The term software refers to the coded instructions that are transfered to the computer, which is converted to carry out the desired task. These commands are the main factors behind the operation and the programs that runs on the computer at a given time. Every computer software consists of certain coded materials which are readable by the computer and help to carry out the commands and instructions written by the user. Computer softwares can be categorized into three sections:

1. System software:

It is also known as the operating system. This software is responsible for converting and translating inputs from different sources into a machine language. It also organizes different hardware components of a computer. It offers a shield of protection to all the other software applications. Today, market is filled with different OS, but the windows operating system is the most common. Some of the other OS are UNIX, HP -UX, AIX, and Apache OS.

2. Application software:

The next commonly used computer software is the application software. It is one of the main components responsible for all the day-to -day activities performed by the computer. Some examples of application software are the Microsoft office suite which includes Word, Excel, publisher and PowerPoint. Almost every computer user have used these softwares at some point or the other. The user interface is one of its primary characteristics.

3. Programming language software:

These software are basically used by computer programmers. It basically consist of a set of instructions used for creating application software and operating system. Some of the basic tools used by the programming software are Compilers, interpreters, linkers and text editors. Few of its examples are C++, Simlab and Java.

Every computer can run only with the help of these softwares. They are responsible for converting every user command into machine readable formats.