Computer software can be classified into how many parts?

Computer software refers to the set of programs and instructions that tell computer hardware what to do. At the secondary school level, software is broadly divided into two main categories based on purpose.

• System software: programs that manage and control the computer's hardware and provide a platform for other programs to run, such as operating systems and utility programs.
• Application software: programs designed for end users to perform specific tasks, such as word processors, spreadsheets, and games.

Because every piece of software falls into one of these two broad groups, computer software is classified into 2 parts. Some more detailed classifications further split these into subcategories such as utility software or programming software, but at this basic classification level, the division is two-fold.

Exam reminder: when asked for the number of classifications of software, use the standard two-part division of system software and application software unless the question specifically asks for further subdivisions.