TECH BLAZE Computer and Technology Blog

The most important type of system software is the operating system. An operating system is an integrated set of specialized programs that is used to manage the overall operations of a computer. It acts like an interface between the user, computer hardware and software. Every computer must have an operating system to run other programs. DOS (Disk Operating System), UNIX, Linux and Windows are some of the common operating systems. The compiler software translates the source program (user written program) into an object program (binary form). Specific compilers are available for computer programming languages like FORTRAN, COBOL, C, and C++ etc. The utility programs support the computer for specific tasks like file copying, sorting, linking an object program, etc. the operating system is the important one for all computers.

One of the most commonly used software package is word processing software. Anyone who has used a computer as a word processor knows that it is far more than a fancy typewriter. The great Advantage of word processing over a typewriter is that you can make changes without retyping the entire document. The entire writing process is transformed by this modern word processing software. This software lets you create, edit, format, store and print text and graphics. Some of the commonly used word processors are Microsoft Word, WordStar, WordPerfect, etc. Spreadsheet software packages allow the user to manipulate numbers. Repetitive numeric calculations, use of related formulae and creation of graphics and charts are some of the basic tools. A database organizes the information internally.

A computer system has two major components, hardware and software. In practice, the term hardware refers to all the physical items associated with a computer system. Software is a set of instructions, which enables the hardware to perform a specific task. Computer Software refers to a program that makes the computer to do something meaningful. It is the planned, step-by-step instructions required to turn data into information. Software can be classified into two categories: System Software and Application Software. System software consists of general programs written for a computer. These programs provide the environment to run the application programs. System software comprises programs, which interact with the hardware at a very basic level. They are the basic necessity of a computer system for its proper functioning. System software serves as the interface between hardware and the user. The operating system, compilers and utility programs are examples of system software.

In the year 1971 the fourth generation computers was introduced. The fourth generation computers are contains the integrated circuits and microprocessor. After the introduction of fourth generation computers the size of computer is became smaller and price also reduced day by day. He fourth generation computers are more reliable and it performed more operations at a time. In the fourth generation computers some latest technologies was introduced like network. The internet was used to connect the computers worldwide. The Intel 4004 was introduced in the year 1971 and it’s a 4-bit microprocessor. These microprocessors are contained the more transistors. The Intel 4004 is the general purpose computers. the Intel 4004 includes the CPU, or central processing unit, the memory, and the input and output.