Computers today. Гурьянова В.И. - 23 стр.

      System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system.
It includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, utilities
and more. The purpose of system software is to insulate the application program
as much as possible from the details of the particular computer complex being
used, especially memory and other hardware features, and such accessory de-
vices as communications, printers, readers, displays, keyboards, etc.
      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, debugging, tracing, 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. Busi-
nesses are probably the biggest users of application software. It is used to auto-
mate all sorts of functions. Application software is often purchased separately
from computer hardware. Sometimes applications are bundled with the com-
puter, but that does not change the fact that they run as independent applications.
Applications are almost always independent of the operating system, though
they are often tailored for specific platforms. Most users think of compilers, da-
tabases, and other “system software” as applications.

                                        License

      Software license gives the user the right to use the software in the licensed
environment, some software comes with the license when purchased off the
shelf, or OEM license when bundled with hardware. Software can also be in the
form of freeware or shareware.

                                        23