What is Software and Educational Software?

What is a Software

Software is a computer term that refers to a program or set of computer programs, as well as data, procedures, and guidelines that allow different tasks to be Carrie out in a computer system.

This term is commonly use to refer in a very generic way to the programs of a computer device. However, software’s encompasses everything intangible in a computer system.

Software’s is a term from the English language accept by the RAE and does not have a translation that fits into Spanish.

Software Types

Generically, several types of software can be distinguished according to their use or usefulness:

1. System software

It is the program responsible for executing all the applications necessary for a system to operate correctly. It is often confuse with the operating system but goes beyond that, as it also includes optimization tools, device drivers, and servers, among other components.

2. Programming software’s

They are all the tools that allow the development of new software. Therefore, they are not usually use by the end user but by the programmers. It includes to mention the most important, the following:

• Compilers (programs that parse and run other programs).
• Interpreters ( software that “translates” the different programming languages).
• Text editors (create and modify text files, programming language, or source code).

3. Application software

Application software is a program design to facilitate some specific tasks for any computer medium, whether on computers, tablets, or cell phones.

Video games, computer-aided design programs (such as CAD), and software use in telecommunications, business, or educational productivity applications are examples of this program.

4. Malicious or malicious software’s

Also use in its original form in English malicious software’s or simply malware, it is the one that is created for illicit purposes such as obtaining private information from the user or damaging the system.

Free Software and Proprietary Software

The concept of free software’s refers to programs that allow the user to use, copy, modify and distribute them. To make these actions effective, the software’s source code must be included.

Examples include Mozilla Firefox browser, Clam Win Free antivirus, and QCad-assisted design application.

In opposition to this term, proprietary software’s indicates that a computer program is not entirely free. In this sense, the software’s owner prohibits or restricts its use, redistribution, or modification. the source code is not included.

Windows operating system, Microsoft Office suite of applications, and Photoshop graphic editing program are some of the most well-known proprietary software’s .

Software and Hardware

Both computing concepts are interrelated. The hardware is the physical elements that make up a computer system (for example, the keyboard or the CPU), while the software’s is the logical and intangible support (for example, an antivirus program or a word processor), and that allows the development of various functions.

What is educational software?

[Educational software] is a program design to facilitate the teaching and also learning processes.

Educational software is a pedagogical tool developed specifically for this purpose. Educational software is also called educational platforms, educational programs, or educational computing.

Due to the digital age, educational software is an increasingly necessary tool to be consider and incorporate into educational systems.

Educational software’s should not be confuse with an educational resource, which is not create for a pedagogical purpose but can be use to facilitate teaching, such as spreadsheets, slideshow programs, editing programs, and design, among others.

Characteristics of Educational Software

For a program to be consider educational software’s, it must meet at least the following five characteristics:

• Have a learning objective
• Need a digital device to access (computer, smartphone, etc.)
• be interactive
• Have the function of individualizing work
• be easy to use

Types of Educational Software’s

Educational software’s can be classifies into the following types:

• Exercisers: they are programs that include a series of exercises so that the student can solve and learn.
• Tutorials: they are guides that reinforce topics learned in the classroom.
• Simulators: represent equations, processes, or natural phenomena visually and attractively.
• Educational games: use the game as a tool for learning.
• Troubleshooting: Mix all the above tools into one program.

Also Read: Print-On-Demand – About, Its Work, Process, And More