Any software is divided according to the attributes of functionality and characteristics, licensing of use, as well as into varieties according to the grouped skills of the technique. The purpose of each of them is to fulfill the tasks and observe the interests of the person using the PC.

By mode of operation

First, it is necessary to determine how many people will use the computer. It is then divided into groups.

The software can be:

• Individual – only one user who owns a login and password will use it.
• Group – several people or a group of people in a company have access to it.
• Network – programs are available to everyone who is distributed a copy via the network.

By scale

The scale depends on the set of functions and resources the system will consume. It is a small utility to work with charts or a voluminous database, as well as many other items. It comes in:

• small;
• medium;
• large.

By stability

Stable are those elements of software that can correctly perform their functions without failures during long-term use. They do not require improvement and cope with the expected amount of load.

Unstable is considered to be the equipment that has recently entered the market and there are no guarantees of its uninterrupted operation in the long run. But sometimes this is the only software that suits the client’s tasks.

They divide it into 3 classes:

• stable – changes are unlikely to be made;
• medium stability – changes are made discreetly;
• unstable – constant changes.

By function

Functionality can be narrow or broad, depending on the goals the client sets for the programs. Any software can be divided into several types:

• Machine logic. Its task is to process the software and provide it in the form of a conscious program code with definite properties and structure.
• Interface. Its functionality is processing and processing of the binary system into a user-understandable. With its help it is possible to create a favorable environment “human-computer”.
• Hardware-mechanical. This software should conjugate different parts of the PC to transfer signals between components.
• Information-command. Creates the logistics structure and sends it out for execution.
• Applied. Performs logical, mathematical, physical, and other actions on the data. Their function is to process the array so that it solves the intended purpose.

On the demand of protection

For many large companies, security plays a big role. They have no right to allow information to leak because it threatens the loss of profits or reputation. For this reason, the most effective anti-viruses are chosen, the data is encrypted and not everyone has access.

Even small firms can not afford to buy or install free software of dubious content. Even the uniqueness of the functionality will not justify the use of such software.

Programs can be:

• reliable;
• questionable.

According to the required performance characteristics

Any software is required to perform a certain range of actions. They must be:

• Flexible and reconfigurable or unchangeable – depending on the needs of the future owner, the system may need to be adjusted to the requirements.
• Universal – suitable for a wide range of diverse tasks.
• Complete – fully executing the algorithm, no other utilities are required after the completion of the cycle.

By Source Language

The way in which the program is written also affects its functionality. There are:

• Machine-oriented – programming that is perceived by the computer hardware.
• Machine-oriented – reflect the structure and operation of a particular PC.
• Algorithmic – operate independently of the architecture of the technology, form the effectiveness of a particular algorithm (Basic, Pascal, etc.).
• Procedures-oriented – look like a set of procedures and subprograms.
• Integrated – systems embedded in basic elements of work.
• Problem-oriented – aimed at solving a problem of a particular class.

Each of them transforms the source code depending on what the next steps will be.

By application area

Here, the division depends on the type by which problems are solved, they are grouped by topic and area in advance. They should create a pleasant and user-friendly environment for the user. There are:

• General purpose – their task is to fulfill a wide range of customer purposes. This can be any text, graphics and other editors, browsers, processors.
• Method-oriented – using different methods of solving through a variety of techniques. The meaning of the choice of method for maintenance or programming.
• Problem-oriented – headed by a problem in a particular subject area, which must be solved by any available type of software.

By computing system and environment

The main characteristics in this classification are:

• algorithmic complexity and sustained logic;
• the depth of elaboration and implementation of each function;
• systematicity of processing;
• file system volumes;
• The type of processor affects the capabilities of the software.