Computer software is classified based on the task they perform. Computer software may be divided into two major groups;

• Application software
• System software

But there are many other groups such as programming software and computer malware.

1. Application software

This is a type of software which directs computers to perform a specific information processing tasks for end-users.

These programs are called APPLICATION PACKAGES (software) because they direct the processing required for a particular use or application which users want to accomplish. There exist two major categories of computer application software;

• Application-specific software
• General-purpose software

1. Application-specific software: it can be used in all sectors of our society, for example; companies, information media, schools, banks, aviation etc. examples of kind of programs are Business application programs, scientific application programs, and Educational programs.
2. General-purpose application packages (software): they are programs that perform common information processing tasks for end users, for example, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, data base management programs, graphics programs, communication programs and integrated software or packages.

• Word processor: these are the most commonly used computer application software. Almost every user uses a word processor to produce letters, essays and reports. Typical examples of these text processing programs include; WordPad, Microsoft word, WordPerfect.
• Electronic spreadsheet: One of the most popular types of software in use today is the electronic spreadsheet. It provides way to analyze or calculate numerical data and display the results. Some popular electronic spreadsheet include: MS Excel, Lotus 1-2-3 and Quattro pro.
• Graphics software: Graphic software is a piece of software used for creating, viewing and changing digital images. Typical examples of graphic programs are Paint, Corel Draw, and AutoCAD.
• Game software: Game software refers to pc programs that are designed for entertainment purpose. Game software has become extremely graphic intensive and some games now include movie-related features and 3-D animation.
• Database software: when data is stored in a computer it must be organized into files using some types of software named database management software (DBMS). The type of system used determines how the data is stored in the computer. Examples of DBMSs: MS Access and D/BASE IV.

2. System software

System software is a type of computer software that controls the operation of the computer and provides facilities that extend the general capabilities of the machine.

System software is actually the toolbox of the computer. Its components include the: Operating system, Utility software, device driver, server, loader and linker.

1. Operating software

This is a type of system software which controls all hardware and software operations in a computer system.

The absence of an operating system in a computer, the computer would not work.

2. Utility software

Utility programs perform tasks related to the maintenance of the computer.

They are designed for performing those tasks related to managing system resources (disk drives and printers) and file capabilities (sorting and copying). Utility software expands the performance of the operating system by adding functions that are not part of the original operating system.