software
Software means computer instructions or data. Anything that can be stored electronically is software, in contrast to storage devices and display devices which are called hardware.
The terms software and hardware are used as both nouns and adjectives. For example, you can say: "The problem lies in the software," meaning that there is a problem with the program or data, not with the computer itself. You can also say: "It's a software problem."
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.
Categories of Software
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.
Top 5 Software Related Questions
1. What is application software?
2. What is systems software?
3. What is software package?
4. What is software engineer?
5. What is enterprise application?
Related Webopedia Articles
Understanding what enterprise application software is and how it works
SOHO Business Solutions: Office Productivity Software
30 Free Web Tools and Open Source Software for Students
Featured Partners Sponsored
-
1
private cloud project
Companies initiate private cloud projects to enable their IT infrastructure to become more capable of quickly adapting to continually evolving...
-
2
cloud backup
A cloud backup (cloud computer backup) refers to backing up data to a remote, cloud-based server. As a form of cloud storage, cloud backup data is...
-
-
3
mobile operating system
The mobile operating system is the software platform on top of which other programs, called application programs, can run on mobile devices.
-
4
big data
A catch-phrase, used to describe a massive volume of both structured and unstructured data that is so large that it's difficult to process with...
-
5
enterprise application
An enterprise application is the term used to describe applications -- or software -- that a business would use to assist the organization in...
-
6
private cloud
The phrase used to describe a cloud computing platform that is implemented within the corporate firewall, under the control of the IT department....
-
7
BYOD - bring your own device
A phrase that has become widely adopted to refer to mobile workers bringing their own mobile devices, such as smartphones, laptops and PDAs, into...
-
8
consumerization of IT
Consumerization of IT is a phrase used to describe the cycle of information technology (IT) emerging in the consumer market then spreading to...
-
9
CRM - Customer Relationship Management
Short for customer relationship management, CRM entails all aspects of interaction a company has with its customer, whether it be sales or service...
-
10
ERP - Enterprise Resource Planning
Short for enterprise resource planning, ERP is business management software that allows an organization to use a system of integrated applications...
Connect with Webopedia
-
-
Android Apps for Remote Computer Access
Remote access is useful when you need to collaborate with co-workers, help a friend with PC problems or grab files from your desktop.
