What's it all about? Software is a set of programs for information processing. One of the most famous software is the Windows operating system, which runs 88% of computers in the world.

 Which one exists? There are several classifications of software. For example, by the method of distribution (free, commercial, etc.) or by purpose (system, application, etc.). Let's analyze what software is and how it is arranged.

Key Software Concepts
The purpose of the software is to control the electronic and mechanical parts of the computer. Software is a very flexible system with the possibility of improvement. A software product that operates with information turns the hardware of a PC into a complex with which you can solve a variety of problems.

 Key Software Concepts
The life cycle of any computer software consists of three main stages: writing, operation, and support. The writing process itself is conditionally divided into 6 stages:

Problem statement.
Create a concept.
Algorithm development.
Formation and compilation.
Error detection and debugging.
Completion of documentation procedures.
Software Features:

Almost any process can be controlled by a certain set of instructions.
The difficulty of development lies in the complexity of its digitization.
Creation of new software is carried out on a PC with installed software.
Writing code is less time-consuming than debugging it and setting up controls.
User software is a method of implementing tasks.
3 main types of software
There are three main types of software:

System Software
It is used to manage and allocate memory and other resources to ensure the operability of other applications. This type of software includes OS, DBMS, utilities, programming environments.

 System Software
Application Software
These are programs designed to solve the user's problems. They are also called apps.

This type of software used has a huge variety.

Such applications include:

Universal software. It is used everywhere by almost all users.
Specialized programs. Such packages, as a rule, are used in solving narrow professional problems.

Entertainment software. The lion's share of this niche is occupied by computer games.
As examples of application software, the following can be distinguished: text, graphics, video and audio editors, web browsers, antivirus packages, complexes for designing in various professional fields, players, archivers and a huge variety of others.
Instrumental software
It is necessary when designing applications. This type of software is intended for software developers. Among them: linkers, compilers, translators, collections of subroutines, etc.

Here are some examples:

Turbo Paskal is an integrated programming environment for developing console applications.
Borland C++ is used to develop Windows applications. Supports an object-oriented approach to programming.
Embarcadero Delphi is designed to create software for various operating systems (Microsoft Windows, macOS, Android, iOS) using the Delphi language.
Microsoft Visual Studio is a comprehensive product that allows you to design both consoles and programs with a graphical interface.
Software Classification
Any basic software is classified according to various features. The purpose of creating software is, first of all, to create comfortable conditions for human work, as well as the satisfaction of his other needs.

By scale
The scale of software depends on the amount of information it is able to process, whether it is a specific dynamically connected library or a powerful database. Distinguish:

Small;
average;
Great.
By Stability
The software of the device is considered stable if during long-term operation in different modes its uninterrupted operation is observed. As a rule, they do not need to release patches.

Recently developed software that has not passed comprehensive verification, most often works less stable, so the creators release service packs that correct errors and expand the functionality. Despite this circumstance, such software is in great demand due to the lack of alternatives.

It is classified into three categories:

Reliable. Corrections are not needed or are minor, mostly cosmetic, in nature.
Average. Subject to periodic corrections.
Unstable. During operation, critical errors pop up, leading even to "hanging". Requires constant editing.

By functionality
Software, including operational software, can be able to solve both one specific problem and a whole range of tasks, depending on the scope of application. Classification by this parameter:

Machine-logical. Designed to represent collateral as binary code.
Interface. This type of software tends to develop to an intuitive level, presenting binary code in a form convenient for the end user.
Hardware-mechanical. Software to control various elements of the computer.
Command-program. Implements the creation of conditions for the transfer of information to perform a certain algorithm.
Applied. The main function is to perform various manipulations with the data array in order to solve a specific problem.
By security
Many government agencies and commercial companies understandably pay close attention to the issue of data protection. Any leakage of information is fraught with reputational and financial damage. Therefore, comprehensive anti-virus solutions are selected, strict access control to databases is introduced, which are additionally subjected to effective encryption.

On demand reliability
Users of small firms, even in pursuit of free software, are unlikely to risk installing dubious programs.

The software can be:

from trusted sources;
questionable content.
 Device Software
By set of operating parameters
When installing any software, it is expected to work in the declared mode. Software can be:

Flexible, requiring preliminary preparation, or stationary. It all depends on the specific tasks that the user intends to solve.
Multifunctional. That is, with its help, it is possible to work in various directions.
With a full cycle. Such software allows you to solve the problem without involving third-party programs.
By programming language
Functionality depends on this factor to a certain extent. Distinguish:

Low-level is a system of instructions interpreted directly by the physical devices of the PC.
Machine-oriented. These programming languages reflect the structure of the computer by data type.
Algorithmic. Programs written in such languages function without regard to the architecture of the machine.
Procedural-oriented. Describe the solution algorithm as a set of procedures.
Problem-oriented. Designed to solve the same type of problems.

By scope
Classification is carried out by area of use. The software should have an intuitive interface. Software according to this criterion are divided into the following types:

General-purpose. Designed for the widest possible audience. Examples: spreadsheets, text, video and audio editors, web browsers.
Method-oriented. It differs from other categories in the implementation in the algorithm of a certain way of solving.
Problem-oriented. Designed to solve a specific problem in a specific functional area.

By Calculation Method and Environment
Defining attributes:

complexity and branching of the algorithm;
the degree to which functions are defined and developed;
completeness and consistency of processing functions;
File system type
the bit depth of the processor.
By user rank
Depending on the position held:

specialist - reduced functionality, ensuring the fulfillment of duties;
Manager — additional opportunities;
Director - almost full access to all functions;
the owner is the full version.
Users of computers in your organization might have different access to databases and some other information.

On-demand PC power
By user level:

An ordinary client. As a rule, the computer is equipped with an office set of software that allows a simple employee to solve problems within his competence.
A user with elevated privileges. It is equipped with a PC with greater performance, ensuring the comfortable operation of powerful application packages.
Top is, as a rule, an individual computer with maximum functionality.
By appointment
This parameter implies the following separation:

developed according to the individual task of a particular customer;
programs for the widest possible audience.
On access to information
Data stored on the network of firms may not be made available to all employees. Degree of protection:

free – all employees have access;
limited - entry and use are allowed to a group of persons;
individual - only specific people are allowed.

By consumption of information
Depending on the access of employees to them:

Viewing and editing are allowed.
reading is allowed for everyone, editing is limited to a narrow circle of specialists;
it is forbidden to make changes;
access to information is denied to everyone except certain people.