Computer software can be organized into categories based on common function, type, or field of use.

There are three broad classifications: (1) Application software is the general designation of computer programs for performing user tasks. Application software may be general purpose (word processing, web browsers, ...) or have a specific purpose (accounting, truck scheduling, ...). Application software contrasts with (2) System software, a generic term referring to the computer programs used to start and run computer systems and networks; and (3)Computer programming tools, such as compilers and linkers, used to translate and combine computer program source code and libraries into executable rams (programs that will belong to one of the three said categories).

Application software, also known as an application or an "app", is computer softwaredesigned to help the user to perform specific tasks. Examples include enterprise software, accounting software, office suites, graphics software and media players. Many application programs deal principally with documents. Apps may be bundled with the computer and its system software, or may be published separately. Some users are satisfied with the bundled apps and need never install one. Application software is contrasted with system software and middleware, which manage and integrate a computer's capabilities, but typically do not directly apply in the performance of tasks that benefit the user. The system software serves the application, which in turn serves the user. Similar relationships apply in other fields. For example, a shopping mall does not provide the merchandise a shopper is seeking, but provides space and services for retailers that serve the shopper. A bridge may similarly support rail tracks which support trains, allowing the trains to transport passengers. Application software applies the power of a particular computing platform or system software to a particular purpose. Some apps such as Microsoft Office are available in versions for several different platforms; others have narrower requirements and are thus called, for example, a Geography application for Windows or an Android application foreducation or Linux gaming. Sometimes a new and popular application arises which only runs on one platform, increasing the desirability of that platform. This is called a killer application.

System software is computer software designed to operate the computer hardware and to provide a platform for running application software.[1][2]

Device drivers such as computer BIOS and device firmware provide basic functionality to operate and control the hardware connected to or built into the computer. The operating system (prominent examples being z/OS, Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X and Linux), allows the parts of a computer to work together by performing tasks like transferring data between memory and disks or rendering output onto a display device. It also provides a platform to run high-level system software and application software. Window systems are components of a graphical user interface (GUI), and more specifically of a desktop environment, which supports the implementation of window managers, and provides basic support for graphics hardware, pointing devices such as mice, and keyboards. The mouse cursor is also generally drawn by the windowing system. Utility software helps to analyze, configure, optimize and maintain the computer. Servers are computer programs running to serve the requests of other programs, the "clients". The server performs some computational task on behalf of clients which may run on either the same computer or on other computers connected through a network. In some publications, the term system software is also used to designate software development tools (like a compiler, linker or debugger).[3] In contrast to system software, software that allows users to do things like create text documents, play games, listen to music, or surf the web is called application software.[4]

COMPUTER PROGRAMMING TOOLS. This is a category of articles relating to software which can be freely used, copied, studied, modified, and redistributed by everyone that obtains a copy: free software or open source software. Typically, this means software which is distributed with a free software license, and whose source code is available to anyone who receives a copy of the software.