(2) Software Programs – the instructions that tell computers how to process data Two types of software System Software • Enables application software to interact with computer hardware • A collection of programs • Operating system – coordinate the computers resources, provide a user interface, and run applications (ex: Windows XP, Mac OS X) • Utilities – perform specific tasks related to managing computer resources. (ex: Disk Defragmentor, Scan disk) • Device drivers – Specialized programs that allow input/ output devices to communicate with the rest of the computer system. Application Software • End user software • Two kinds – Basic and specialized