Software:

Computer software or Softwareis the part of a computer that includes data or computer instructions, unlike hardware, which consists of the physical components of the computer. In computer science and software engineering, all information stored or processed by a computer system, including programs and data, is called software.

Two general categories of software

 

Computer software is divided into two categories:

• System software
• Application software

Application software is designed to perform a specific task for the user. These programs interact directly with users and have a user interface. Examples include word processors, spreadsheets, communication software, video games, and more.

System software is designed to provide services to other software. These programs primarily interact with hardware and do not communicate directly with the user. Examples include operating systems, drivers, embedded software, graphics engines, and more. Parts of an operating system that have a user interface may be regarded as application software.

Application software consists of programs used by the user, while system software manages the computer. The most important system software is the operating system.

Operating system

 

When a program is installed on a computer, some hardware components of the computer operate under that program’s commands. For example, when using a music player, the computer’s sound card works with the player to play a song or file. Coordinating this interaction is only one part of an operating system’s work. The interaction between software and hardware is managed through programming. An operating system is a software program with access to all hardware resources and capabilities. Because of this unique role, it is considered low-level system software, although it has particular importance. In other words, the operating system is a comprehensive program that makes hardware resources and capabilities available to software and is responsible for the correct operation of the system and its resources.

An operating system includes four important sections:

• Process and processor management
• Memory management
• Input/output (I/O) device management
• File management

Three general software architecture categories

From a structural (architectural) perspective, software is divided into the following categories:

• Client-based
• Server-based
• Client-server based

The term software is also used in meanings other than computer programs. For example, in management science it may refer to methods and technical know-how, as opposed to tools, equipment, and human resources. Software has many types, with commercial and free software being among the most important classifications. Especially with the GNU and Linux movements, the concept of free software has gained deeper meaning, to the point that some software is regarded as a symbol of culture. Software is developed and published by programmers. These programmers may work for a company or program from home, as is the case with some Linux software developers. Today, most users interact only with the graphical interface of these programs, while many operations remain hidden from view. In other words, every software package consists of code implementing particular algorithms; this code is combined with graphical elements, and many program operations occur beyond the sight of an ordinary user. Programs are written in code that is later interpreted or executed on the user’s computer.

Related topics

• Free software engineering
• Malware
• Spyware
• Hardware
• Software cracking