Definition of Software

What is the definition of softwareall Basically, it is a general term used to describe a computer program or collection of programs and procedures that perform a task. A program is a set of instructions that tell a computer what to do.

There are different categories, or types: system, middleware and application programs. Application programs are what most people think of when they think of software. Examples are office suites and video games.

Application software includes word processors, and perform productive tasks. System software, such as operating systems, interface with hardware to provide services for applications. Middleware control and co-ordinate distributed systems.

Typical applications include word processing, adware, industrial automation, aviation, accounting, graphics, photography, educational, medical, tax preparation, real estate and computer games. Software is used in almost every field of human activity.

At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor. A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions which tell the computer what to do and how to do it.

There are three categories of computer software category:

-Application software

-System software

-Programming software / Middleware

Application software is what most people think of when they think of software. It is a program or set of programs that fulfills a user requirement, such as word processors, excel and computer games.

System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes operating systems, device drivers, diagnostic tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more.

Programming software or middleware usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs. The tools include text editors, compilers, interpreters, linkers, debuggers, etc.