4.2. Software classification

Software is a set of programs and related documentation that is intended for solving problems on a PC. It is of two types: system and application.

System software is designed to control the computer, create and support the execution of other user programs, provide the user with various services.

Application software is a set of programs that allow you to perform specific operations.

Software can be divided into operating systems, service systems, software tools and maintenance systems.

The operating system controls the operation of all PC devices and the process of executing application programs and monitors the performance of PC equipment, the boot procedure, file system management, user interaction with a PC, application software download and execution, PC resource allocation, such as RAM, CPU time and peripheral devices between application programs.

Currently, instead of OS DOS family used OS new generation, the main distinguishing features of which are:

• multitasking - the ability to ensure the execution of several programs simultaneously;

• advanced graphical interface;

• use of microprocessors;

• stability in work and security;

• absolute independence from equipment;

• Compatible with all kinds of applications developed for MS DOS.

Service systems provide the OS with more features and provide the user with a variety of additional services. Systems of this type include shells, utilities, and operating environments.

The OS shell is a software product that makes the user's communication with the computer more comfortable.

Utilities are utility programs that provide the user with some additional services.

The disk check program is intended to check the correctness of the information contained in the disk file allocation tables and to search for bad disk blocks.

The disk compaction program (or disk defragmator) is used to create and maintain compressed disks. A compressed disk is a file on a regular physical floppy or hard disk that is compressed during writing and recovered when read.

The data backup program on the disk is designed to work in three modes: backup, restore and compare the original data with their backups.

To archivators include programs that can significantly reduce the "volume" occupied by a particular document. Archivers use to save memory.

The program "System Monitor" is used to analyze peak processor utilization and other resources.

Antivirus programs are integrated tools for detecting and eliminating computer viruses.

Software tools are software products used to develop software.

Maintenance programs are used to control the operation of various computer systems, make it possible to track the correctness of its functioning, and also to make diagnostics.