what is software

Software is a series of computer data and instructions organized in a specific order. It is an intangible part of the computer. The tangible part of the computer is called hardware, which is composed of the computer shell, various parts and circuits; the computer Software requires hardware to operate, and vice versa. Neither software nor hardware can actually operate without cooperating with each other.

The operating environment of this article: Windows 7 system, Dell G3 computer.

Software (English: software) is a series of computer data and instructions organized in a specific order. It is an intangible part of the computer. The tangible part of the computer is called hardware, which consists of the computer's casing, various parts and circuits. Computer software requires hardware to operate, and vice versa. Neither software nor hardware can actually operate without cooperating with each other.

Generally speaking, computer software is divided into programming languages, system software, application software and middleware between the two. The system software provides the most basic functions for computer use, but is not targeted at a specific application field. Application software is just the opposite. Different application software provides different functions according to the users and the fields they serve.

Software includes all programs that run on a computer, regardless of its architecture. For example, executable files, libraries and scripting languages ​​are all software. Regardless of architecture, software has its own common characteristics. After running, the hardware can perform the functions required at the time of design. The software is stored in the memory. The software is not an entity that can be touched. All that can be touched are the parts (memory) or media (optical disks or magnetic disks, etc.) that store the software.

Software does not necessarily include only computer programs that can be run on a computer. In some definitions, documents related to computer programs are generally considered to be part of the software. Simply put, software is a collection of programs and documents. Software is used in various fields around the world and has a profound impact on people's lives and work.

Software classification

There are many ways to classify software, which can be divided into the following categories according to the purpose of the software:

• System software

Main article: Operating system

System software is responsible for managing various independent hardware in the computer system so that they can work in harmony and provide basic functions. And provide a platform for running application software [2]. System software allows computer users and other software to treat the computer as a whole without having to worry about how the underlying hardware works. The details of how each hardware works are handled by the driver.

Generally speaking, system software includes operating systems (such as BSD, DOS, Linux, macOS, iOS, OS/2, QNX, Unix, Windows, etc.) and a series of basic tools (such as compilers, databases, etc.) Management, memory formatting, file system management, operating system management, user authentication, driver management, network connection, etc.).

• Application software

Main article: Application software

Application software is developed for a specific purpose software. It can be a specific program, such as an image browser. It can also be a collection of programs that have closely related functions and can cooperate with each other, such as Microsoft Office software. It can also be a huge software system composed of many independent programs, such as a database management system.

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