| Computer software, or just software
is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures
and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system.
The term includes:
* Application software such as word
processors which perform productive tasks for users.
* Firmware which is software programmed
resident to electrically programmable memory devices on board mainboards
or other types of integrated hardware carriers.
* Middleware which controls and co-ordinates
distributed systems.
Software includes websites, programs,
video games etc. that are coded by programming languages like C, C++, etc.
* System software such as operating
systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services
for application software.
* Testware which is an umbrella term
or container term for all utilities and application software that serve
in combination for testing a software package but not necessarily may optionally
contribute to operational purposes. As such, testware is not a standing
configuration but merely a working environment for application software
or subsets thereof.
"Software" is sometimes used in a broader
context to mean anything which is not hardware but which is used with hardware,
such as film, tapes and records. |
