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Software
Two main types of software are used in modern computers:
- operating systems
- application software
Operating system
An operating system (OS) consists of one or more programs which manage the operations of the computer. These programs function as an interface between the user, the applications, programs and the computer equipment.
For a computer to operate, the essential and most frequently used instructions in the operating system are loaded into main memory (RAM). The remaining parts of the operating system are usually stored on the hard disk and are loaded into memory as required.
There is a number of different operating systems in use. Some of these are used for particular specialist applications and will only be found on certain types of computers:
Windows XP, Windows vista, Linex, Apple OS X
Most IBM compatible PCs will be using either Windows XP or Windows Vista versions of the Windows operating system.
Apple Macintosh users will be familiar with the Apple operating system called Mac OS X.
Application software
Application software is the program you use to perform a specific task, or to do a particular job.
A word processor program is used to create business letters, reports, or almost any kind of text document.
A spreadsheet program allows you to manipulate large amounts of numerical data.
A database management program is used to manage large amounts of data.
Communications software provides a method of connecting to other computers to exchange data.
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