List important categories of software?

The important categories are:

1.System Software: System software term is used to describe those computer programs that are essential to start computer systems and run application software and networks. The system software is used for the interaction between the user and the hardware. These types of software manage computer hardware behavior so that it can provide basic functions that are important for users. In other words, it is a bridge between the user and the hardware system of the computer.

2.Application Software: Application software is also known as end-user programs, used to perform the task like online research, setting an alarm, jotting down notes, designing graphics, calculations, keeping an account log, playing games. In comparison to system software, application software is used by the end-user. Application software is specific for a task. For example, a browser is an application for online search, MS PowerPoint is used to work on the presentation.

3.Open-source: As the name suggests, this software is available to the user with their code source. The advantage of these types of software is that the user can change or modify the software as per the wish. Open-source software can either be free or chargeable. An example of open –source software is Mozilla Firefox Thunderbird.