SOFTWARE IN ENGLISH
Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. (The term hardware describes the physical aspects of computers and related devices.)
Software can be thought of as the variable part of a computer and hardware the invariable part. Software is often divided into application software (programs that do work users are directly interested in) and system software (which includes operating systems and any program that supports application software). The term middleware is sometimes used to describe programming that mediates between application and system software or between two different kinds of application software (for example, sending a remote work request from an application in a computer that has one kind of operating system to an application in a computer with a different operating system).
Some general kinds of application software include:
• Productivity software, which includes word processors, spreadsheets, and tools for use by most computer users
• Presentation software
• Graphics software for graphic designers
• CAD/CAM software
• Specialized scientific applications
Vertical market or industry-specific software (for example, for banking, insurance, retail, and manufacturing environments)
Computer software (often called just software) is a type of computer program. It means the applications and operating systems used with computers.
The term software was first used in the late 1960s to show the difference from computer hardware, which are the fixed parts of a machine. Before compact discs (CDs) or Internet downloads, software came on "soft media" like magnetic discs and magnetic tape.
Computer software (often called just software) is a type of computer program. It means the applications and operating systems used with computers.
The term software was first used in the late 1960s to show the difference from computer hardware, which are the fixed parts of a machine. Before compact discs (CDs) or Internet downloads, software came on "soft media" like magnetic discs and magnetic tape.
The distinction between software and hardware is sometimes confusing because they are so integrally linked. Clearly, when you purchase a program, you are buying software. But to buy the software, you need to buy the disk (hardware) on which the software is recorded.
Software is often divided into two categories:
systems software : Includes the operating system and all the utilities that enable the computer to function.
applications software : Includes programs that do real work for users. For example, word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems fall under the category of applications software.
