Application category
According to the scope of application, software is generally divided into system software, application software, and middleware in between.
System software
System software provides the most basic functions for computer use, and can be divided into operating system and supporting software, of which the operating system is the most basic software.
System software is responsible for managing the various independent pieces of hardware in a computer system so that they can work in harmony. System software enables computer users and other software to treat the computer as a whole, regardless of how each piece of underlying hardware works.
1. An operating system is a program that manages computer hardware and software resources, and is also the kernel and cornerstone of a computer system. The operating system is responsible for basic tasks such as managing and configuring memory, prioritizing the supply and demand of system resources, controlling input and output devices, operating the network, and managing the file system. The operating system also provides an interface for users to interact with the system.
2. Supporting software is the software that supports the development and maintenance of various software, also known as software development environment (SDE). It mainly includes an environment database, various interface software, and tool sets. Well-known software development environments include IBM's Web Sphere, Microsoft's and so on.
It includes a set of basic tools (such as compilers, database management, memory formatting, file system management, user authentication, driver management, network connectivity, etc.).
Application software
System software is not specific to a specific application area, but application software, on the contrary, different applications provide different functions depending on the user and the domain served.
Application software is software that has been developed for a specific purpose. It can be a specific program, such as an image browser. It can also be a collection of programs that are closely related to each other and can work together, such as Microsoft's Office software. It can also be a large software system consisting of many independent programs, such as a database management system.
Nowadays, smartphones have become extremely popular, and the application software running on mobile phones is referred to as mobile phone software. The so-called mobile phone software is the software that can be installed on the mobile phone, which improves the shortcomings and personalization of the original system. With the development of technology, mobile phones have more and more functions and become more and more powerful. It's not as simple and rigid as in the past, but it has developed to be comparable to a handheld computer. Mobile phone software is the same as a computer, and when downloading mobile phone software, you should also consider the system installed on the mobile phone you purchased to decide which software to use. The mainstream mobile phone systems are as follows: Windows Phone, Symbian, iOS, and Android.
Authorization Category
Different software generally has a corresponding software license, and the user of the software must agree to the license of the software used before being able to legally use the software. On the other hand, the license terms of a particular software must not be contrary to the law.
Depending on the licensing method, the software can be broadly divided into several categories:
Proprietary Software: This type of license generally does not allow the user to copy, study, modify, or distribute the software at will. Violations of such authorizations are often subject to serious legal liability. Traditional business software companies use this type of license, such as Microsoft's Windows and Office software. The source code of proprietary software is often treated as private property by companies and is closely protected.
Free Software: This type of license is the opposite of proprietary software, giving the user the right to copy, study, modify, and distribute the software, and to make the source code available for free use, with only minor other restrictions. Linux, Firefox and OpenOffice are examples of such software.
Shareware: Trial versions are usually free to obtain and use, but are limited in functionality or duration. Developers encourage users to pay for a fully functional commercial version. Users can get copies of the shareware free of charge from various sources and distribute it freely according to the authorization of the shareware author.
Free software: Freely available and reprinted, but without source code and cannot be modified.
Public software: software whose rights have been waived by the original author, whose copyright has expired, or whose author has become unresearchable. There are no restrictions on use.