full features
and can be used to create various kinds of documents, including books, letters, publications
and simple images. But, one Microsoft Word software must be installed for one computer
. Users also have to pay for licenses that are not cheap.

3. Number Processing Software

This program is used to do everything related to numbers or calculations. He can find answers
to the formula of addition, subtraction, multiplication and division. Well, below are some
examples of spreadsheet applications that are quite popular:
a. Kspread
The number processing application is open source and multiplatform. It has a display that has
a menu and navigation, making it easy to use. Another plus, namely Kspread is able to sort
numbers, perform calculations for more than 100 functions and can load many worksheets and
tables in one document.
b. Star Office Calc
No different from Kspread, the program created by Sun Micro System is also multiplatform. He
can recognize and clarify data on worksheets to be translated into graphical form. In addition,
Star Office Calc is able to convert files into Excel documents.
c. OpenOffice Calc
One more software that is open source and multiplatform that is useful for processing numbers.
OpenOffice Calc is a freeware application, so anyone can install and operate it without having
to pay for a license. It has a user interface similar to Microsoft Excel, especially the placement
of menus and its tools.
d. Lotus 123
He is still a family with Lotus Word Pro. The advantage, namely Lotus 123 has complete features
and is able to exchange documents with Microsoft Excel.
e. Microsoft Excel
This application with one package with Microsoft Word has a user friendly appearance,
equipped with standard menus and features needed for processing numbers. Because it is
shareware, users must pay a license so they can run it.

f. Antivirus Software

Often called Virus Protection Software, this application serves as a virus detector and eraser
from a computer system . He can determine whether a PC has been infected with a virus or
not. Generally, the software works by scanning all files that are accessed, both opened, stored
and modified.

In addition to the two functions mentioned, it also provides protection and security for data in
the computer from virus attacks. So, users will not worry when they want to save their
important files. There are several antiviruses that are widely used by users, such as Smadav,
AVG, Avira, BitDefender, Norton, McAfee Secure and others.

That is a complete discussion about the definition of software and the functions and types of
software most commonly used by computer users. The author hopes the article above can
increase knowledge for readers.