Software and hardware are the basis of every computer. Hardware is the physical part and software brings us all the useful apps and entertainment. Let's take a closer look at the types of software, their purpose and different software licenses.
System software includes operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows, macOS and Linux. The operating system is important for starting your computer as it creates the interface that allows you to control your computer. From the graphics card to the monitor, no computer will work unless you have an operating system.
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Today's most widely used operating system is Microsoft Windows, which runs all your applications. Windows 11 is the latest version and comes in several different editions. Find out how they differ in our Microsoft Windows section.
Software Apps
Software apps are computer programs that serve a specific purpose. Nowadays, PC programs are divided into many categories according to their purpose, such as antivirus, office applications and graphic editors.
Antivirus apps protect your computer data from viruses, malware and potential misuse.
Office apps allow you to create documents, spreadsheets and presentations.
Graphic design programs and Video editing software allow you to edit images, photos and videos.
Backup programs back up all the files in your computer. It's always good to keep your data safe.
Computer games provide plenty of relaxation and help you develop logical thinking in a fun way.
Disc burning software is mainly used to burn movies, videos, music and other data to optical discs.
Educational programs offer courses and lessons for skills development.
Antivirus software is one of the most useful programs for PCs as they protect your data, privacy, Internet passwords and your computer from malicious Trojans and Ransomware.
Software Licences
Today all PC programs come with a licence that entitles you to use the software. This right is most often obtained by confirming the licence agreement, usually by checking the End User Licence Agreement (EULA). Examples of PC licences include:
BSD is a free software licence that allows you to use and distribute programs without any restrictions.
Paid licences are PC programs that require a one-time or recurring payment to use.
Shareware is PC software that you can try for free but must pay if you want to continue using it.
Freeware is software that you can use for free, forever.
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Freeware software is mainly web browsers that open the door to the Internet. That's why Google Chrome is the most commonly used computer program. Browsers differ mainly in their features and user interface.
Software and hardware are the basis of every computer. Hardware is the physical part and software brings us all the useful apps and entertainment. Let's take a closer look at the types of software, their purpose and different software licenses.
For average users, the first two groups of software are important, being operating systems (like Microsoft Windows, Linux, etc.) and application softwares (other programs and applications used - office applications , graphics software , antivirus programs , computer games, or Internet browsers ...). The operating system is the basic software of each computer and it runs from when the PC starts until when it's shut down completely. It consists of kernel and auxiliary system tools. Its main task is to ensure that the user can work, set up and control the computer (with the help of graphical user interface - called GUI - or simply the desktop and windows in Microsoft Windows) and create a stable environment for application software to run. Generally speaking, the operating system is much more complex than normal programs, and its development is also much more challenging.
Application software consists of programs and applications that are designed to directly communicate and interact with the user. By default, these programs have a graphic control interface for easy and organized handling that also takes care of processing individual tasks and requests the user enters. We can include all of the programs we regularly use in the application software group, but also computer games or navigation software for GPS navigation, etc.
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