Computer software is a program created by the programmer to run the existing hardware in the computer. The term computer software is commonplace in the world of computing. Thus, understanding of computer software is a program that contains a set of instructions to perform data processing.

Computer software is the link between humans as users of computers and computer hardware. In other words, the computer software serves to translate human language into machine language so the computer hardware to understand the wishes and carry out instructions given by the user.

Different computer software with computer hardware. If the computer hardware can be physically seen and touched, computer software can not see what else is physically touched. However, computer software can be operated if it is installed on the computer. With the software, a computer can run or operate a command.

Based on its distribution, computer software can be divided into several types, namely the software (the software) paid and software (software) free.

Paid Computer Software

Computer software or paid software is software that is distributed for commercial purposes. Any users who wish to use or obtain computer software or paid software can be done by purchasing or paying the party to distribute it.

Users who use computer software paid this bias is not allowed to distribute the software or computer software is freely without permission. Examples of software or computer software, among other paid software or software microsoft windows, Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, and so forth.

Free Computer Software

Computer software for free or free software is copyrighted computer software, but can be obtained free or free with no time limit. Computer software for free or free software is different from shareware. Shareware requires users to pay (eg for a certain period).

The developers of this free computer software often produces a free software to contribute to the communities. However, it retains the company as a maker of computer software developers and memmiliki control over the development of free software production further. Free computer software can be regarded as any program that can be distributed freely, without any additional cost.

In the computer software for free, there is the term shareware. Shareware software is part of a free computer, but the use of shareware is limited more by a predetermined time limit. Shareware is a limited program which is distributed as either a demonstration or an evaluation version with limited features and functions or by using a set time limit (eg 30 days).

Thus, shareware provides users the opportunity to test the product before buying the full version of the program. Very clear example of this type of computer software is software or antivirus software.

Manufacturers of computer software shareware type is usually allow the release of the product evaluation applies only to a certain number of days. Once past the deadline, program or computer software of this type will stop working. If you still want to use it, you have to buy it officially.

In addition, there are also free computer software which is often called adware. Computer software is completely free. However, computer software adware is included in the distribution of advertising programs. Examples of computer software, among other types of adware Messenger from Microsoft. In this type of computer software, allows the use of free software in exchange for admission by way of advertising.

Function Computer Software

In general, computer software created to facilitate the use of existing programs on the computer. Here is the function of computer software.

- Computer software serves to identify the program.

- Computer software program serves to prepare the application. so kenerja entire computer can be controlled.

- Computer software serves to regulate and make the job more efficiently and effectively.

Types of Computer Software

Computer software is divided into 4 kinds. Here is the division of computer software.

- Computer software operating system

- Computer software application programs

- Computer software programming language

- Computer software utility programs

1. Computer Software Operating Systems

Computer software operating system is a program that has a function to control the basic working system so it can manage the media work system input, output, table encoding, memory, processor scheduling, and so forth. Meanwhile, the operating system serves as a liaison between people and hardware and computer software to be used. In general, the main function of the operating system are as follows.

- Store and access programs.

- Divide the tasks on the CPU.

- Allocating important tasks.

- Record data sources.

- Set the system memory including storage, delete and get the data.

- Check system errors.

- Maintain system security, specifically in tissues that require a password and use of ID.

Examples of computer software for operating systems such as the Disk Operating System (DOS), Microsoft Windows, and Linux.

2. Computer Software Application Program

Computer software programs are computer software applications specifically designed to meet specific needs. For example, computer software word processing, spreadsheet processing, presentation programs, graphic design, and so forth.

3. Computer Software Programming Languages

Computer software is a software programming language used to translate instructions written in a programming language into machine language by certain rules or procedures that are acceptable computer. In computer software programming language, there are 3 levels of programming languages​​, namely:

- Low level language.

- High level language. For example, basic software, Pascal, and COBOL.

- The fourth-generation language (4 GL). For example, Visual Basic and Delphi.

4. Computer Software Program Utility

Computer software is a software program aids that act as helper applications in activities berhubungannya with computers, such as formatting a floppy disk, copying the data, compress files, and so forth. Examples of this type of computer software such as Norton utilty, Winzip, and antivirus software.