---
title: "Software and its types"
subject: "Computer Programming"
chapter: 1
key: "semester_1/computer_programming:software-types"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/software-types
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Software and its types

Computer Programming · Chapter 1: Overview of computer software & programming languages

- Asked in: 2070 Asar, 3 marks; 2072 Chaitra, 2+2 marks (asked 2 times)
- Video: [VTU CPS(18CPS13)C-PROGRAMMING[SOFTWARE BASICS:SYSTEM SOFTWARE AND APPLICATION SOFTWARE] (M1 L8)](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QcBpRmBcgFI) — Canara Engineering College Mangalore 
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_1/computer_programming/software-types
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_1/computer_programming/chapter-1

## Question

What is a program? Define software and briefly describe the types of computer software.

## Short answer

Software is a collection of programs and data. System software manages hardware and includes operating systems, language translators, and utilities. Application software performs user tasks and can be general-purpose, specific-purpose, or customized.

## Answer

A **program** is a finite set of instructions, written in a programming language, that tells the computer how to perform a particular task. **Software** is a collection of programs, data and documentation that makes the hardware do useful work.

Computer software is mainly of two types.

#### System software
Manages the hardware and provides a platform for other software.
- **Operating system:** Windows, Linux (controls memory, files, processes).
- **Language translators:** compiler, interpreter, assembler.
- **Utility programs:** antivirus, disk formatter, backup tools.
- **Device drivers:** let the OS talk to printers, keyboards, etc.

#### Application software
Written to do a specific job for the user.
- **General purpose:** word processor, spreadsheet, browser.
- **Specific purpose:** payroll, library management, railway reservation.
- **Customized software:** built for one organization on request.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Software is
   A. only the physical parts of a computer
   B. a single instruction
   C. only the operating system
   D. a collection of programs, data and documentation that makes hardware do useful work
   Answer: D. Software includes programs, data and documentation. (Key point: Software definition)

2. Which is system software?
   A. Language translator such as a compiler
   B. Payroll program
   C. Spreadsheet
   D. Library management system
   Answer: A. System software manages hardware and supports other software; compilers are translators. (Key point: System software)

3. Software built for one organization on request is called
   A. a device driver
   B. customized software
   C. a utility program
   D. an operating system
   Answer: B. Customized software is application software for a single organization. (Key point: Application software)

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