Computer scientists study the general characteristics of computer languages and formal grammars, and
usually become proficient in several or many different languages.
The term software is used to describe the set of instructions, or programs, that a computer uses to execute
an algorithm. Software contains the instructions that direct the operation of the hardware. The software that
makes the basic functions of the computer accessible is referred to as system software. System software is
responsible for controlling and managing the hardware of a computer system, and for making the computer easy
to use for program developers as well as general users. Examples of system software include operating systems,
display managers, virus scanners, language processors (called compilers or interpreters??”to be discussed in the
chapter on software), and device drivers.
Programs such as word processors or spreadsheets are referred to as application software. Application
software is used to accomplish specific tasks. Application software may consist of a single program, or a small
collection of programs that work together to accomplish a task for a user of the computer.
Operating systems are particularly important and complex system software.
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