What Exactly Is Computer Software? | Computer Technology News

Software Definition

In computing, software-in the strict sense any program or application is programmed to perform specific tasks. The term ?software? was first used by John W. Tukey in 1957.

Some authors prefer to extend the definition of software and also include in the definition all that is produced in its development.

The word ?software? is a contrast of hardware, the software runs inside the hardware.

The broad definition of software

A broader definition of software includes more than just programs. This definition includes:

- The representation of the software: programs, design details written in a program description language, architecture design, written in formal language specifications, system requirements, etc..

- Knowledge of software engineering: It is all information related to software development (eg how to use a specific design method) or information related to the development of specific software (eg, the pattern of evidence in a project). This includes information relating to the project, information on software technology, knowledge about similar systems and the detailed information relating to identifying and solving technical problems.

]]>

- The application information.

The software as a program

The software, as program consists of a code into a machine language specific to an individual processor. The code is an ordered sequence of instructions that change the status of the hardware of a computer.

The software is usually written in a programming language of high level, which is easier to write (it is closer to natural human language), but must be converted into machine language for execution.

The software can be distinguished into three categories: system software, programming software and application software. Anyway, this distinction is arbitrary and sometimes software can fall a number of categories.

- System software: operating aid and computer hardware. Includes the operating system, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more. Its purpose is to avoid as much as possible the complex details of computing, especially memory and hardware.

- Software programming: provides tools to help programmer. Includes text editors, compilers, instruction interpreter, linkers, debuggers, and so on.

- Application software: it allows end users to do certain tasks. Some software applications are browsers, text editors, graphic editors, antivirus, messenger, etc..

Jack Clarke has been an author and content publisher for the past 15 years. He currently runs several review sites including Bernina Sewing Machines among many others.

Source: http://www.revolution-embedded.com/2011/10/what-exactly-is-computer-software/

drew brees drew brees patriots heather locklear kenny britt matt hughes matt hughes