PCs are versatile and flexible computers that can be used for a wide range of purposes. From games to word processing, they can handle almost anything you throw at them.
Computer software is what makes a PC special. It’s what allows you to do things that other devices can’t.
System software
System software is a type of computer program that provides a platform for application software to run on. It operates and coordinates a computer’s hardware so that users can use high-level application software to perform specific tasks. Examples of system software include operating systems and device drivers.
A computer’s system software is responsible for managing a variety of different tasks, including memory management, process management, and file management. It also handles input and output devices, such as the monitor, keyboard, mouse, and CD-ROM drive. It also keeps track of all processes and decides which programs get the most resources, such as processors and memory.
Utility programs are third-party tools designed to reduce maintenance issues and detect errors in a computer system. They come in many forms, from antivirus programs to disk defragmenters. Some are bundled with the operating system while others can be purchased separately. Some are free, while others require a license fee to use them.
Application software
Application software is any computer program that handles specific tasks for users. It differs from system software, which controls the operating system, hardware and peripheral devices. It can include word processors, spreadsheets, database management programs, inventory and payroll systems and other applications.
This type of software does not function without the help of system software. It runs in the background and performs a task for end-users as requested. The main benefit of application software is that it can simplify operations for users and empower them to achieve their objectives with ease. It can also be used to improve the quality of work or enhance productivity. The most common application software is word processing programs, web browsers and media players. Other examples are Adobe Photoshop, CorelDraw and WhatsApp. Utility software includes anti-malware and defragmentation programs. These types of programs are useful for fixing computers and removing outdated software. They are also helpful in locating bugs and malware.
Speccy
Speccy digs out information all in one place, saving you the hassle of opening up various programs to find specific details. Its neatly organized interface makes it easy to read and understand the output, which is also useful when troubleshooting. It is a free-to-use program from Piriform, the makers of CCleaner and other popular software utilities.
The program has a sleek dialog, with gray tones and small but crisp icons. The left-hand navigation window lists different areas, including Motherboard and Graphics, and clicking an area opens up a viewing panel for that category’s data. For example, clicking on a CPU displays a remarkable amount of technical detail, such as the number of cores (if applicable), speed and temperature.
Speccy can also take snapshots of the current system information and save them in a proprietary file format, as well as generate a report. The latter is a handy document that can be used for troubleshooting or to track changes on your computer.
IObit Advanced SystemCare
It’s important to have a good set of tools to keep your computer running smoothly and efficiently. The 14th edition of IObit Advanced SystemCare delivers just that. It’s packed with plenty of helpful features, including a fast Internet speed booster and an efficient cleaning tool.
The program has a nice, modern interface that separates its core functions into tabs on the left side of the screen. The main tools include Junk Files Cleaner, Registry Cleaner, Disk Defrag, Turbo Boost and Deep Optimization. The program also comes with a software updater and a hardware health monitor.
IObit Advanced SystemCare has some flaws, like a poor malware scanner and in-app purchases, but it’s still one of the best optimization suites available. It also offers a 60-day money-back guarantee. IObit’s plan prices are also fairly reasonable. A free version is available with limited functionality, while a Pro version offers more tools such as deep registry cleaning, an Internet speedup tool and privacy security features.