- A set of instructions to perform specific tasks is called a Program.
- The collection of one or many programs for a specific purpose is called Software.
Software Hierarchy (Types of Software)
Types of system software
- OS is an interface between Hardware and User.
- Device drivers are a set of instructions that introduce our PC to a hardware device. Examples are Drivers for keyboard, mouse, printer, speaker, microphone, webcam, etc…
- System utilities helps to maintain and protect system. Examples are Disk Compression, Backup Utilities, Disk Cleaners, Anti-Virus, Firewalls
- Main functions of preprocessor are:
- File Inclusion
- Macro expansions
- Translator converts source program to target program. Examples are compiler, interpreter, and assembler.
- Linker is a computer program that takes one or more object files generated by a compiler and combines them into one, executable program.
- Loader is the part of an operating system that is responsible for loading programs and libraries for execution.