Software is a general term for computer programs. A computer program consists primarily of a sequence of instructions. The instructions tell a computer what to do and how to do it.
How software works.
Software works together with hardware. Hardware includes the physical parts of a computer, such as its keyboard, screen, processor, and memory chips. Software provides instructions and data (information) that hardware uses.
People write programs in computer languages—also called programming languages—such as Java, C++, and Python. The programmer’s instructions are translated into electronic codes that the computer can process.
Kinds of software.
In general, software can be divided into two categories. They are (1) systems software and (2) application software.
Systems software
enables the computer to perform its own tasks, with little or no input from human users. Such tasks include starting and shutting down, printing documents, and connecting to the Internet.
Most systems software is included within an operating system (OS), the computer’s master control program. Popular OS’s include Windows, Mac OS, Linux, and Android. The OS coordinates all the other software. It also determines the general experience of using the computer, including the look and feel of its interface—that is, how human users interact with the computer.
Application software
programs—also called apps—enable a human user to perform some task or activity. A web browser is a popular example of application software. People use web browsers to navigate the Internet. The web browser program instructs a computer how to locate web pages on the Internet. It also tells the computer how to display the web pages on the screen. Other application software includes spreadsheet programs, word processors, music and video players, and electronic games. Most application software is designed around a specific operating system.
See also Coding ; Computer (Computer software) ; Computer language ; STEM education ; Web browser .
