Digital and Technology

Introduction

Digital systems is a technology to store, process, and communicate information in digital form. Digital systems are found in a wide range of applications, including information and communication systems, digital instruments, and consumer products. The digital computer, more commonly called the computer, is an example of a typical digital system.

A computer manipulates information in digital, or more precisely, binary form. A binary number has only two discrete values i.e zero (0) or one (1). Each of these discrete values is represented by the OFF and ON status of an electronic switch called a transistor. All computers, therefore, only understand binary numbers. Any decimal number (base 10, with ten digits from 0 to 9) can be represented by a binary number (base 2, with digits 0 and 1).

Important characteristics of Digital System

1. Data is represented in a digital system as a string of binary variables i.e. zero (0) and one (1). 

2. Digital Systems can provide accuracy (dynamic range) limited only by the number of bits used to represent a variable

3. Digital systems are less prone to error than analog systems.

4. Data representation in a digital system is suitable for error detection and correction.

5. Digital systems are designed in a hierarchical manner using re-useable modules.

Benefits of Digital over Analog System

There are some reasons why we use Digital representation than Analog System:

1. It is economical and easy to design.

2. It is very well suited for both numerical and non-numerical information processing.

3. It has high noise immunity.

4. It is easy to duplicate similar circuits and complex digital ICs are manufactured with the advent of microelectronics Technology.

5. Adjustable precision and easily controllable by Computer.

The finite number of values in a Digital System can be represented by a vector of signals with just two values, i.e., zero (0) and one (1) or binary. So the device which processes the signal is very simple,

i.c.   on/off.

However, there are some disadvantages or drawbacks of Digital Systems.

Disadvantages of Digital System

(i) It has low speed.

(ii) There are need of converters, eg., Analog to Digital (A/D) converter and Digital to Analog (D/A) converter, because physical world is analog.

Digital Calculators, Digital Computers, and Digital Watch are good examples of Digital Systems. 

 Evolution of digital system.

One of the earliest digital systems was the dial telephone system. In 1939, Harvard University built the Harvard Mark I, which went into operation in 1943. The ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer) was placed in operation at the Moore School of Electrical Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania, component by component, beginning with the cycling unit and an accumulator in June 1944. This was followed in rapid succession by the initiating unit and function tables in September 1945 and the divider and square-root unit in October 1945. Final assembly of this primitive computer system took place during the fall of 1945. The first commercially produced computer was Univac 1, which went into operation in 1951. More large digital computers were introduced in the next decade.

Generations of Computers: A generation of computers refers to the specific improvements in computer technology with time. In 1946, electronic pathways called circuits were developed to perform the counting. It replaced the gears and other mechanical parts used for counting in previous computing machines. In each new generation, the circuits became smaller and more advanced than the previous generation circuits. The miniaturization helped to increase the speed, memory and power of computers. There are five generations of computers which are described below:

1. First Generation Computers: The first generation (1946-1959) computers were slow, huge and expensive. In these computers, vacuum tubes were used as the basic components of CPU and These memory. computers were mainly dependent on batch operating system and punch cards. Magnetic tape and paper tape were used as output and input devices in this generation; Some of the popular first generation computers were:

(i) ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Computer)

(ii) EDVAC (Electronic Discrete Variable Automatic Computer) 

(ii) UNIVACI ( Universal Automatic Computer)

(iv) IBM-701

(v) IBM-650

2. Second Generation Computers: The second generation (1959-1965) was the era of the transistor computers. These computers used transistors which were cheap, compact and consume less power; made transistor computers faster than the first generation computers. In this generation, magnetic cores were used as the primary memory and magnetic disc and tapes were used as the secondary storage. Assembly language and programming languages like COBOL and FORTRAN, and Batch processing and multiprogramming operating systems were used in these computers. Some of the popular second

generation computers were:

(i) IBM 1620

(ii) IBM 7094

(iii) CDC 1604

(iv) CDC 3600

(v) UNIVAC 1108

3. Third Generation Computers: The third generation computers (1965-1971) used integrated circuits (ICs) instead of transistors. A single IC can pack huge number of transistors which increased the power of a computer and reduced the cost. The computers also became more reliable, efficient and smaller in size. These generation computers used remote processing, time-sharing, multi programming as operating system. Also, the high-level programming languages like FORTRON-II TO IV, COBOL, PASCAL PL/1, ALGOL-68 were used in this generation. Some of the popular third generation computers were:

(i) IBM-360 series

(ii) Honeywell-6000 series

(ii) PDP(Personal Data Processor)

(iv) IBM-370/168

(v) TDC-316

4. Fourth Generation Computers: The fourth generation (1971-1980) computers used very large scale integrated (VLSI) circuits; a chip containing millions of transistors and other circuit elements. These chips made this generation computers more compact, powerful, fast and affordable. These generation computers used real time, time sharing and distributed operating system. The programming languages like C, C++, DBASE were also used in this generation. Some of the popular fourth generation

computers were:

(i) DEC 10

(ii) STAR 1000

(iii) PDP 11

(iv) CRAY-1(Super Computer)

(2) CRAY-X-MP(Super Computer)

5. Fifth Generation Computers: In fifth generation (1980-till date) computers, the VLSI technology was replaced with ULSI (Ultra Large Scale Integration). It made possible the production of microprocessor chips with ten million electronic components. This generation computers used parallel processing hardware and AI (Artificial Intelligence) software. The programming languages used in this generation were C, C++, Java, .Net, etc. Some of the popular fifth generation computers are:

(i) Desktop

(ii) Laptop (iii) NoteBook

(iv) UltraBook

(v) ChromeBook

ROLE AND SIGNIFICANCE OF DIGITAL TECHNOLOGY

In the present existence, the use of digital technologies is comprehensive and they are being extensively used by human beings in all spheres of life. The widespread use of digital technologies is in the form of

computers, laptops, tablets, smartphones, mobile phones and so forth. Digital technology plays a significant role in all the spheres of life. The role and significance of digital technology in an organisation and in education is discussed ahead:

Digital Technology in Organisation

1. Communication: Communication takes place either in a verbal manner or in a written manner. There is augmentation of innovative methods and techniques, information is increasing which needs to be imparted to the individuals, new policies, practices and procedures come about which lead to progression of the organisation and the individuals.

2. Connections: Individuals need tools and equipment to develop their connections across the organisations. In organisations, individuals usually need to collaborate with each other and share information. When departments and offices are located at a distance, then it is not always possible for them to walk through, hence, digital technology is helpful in sharing and acquisition of information.

3. Training and Certification: In organisations, employees are normally recruited on the basis of their educational qualifications, nature, experience, skills, and abilities. Training is an essential area that the employees go through. The digital technologies play a vital role in training of employees and their certification.

4. Information Monitoring, Collection and Analysis: The individuals within the organization are required to collect, monitor and analyse the information in an appropriate manner. The collection and analysis of data has become more convenient and useful through the use of technology.

5. Collaboration: Collaboration between the individuals is an imperative area for the operative functioning of the organisation. The digital technology creates a conducive environment for a collaboration between individuals within an organisation and also between different organizations.

6. Increase Staff Satisfaction: The use of digital technology has generated satisfaction amongst the employees to a major extent. Work done through technology is more well-organized and competent as compared to the work done manually. Through technology, individuals are able to implement their tasks and functions in an adequate manner, not only within the organisation. but also outside the organisation.

Digital Technology in Education

The use of digital technology in education is an imperative aspect that has gained prominence. Digital technology is been utilised not only in higher education, but at all levels of education, from nursery to the university level. In nursery schools, young students feel interested and develop curiosity when they observe technology. At this level, students are shown various pictures or movies on the internet, they are taught how to draw objects and colour them. As the individuals get enrolled into formal schooling, they learn how to make use of the internet to improve their knowledge and understanding. Gradually a person learns enhanced skills and abilities of how to make use of digital technology and as they grow, they make use of it in order to implement all their tasks and operations in an adequate manner. There are usage of smartboards, projectors and computers in classrooms, so that students are able to observe and understand the content in an effectual way.

In higher educational institutions, individuals are dependent upon technology to a major extent. It is considered as the lifeline of learning. When individuals are working on articles, reports, research papers or research projects, then technology plays an imperative part. Books, journals, magazines and papers are useful, but individuals possess the viewpoint that they can gain access to a large amount of information on the internet. Universities in the present existence have made use of digital technology, so that individuals can have access to large number of e-journals and e-books online. In university education, supervisors normally have busy schedules, therefore, papers and projects can be emailed to them in order to gain immediate feedback. The individuals mostly communicate with their professors and supervisors through email or send them text messages. Digital technology is considered as the sole catalyst to bring about changes and transformations within the teaching-learning processes. It has rendered an efficient contribution in enabling students to improve their grades. The instructors at all levels of education prepare themselves for class lectures, lesson plans, assignments, tests and so forth through the use of digital technology.

INFORMATION AND COMMUNICATION TECHNOLOGY(ICT) AND TOOLS

The term Information and Communication Technology (ICT) includes various forms of technologies that are used to create, display, store, process, transmit, share or exchange information by electronic means.

     ICT facilitates helps to communicate anytime and by anyone. It has become easier to communicate worldwide through the use of ICTs, for example, social media sites and apps, blogs, etc. The use of ICT is time saving and cost effective in various ways. ICT has revolutionised the world. There was a generation that did not have telephone; there was a time when radio and television were considered as the most advanced sources of information. However now the new generation lives in the world of Internet, wireless, augmented and virtual space. The world around has drastically changed. The dramatic change due to ICT has resulted in innovation in every field. These innovations have reduced the size of the technological tools and increased the speed with which they operate to process data and communicate information. All these advancements and innovations give scope for betterment and effectiveness. 

Advantages

1. Access to instant data: Access to instant data supports in predictions, decision making and also knowledge acquisition.

2. Creation of information for communication: ICTs can be used to create communcation pieces in various forms like text, image, audio, video, multimedia, etc. Once the information is in digital form it can be used for recreating resources out of the original. Digital information is also easy to modify and share.

3. Store and organize: ICT helps in organizing information in various forms. This organisation of information helps in retrieving the required data. For example, in libraries, all the information about books are organized as database by using management software.

4. Scope for learning: ICT provides a great opportunity to learn. One can learn anytime, anywhere and at his or her own pace. We can also create our own personal learning environment. Availability of online courses, e-tutorials have opened up avenues for continuous and life-long learning.

5. Plan and manage: Use of ICT tools can help in time management by scheduling the works across devices and using various features like alerts, priorities, highlights, etc. ICT tools can also be used in planning and managing the activities.

Applications

1. Application of ICT in Everyday Life: ICTs have become a way of life in the present day world. We are using various ICTs in our day-to-day life for reading e-newspapers, e-magazines and e- books, online shopping, paying bills for food, using mobile apps, getting online appointments from doctors and so on.

2. Application of ICT in Education, Teaching, Learning and Assessment: ICT finds presence and expression in almost all the functions of the schools, such as admission, time table, classroom instruction, evaluation, laboratory management, learning resources management, examination and certification. It is also being used for office automation. E-resources like websites, e-books, e-newsletters, Open Educational Resources (OERs), etc., are used by most of the institutions. 

3. Inclusive Education: ICT is used for catering to the educational needs of every section of the society, including children with special needs. Various assistive devices and technologies are being developed which play an important role in fulfilling the specific needs of these children. For example, talking books, talk back feature of mobile phones, GPS inbuilt walking sticks, etc., are making substantial changes in people's lives.

4. Application of ICT in Art: Creative construction and connection are being done in various domains with the advent of ICT. Creative composition, compilation and communication can be done quickly by compatible ICTs. The role of ICT is vital in disseminating various art forms popular in one area to another. The appreciation of Art and Culture gained popularity through ICT. ICT has made it possible to showcase the creative works to the larger audience. 

5. Application of ICT in Science and Technology:

(a) Health: The use of ICT in surgeries has made them less invasive, highly precise and automated. Due to this the recovery time has reduced many folds. Robotic technology has got a positive impact on present medical sciences. Now-a-days distance is not a constraint for any complicated medical intervention to be done jointly by doctors located at different places through networking.

(b) Telecommunication: The field of Information Technology has seen a lot of advancement with the help of ICT. The satellite communication has advanced a lot and reached a number of people belonging to different setups. Low-cost smartphones and very cost-effective services have made the availability of these to almost everybody in the society. App based services available in different areas have made people's life easy.

(c) Agriculture and Natural Resources: Frequent and almost accurate weather updates have revolutionised the agriculture sector. Early prediction of rains or other weather conditions by Metrological Department has equipped the farmers in getting better yield. The sustainable use of natural resources has also become possible due to ICT integration; now it is possible to locate the oil wells, coal mines, etc., with the help of satellite technology.

6. Application of ICT in Transportation: ICT is used very effectively in the area of transportation. The GPS system is installed in vehicles, to provide security and easy navigation to the commuters. Airplanes and trains use RADAR systems for their control and path finding. Application-based services have revolutionised the experience of transport system by their users. Online reservations of flights, trains, buses and other services have further made our lives easier.

7. Application of ICT in Business:

(a) Marketing: Online marketing through various websites and mobile applications is very popular in today's world. People find them useful and hassle free. They are not only cost effective but also saves a lot of time and effort of the people. The online sales and services have generated a new type of employment, which require very less investment at the source.

  (b) Tourism: Various online hotel booking systems have provided a great experience to the users. With the advancement of ICT even checking the overall scenario of a place before planning a visit has become feasible. Also, online payment facilities have simplified the travel experience.

8. Application of ICT in Administration:

(a) Public Safety and Security: Deployment of ICT makes it possible for the police departments to collect, store and rapidly disseminate the information to enhance public safety. ICT can also be used for the identification of criminals by tracing their digital footprints. (b) e-Governance and Public Administration: e-Governance is generally understood as the use of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) at all the level of the Government in order to provide services to the citizens, interaction with business enterprises and communication and exchange of information between different agencies of the Government in a speedy, convenient efficient and transparent manner.

ICT Tools

Traditional ICT tools are radio, television and print media. Modern ICT tool includes computers, laptops, printers, scanners, software programs, data projectors, interactive teaching system, smartphones, tablets, mobile apps, web and mobile portals, etc.

Advantages of ICT Tools

1. Cost-efficient

2. Provide the facility for easy management 3. Improved modes of communication

4. Eco-friendly-Eliminate the usage of paper

5. Minimize cost and saves time

6. Improved data and information security.

7. To spread awareness about the social impact of technological change in education.

8. Promoting and improving the digital culture in universities, colleges, and schools.

9. Automated solutions to paper-based manual procedures and processes.

Disadvantages of ICT Tools

There are various disadvantages of ICT Tools: 

1. Unemployment

2. Lack of security/privacy

3. Cyber bullying

4. Reliance on technology

5. Social media

COMPUTER SYSTEM AND ITS WORKING

 Computer

A Computer is an electronic device that converts data into information. Computer accepts input in the form of data form users, processes it based on programming instructions and then provides the Output in the desired format known as information. The word computer has been derived from the word "compute" which means "to calculate". The first computers were used primarily for numerical calculations but today computer is a data processing machine because more than 80% work done by computer is of processing data. Data can be numerical or non-numerical or combination of both likes marks of students, employee details (name, address, age, designation etc), etc.

Modern computers are electronic devices that are used for a variety of purposes ranging from browsing the web, writing documents, editing videos, creating software, playing video games, etc. Computer represents the numbers, texts, pictures through a string of binary digits. Computer is a very fast and accurate device. It can perform millions of calculations in a second.

Charles Babbage is known as the father of computers who developed first calculating machine in 1830. It was a mechanical computer(Analytical engine) that used punch-cards as input. The first general- purpose electronic computer was ENIAC (Electronic Numerical Integrator and Calculator) built in 1946 at University of Pennsylvania, USA by John Mauchly and J. Presper Eckert.

A computer is often referred to as data processing machine because it can store, process and retrieve data whenever desired by the user. The processing of data includes performing many types of operations on data like arithmetic operations, logical operations, comparison operations, arranging in ascending or descending order, printing of data files etc.

A general-purpose computer performs the four main functions namely: it accepts data or instructions by way of input, process input or data, store the data or results and display the desired output. It has the following four main components:

(1) Input Unit: This unit accepts data as input and converts it in computer readable form. The input entered may be in the form of text, image, graphics, sound, video etc. Input devices such as keyboard, mouse, scanner, etc are used to provide input.

(2) Central Processing Unit: Central Processing Unit or CPU is also called the brain of the computer. It controls all input, processing and output activities. It is also known as the processor. It performs arithmetic, logical and controlling functions. CPU has the following two main sub

units:

(i) Arithmetic Logic Unit (ALU): This unit performs arithmetic and logical operations like add, subtract, multiply, divide, AND, OR, NOT etc.

(ii) Control Unit: This sub unit is responsible for co-ordinating various operations using timing signal. It controls the flow of data from and to all parts of the computer. It is the supervisory system of the computer as it provides necessary control signals and is run by the computer's main clock.

(3) Storage Unit (Memory): Memory Unit is used to store data and information in a computer. The memory in a computer system is subdivided in two ways namely: Primary and Secondary Memory. The memory with which the processor can directly interact i.e. processor cache, RAM and ROM is called the primary memory whereas secondary memory is a term used for other storage devices like hard disk drive, flash drive etc. mainly used for bulk storage.

 (4) Output Unit: This unit provides the processed data in the desired form as output." The output may be text, sound, image etc. Output devices such as Monitor, printer, speaker, plotter,

etc. are used to provide output.

                           Block Diagram of Computer

Uses of Computer

Computers offer a wide range of functions and services that are useful in almost every field of life. Computers make our work easy, fast and error free. The main uses of computers are in :

(a) Education: Schools, colleges, and almost all kinds of educational institutions are using a computer in the teaching process to teach students digitally. Uses of the computer and its tools in a classroom develop creativity and imagination in students' minds. Drawing tools, spreadsheets, Audio- Video lectures, and PowerPoint presentations, etc. are very beneficial for students in learning process. Computer reinvented the education system by using the concept of smart classrooms, digital classrooms and online education. Computers also provide the important software tools for educational research and data analysis. Today school or college office work is also done by computers. In education, computers are used in following ways:

• Computers are used in teaching-learning(e-learning) process.
• 
  
• Many universities provide online Degree/Certificate courses.
• 
  
• e-Recourse (eBooks, elibrary, e magazines) are available online anytime.
• 
  
• Students admission process, generation of merit list, preparation of result etc are done through computers.



(b) Health and Medicine: Computers  have become an important part of our medical system. Computers are used for diagnosis and treatment of diseases. It can be used for the examination of internal organs of the body. Most of today's laboratory equipment namely ECG, EEG, sonography,CT scans, X-ray machines,etc. are based on computer logic.

Following are some major fields of health care in which computers are used.

• Diagnostic System-Computers are used to collect history of patients and identify the cause of illness.
• Lab-diagnostic System - All tests can be done and the reports are prepared by computer and computer based systems.
• Patient Monitoring System - Used to monitor the patient's health like blood pressure, pulserate, etc.
• Pharma Information System - Computer is used to check drug labels, expiry dates, side effects, allergies etc.
• Surgery-Nowadays, computers are also used in performing surgeries.

(c) Business: Almost all kinds of business organisations are using computers in their day to day official works. Businesses and companies use a computer to do sales and marketing, business planning, retailing, banking, recording customer data, stock trading, managing goods and services, etc. A computer has high speed of calculation, diligence, accuracy, reliability, or versatility which has made it an integrated part in all business organisations. Many companies started online business around the world by using computers and internet.

Computer is used in business organisations for:

.

• Payroll calculations

• Budgeting

• Sales and Marketing analysis

•  Managing employee database

• Maintenance of stocks, etc.

• Online sale and purchase of products

(d) Recreation and Entertainment: Computers are playing important role in the field of recreation and entertainment. They are used for playing video games, watching moving, listning music, online chatting etc. In movies, computer generated graphics give freedom to designers so that special effects and even imaginary characters can play a part in making movies, videos, and commercials. In sports, computers are used to compile statistics, sell tickets, create training programs and diets for athletes, and suggest game plan strategies based on the competitor's past performance. In restaurants, almost everyone has eaten food where the clerk enters an order by indicating choices on a rather unusual looking cash register; the device directly enters the actual data into a computer, and calculates the cost and then prints a receipt.

(e) Government: Various departments of the Government use computer for their planning, control and law enforcement activities. To name a few-Traffic, Tourism, Information & Broadcasting, Education, Aviation and many others. Computers have eased the service delivery of government organisations known as e-governance.

(f) Defence: Computers are the main tools which help in developing missiles and other equipment for the deference system. Modern tanks, missiles, weapons, etc. are mostly computer controlled. Construction of weapons and controlling their function is not possible without the aid of computers. Computers are used in Surveillance, Smart Weapons, Missile Control, Military Operation and Planning and Military Communication.

(g) Banking: Computers are widely used in banking for storing customer details, online transactions, money transfer, ATM transactions etc. Computers have made banking service easy and fast for everyone. Now we need not to visit bank branch for transfer or withdrawal of money. We can transfer money from anywhere anytime.

(g) Communication: Today computers are widely used in in our communication system. They help us to send message, pictures and even videos in a fraction of minute anywhere in the world. Computer communication is easy, cheap (almost free) and fast. Users can send or receive large files over the internet. Almost all the offices of government and private companies communicate through electronic mail popularly known as e-mail. Computers also provide facility for group discussion and video- conferencing.

Apart from above discussed fields, computers are also used in scientific discoveries, offices, engineering, railways and airlines reservation, etc.

 Characteristics of computer

The important characteristics of computer are:

1. Speed: Computer can process millions of instructions in seconds. Same calculation that would have taken hours and day to complete can be completed in a few seconds using the computer. The speed of computer is calculated in (MIPS) (millions of instructions per second)

2. Accuracy: A computer provides a high degree of accuracy. Every calculation is performed with the same accuracy

3. Automatic: Computers are automatic machines because they work by themselves without human intervention for long time or until job is finished. Being a machine, computers cannot start themselves and we need to instruct computer using coded instructions and data that specify how it will perform a specific work and for how long.

4. Diligence: Computer can work for hours without any break or boredom. It does not get tried. It can perform complex calculations with the same speed and accuracy from the start till the end.

5. Storage capacity/memory: Like human a computer has built-in memory where it stores data. Computer can store very large amount of data. Moreover its memory can be extended if it

falls short.

6. Versatility: Computers can be used to perform different types of tasks. At one point of time you can type a document, the next moment you can listen to a song or watch a video.

7. Reliability: A computer is reliable as it gives consistent result for similar set of data i.e., if we give same set of input any number of times, we will get the same result. 

Limitations of computer

•  It cannot work without electricity.

• Computer cannot take own decisions.

• Computer has zero IQ.

• Digital and Technological Solutions

• Computer is completely dependent on human.

• Computer is costly.

• Computer has no creativity

SOFTWARE & ITS TYPE

Software can be defined as a collection of data, programs, procedures, instructions, and documentation that performs particular predefined task on a computer system. It is the software that enables users to interact with the computer.

Essentially, computer software controls computer hardware. These two components are complementary and cannot act independently of one another. It means without software, computer hardware is useless. For instance, without the help of your web browser software, you will not be able to surf the Internet. Similarly, without an operating system, no program can run on your computer.

Classification: Broadly, the computer softwares are classified into three types:

1. System Software: System software assists the user and the hardware to function and interact with each other. Basically, it is a programme for controlling the actions of computer hardware to provide basic functionalities that are requested by the user. These softwares provide a platform for the other softwares to work. This is the reason why System software is very important in managing the working of entire computer system. The system software runs in the background and is not used by the end-users. This is the reason why system software is also known as 'low-level software'. Some common examples of system software are:

• Operating System: An operating system (OS) is the program that manages all the computer resources. It provides an environment for other programs to work. It also acts as an intermediary between the user and the hardware.Some examples of Operating systems are android, ios, windows, linux, unix, etc

• Device Drivers: It is a type of software that controls particular hardware which is attached to the system. Without the required device driver, the corresponding hardware device fails to work. Device drivers are operating system-specific and hardware-dependent. A device driver acts as a translator between the hardware device and the programs or operating systems that use it. Some examples of device drivers are: BIOS Driver, Display Drivers, Motherboard Drivers, Printer Drivers, ROM Drivers, Sound card Driver, USB Drivers, VGA Drivers and Virtual Device Drivers

• Programming Language Translators: These are the programs which translate high-level language code to machine-level code. Compiler, interpreter and assembler are the most common examples of language translator. A compiler translates a high-level program into a low-level program and an assembler translates an assembly language program into a low-level program. An interpreter also produces a low-level program from a high-level program, but the working of the interpreter is not similar to that of the compiler. An interpreter processes the high-level program line-by-line and simultaneously, produces the low-level program. On the other hand, a compiler compiles the high-level program in one go.

• Utility: Utility programs refer to small programs, which provide additional capabilities to the computer system in addition to the ones provided by the operating system. They enable an operating system to perform some additional tasks, such as searching and printing the files and scanning the viruses, etc. A utility program is not an essential part of an operating system, because it does not help the operating system in the execution of a command or a program. A utility program only provides the additional features to the computer system. Softwares like antiviruses, disk cleanup & management tools, compression tools, defragmenters, etc are all utility tools.

2. Application Software: Application Software, also known as end-user program or productivity program, is a software that helps the user in completing a particular tasks such as doing online research, jotting down notes, setting an alarm, designing graphics, keeping an account log, doing calculations or even playing games. They lie above the system software. Unlike system software, they are used by the end-user and are specific in their functionality or tasks and do the job that they are designed to do. Some of the example of application softwares are:

• Word Processors: These applications are used for documentation. Along with that it also helps in storing, formatting and printing of these documents. Some examples of word processors are: Google Docs and MS Word.

Database Software: This software is used to create and manage a database. It is also known as the Database Management System or DBMS. They help with the organisation of data. Some examples of DBMS are: MS Access and MySQL.

• Multimedia Software: It is the software that helps to play, create or record images, audio or video files. They are used for video editing, animation, graphics, and image editing, Some examples of Multimedia Software are: Adobe Photoshop, Picasa, VLC Media Player, Windows Media Player and Windows Movie Maker.

• Education and Reference Software: These types of software are specifically designed to facilitate learning on a particular subject. There are various kinds of tutorial software that fall under this category. They are also termed as academic software. Some examples are: Google Earth and Google Classroom.

• Web Browsers: These applications are used to browse the internet. They help the user in locating and retrieving data across the web. Some examples of web browsers are: : Google Chrome, Microsoft Edge, Mozilla Firefox and Opera.

Other than these, all the softwares that serves a specific purpose fall under the category of Application Software.

3. Firmware: Firmware is the permanent software that is embedded into a read-only memory. It provides essential information regarding how the device interacts with other hardware. Firmware can be

considered as 'semi-permanent' as it remains permanent unless it is updated using a firmware updater. Some examples of firmware are: BIOS, Computer Peripherals, Consumer Applications and Embedded Systems.