Software
Software is a collection of instructions that enables a user to interact with the computer or have the computer perform specific tasks for them. Without any type of software the computer would be useless. For example, you wouldn't be able to interact with the computer without a software operating system. Almost all software purchased at a retail store
and online is included in a box similar to the one shown to the right, this box usually contains all the disks (floppy diskette, CD,
DVD, or Blu-ray) required to install the program onto the computer, manuals, warranty, and other important documentation. To the right is an example of what a Microsoft Excel software box would look like.
Differences between hardware and software
Unlike software, hardware is a physical device that can connected to the computer. Hardware is something that allows the computer to perform a special task. For example, a printer is a hardware device that allows the computer to print text and images. See our hardware definition for a full explanation.
- See our software question and answer page for a listing of related questions and answers to software.
- A listing of software and help for software can be on our software listing page.
Also see:
- Abandonware
- Adware
- antivirus
- Bundled software
- Commercial software
- Crapware
- Crippleware
- Device driver
- Dribbleware
- Edutainment software
- ESRB
- Foistware
- Freeware
- Game
- Graphics program
- Hardware
- Image editor
- ISV
- Malware
- Office
- Open source software
- Package software
- Patch
- Presentation program
- Program
- Public domain software
- Ransomware
- Remote control software
- SaaS
- Shareware
- Side grade
- Software Piracy
- Spyware
- STP
- System software
- Upgrade
- Utility
- Vaporware
- Wetware
