Computer software is divided into two main categories: system software and application software. System software controls the computer hardware and provides a platform for other programs. Application software helps users perform specific tasks like writing documents or browsing the internet.
Quick Summary
- Software is a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do
- There are two main types: system software and application software
- System software manages computer resources and operations
- Application software helps users complete specific tasks
- Both types work together to make computers useful
Understanding Computer Software
Computer software refers to programs and instructions that control computer hardware. Unlike hardware that you can touch (keyboard, monitor, mouse), software is the non-physical part of the computer. You cannot hold software in your hands, but you can see its effects on the screen.
Think of a computer like a human body. The hardware is like your bones, muscles, and organs. The software is like your brain and thoughts that control your body parts. Without software, a computer is just a collection of metal and plastic that cannot do anything useful.
Software is written by programmers using programming languages like Python, Java, C++, or Visual Basic. These programs are then converted into machine language (ones and zeros) that the computer can understand and execute.
Main Types of Computer Software
All computer software falls into two broad categories:
1. System Software
System software is the most important type of software. It controls how the computer works and manages all the computer’s resources. System software runs in the background, handling tasks you may not even notice.
Key functions of system software:
- Controls the computer hardware (CPU, memory, disk drives)
- Manages files and folders on storage devices
- Provides a platform for application software to run
- Handles security and user access
- Manages system resources and memory
Examples of system software:
a) Operating Systems (OS): The most essential system software. You cannot use a computer without an operating system.
- Windows 10, Windows 11 (used in most Nigerian schools and offices)
- macOS (used on Apple computers)
- Linux (Ubuntu, Fedora) – free and popular in tech communities
- Android (for mobile phones)
- iOS (for iPhones and iPads)
In Nigeria, most JAMB and WAEC CBT centers use Windows operating systems on their examination computers.
b) Device Drivers: Small programs that help the operating system communicate with hardware devices.
- Printer drivers (allow your computer to print documents)
- Graphics card drivers (improve display quality)
- Sound card drivers (enable audio output)
- USB drivers (recognize flash drives and external devices)
c) Utility Software: Programs that maintain and optimize the computer system.
- Antivirus programs (Norton, Avast, Windows Defender)
- Disk cleanup tools (remove unnecessary files)
- Backup software (save copies of important files)
- Compression tools (WinZip, WinRAR – reduce file sizes)
- Disk defragmentation tools (organize data on hard drive)
d) Language Processors: Software that converts programs written in high-level languages into machine language.
- Compilers (convert entire program at once)
- Interpreters (convert program line by line)
- Assemblers (convert assembly language to machine code)
2. Application Software
Application software helps users perform specific tasks or solve particular problems. These are the programs you interact with directly to get work done.
Key characteristics:
- Designed for end-users (students, teachers, office workers)
- Runs on top of system software
- Focuses on specific tasks or activities
- Can be customized for different needs
Categories of application software:
a) Word Processing Software: Used for creating and editing documents.
- Microsoft Word (most popular in Nigerian schools)
- Google Docs (online, free)
- LibreOffice Writer (free alternative)
Students use word processors to type assignments, projects, and essays for WAEC and NECO submissions.
b) Spreadsheet Software: Used for calculations, data analysis, and creating charts.
- Microsoft Excel (widely used in Nigerian businesses)
- Google Sheets (online collaboration)
- LibreOffice Calc (free)
Teachers use spreadsheets to calculate student grades and create class reports.
c) Presentation Software: Used for creating slideshows and presentations.
- Microsoft PowerPoint (standard in schools)
- Google Slides (online)
- Prezi (creative presentations)
Students use these to present project defenses and classroom reports.
d) Database Management Software: Used for storing, organizing, and retrieving large amounts of data.
- Microsoft Access (for small businesses)
- MySQL (used by websites)
- Oracle Database (large organizations)
- Microsoft SQL Server
JAMB uses database software to store candidate registration details and exam results.
e) Graphics and Multimedia Software: Used for creating images, videos, and audio.
- Adobe Photoshop (photo editing)
- CorelDRAW (graphic design – very popular in Nigerian printing shops)
- Adobe Premiere Pro (video editing)
- Audacity (audio editing – free)
- Canva (online design tool)
f) Web Browsers: Used for accessing the internet.
- Google Chrome (most popular globally)
- Mozilla Firefox
- Microsoft Edge
- Opera Mini (popular on Nigerian phones for data saving)
g) Communication Software: Used for sending messages and making calls.
- WhatsApp (most popular in Nigeria)
- Zoom (online classes)
- Microsoft Teams (schools and offices)
- Skype (video calls)
- Gmail, Outlook (email)
h) Educational Software: Programs designed for learning and teaching.
- JAMB CBT Practice apps
- WAEC Past Questions apps
- Duolingo (language learning)
- GeoGebra (mathematics)
- Google Classroom (online learning management)
i) Entertainment Software: Programs for fun and recreation.
- Music players (Spotify, Apple Music, Boomplay)
- Video players (VLC Media Player)
- Games (FIFA, Call of Duty, Candy Crush)
- Netflix, YouTube (streaming)
j) Business Software: Programs for managing business operations.
- Accounting software (QuickBooks, Sage)
- Payroll software (for calculating salaries)
- Point of Sale (POS) software (for shops and supermarkets)
- Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software
Comparison: System Software vs Application Software
| Feature | System Software | Application Software |
|---|---|---|
| Purpose | Manages computer hardware and resources | Helps users complete specific tasks |
| Examples | Windows, Linux, device drivers, antivirus | Microsoft Word, Excel, Chrome, WhatsApp |
| Installation | Installed when computer is first set up | Installed based on user needs |
| Running | Runs automatically in background | User must start the program |
| Dependency | Works independently of applications | Requires system software to run |
| Size | Usually larger (Windows needs 20GB+) | Varies (few MB to several GB) |
| User Interaction | Limited direct interaction | High user interaction |
| Complexity | More complex, low-level operations | Simpler, high-level operations |
| Programming | Uses low-level languages (C, Assembly) | Uses high-level languages (Java, Python) |
| Necessity | Essential – computer won’t work without it | Optional – based on what you need to do |
Other Software Classifications
Based on Availability:
a) Proprietary Software (Commercial): Software you must buy or pay for.
- Microsoft Office (costs money but widely used)
- Adobe Photoshop
- Windows OS
b) Freeware: Software that is completely free to use.
- Google Chrome
- VLC Media Player
- Adobe Reader
c) Shareware: Free trial version with limited features or time period. You must pay for full version.
- WinRAR (works after trial but asks you to buy)
- Many mobile games (free but with in-app purchases)
d) Open Source Software: Free software where you can see and modify the source code.
- Linux operating system
- LibreOffice
- Firefox browser
- Android OS
Based on Use:
a) General Purpose Software: Can be used for many different tasks.
- Microsoft Word (letters, essays, reports, books)
- Excel (budgets, grades, inventory, analysis)
b) Special Purpose Software: Designed for one specific task.
- Payroll software (only calculates salaries)
- Hotel management software (only manages bookings)
- ATM software (only for bank transactions)
How Software Types Work Together
System software and application software must work together for you to use a computer effectively.
Example scenario – Writing a WAEC essay:
- You turn on the computer – the operating system (system software) starts
- The OS loads into memory and displays the desktop
- You click on Microsoft Word icon – the OS locates and starts Word (application software)
- You type your essay – Word uses system resources managed by the OS
- You save your work – Word asks OS to write data to the hard drive
- You print the essay – Word communicates with OS, which uses printer driver (system software) to send commands to printer
At every step, application software depends on system software to access hardware and manage resources.
Common Exam Mistakes
Based on WAEC Chief Examiner reports, students commonly make these errors:
- Listing examples only: Students list “Windows, Linux” without explaining what system software does or why it’s important
- Confusing hardware and software: Mentioning “keyboard” or “mouse” as examples of software
- Mixing up categories: Calling WhatsApp or Microsoft Word “system software”
- Vague definitions: Writing “software helps the computer” without specifying which type does what
- No distinction: Not explaining the difference between system and application software
- Poor examples: Using outdated examples (MS-DOS, Windows 98) instead of current software
- Incomplete answers: Only mentioning operating systems and forgetting other system software like drivers and utilities
Examiner advice: When asked about software types, always define each type clearly, explain its purpose, and give at least three current, relevant examples. Show you understand how they work together.
Practice Questions
Multiple Choice Questions
1. Which of the following is an example of system software?
a) Microsoft Word
b) Windows 10 ✓
c) Google Chrome
d) Adobe Photoshop
2. Application software is designed to:
a) Control computer hardware
b) Manage system resources
c) Help users perform specific tasks ✓
d) Load the operating system
3. Which of these is NOT a function of system software?
a) Managing computer memory
b) Controlling hardware devices
c) Creating documents and spreadsheets ✓
d) Providing security
4. Microsoft Excel is an example of:
a) Operating system
b) Utility software
c) System software
d) Application software ✓
5. Free software where users can view and modify the source code is called:
a) Proprietary software
b) Shareware
c) Open source software ✓
d) Freeware
6. Which software allows the operating system to communicate with a printer?
a) Microsoft Word
b) Print driver ✓
c) Windows Media Player
d) Adobe Reader
Theory Questions
1. Define software and state the two main types. (3 marks)
Answer guide: Software is a set of programs/instructions that control computer operations. Two types: system software and application software. Award 1 mark for definition, 1 mark each for the two types.
2. Explain FOUR functions of system software. (8 marks)
Answer guide: Controls hardware, manages files, provides platform for applications, handles security, manages memory/resources. Award 2 marks per function (1 for stating, 1 for explaining).
3. Distinguish between system software and application software. Give TWO examples of each. (8 marks)
Answer guide: Define both, explain their different purposes, give 2 examples each (Windows/Linux for system; Word/Excel for application). Award 2 marks for each definition, 2 marks for examples, 2 marks for clear distinction.
4. State FIVE examples of application software used in Nigerian schools and offices. (5 marks)
Answer guide: Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Chrome, Zoom, Teams, WhatsApp (any 5). Award 1 mark per correct example.
5. Explain THREE differences between proprietary software and open source software. (6 marks)
Answer guide: Cost (proprietary paid, open source free), source code access (proprietary hidden, open source visible), modification rights. Award 2 marks per difference explained.
6. Using a suitable example, explain how system software and application software work together. (6 marks)
Answer guide: Choose scenario (e.g., printing document), explain OS starting, application launching, using system resources, hardware communication. Award marks for clear explanation of interaction between both types.
Memory Aids
SA – Two Main Types:
- System software (manages hardware)
- Application software (helps users)
ODUL – System Software Components:
- Operating system (Windows, Linux)
- Device drivers (printer, graphics)
- Utility programs (antivirus, cleanup)
- Language processors (compilers, interpreters)
WSDG – Common Applications:
- Word processing (Microsoft Word)
- Spreadsheets (Excel)
- Database (Access)
- Graphics (Photoshop, CorelDRAW)
Remember: System software runs the computer, application software runs on the computer.
Related Topics
- Operating systems and their functions
- Computer hardware components
- Programming languages
- Data processing and management
- Computer security and antivirus software