Research Outline

Types of Software

Goals

To have a broad understanding of software builders by providing information about the types of software and its branches.

Early Findings

Data Availability

  • The publicly available data regarding the types of software and its branches appears adequate.

Types of Software

Application Software

  • Application software is software that is designed for end-users.
  • The branches of application software include Word Processing Software, Database Software, Spreadsheet Software, Multimedia Software, Presentation Software, Enterprise Software, Information Worker Software, Communication Software, Educational Software, Simulation Software, Content Access Software, Application Suites, Software for Engineering and Product Development, and Email Software.
  • Examples of Word Processing Software include "Google Docs, Microsoft Word, WordPad, and Notepad." Examples of Database Software include "MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Access, Oracle, IBM DB2, and FoxPro."
  • "Microsoft Excel, Google Sheets, and Apple Numbers" are examples of Spreadsheet Software. VLC Media Player, Media Player, QuickTime, and Winamp are examples of Multimedia Software.
  • Some examples of Presentation Software include Microsoft Powerpoint, Google Slides, Keynotes, and Prezzy, while examples of Communication Software include Zoom, Skype, and Google Meet.

System Software

  • The system software is the software that "provides a platform for other software," including the program that manages the computer itself.
  • There are different system software for laptops, computers, or tablets. These are Microsoft Windows , MacOS, and GNU/Linux. The various system software for smartphones include Google's Android, Apple's iOS, and Windows Phone OS.

Programming Software

Driver Software

  • This is the software that communicates with the hardware and controls the devices that are attached to the computer.
  • Driver Software also has no branches, but there are different examples. Examples of driver software include Printer Driver, Mouse Driver, and Network Card.

Summary

  • We have provided the different types and branches of software. The initial hour of research reveals that there is adequate available data in the public domain regarding software types and branches.
  • The other types of software, which include Firmware, Shareware, Freeware, Open Source Software, Closed Source Software, and Utility Software, don't have branches but they have examples.