SOFTWARE:

Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and

execute specific tasks. Opposite of hardware, which describes the physical aspects
of a computer, software is a generic term used to refer to applications, scripts
and programs that run on a device. Software can be thought of as the variable part
of a computer, and hardware the invariable part.

TYPES:

The two main types of software

1- system software 2-application software.

System software is a type of computer program designed to run a computer's hardware

and application programs. System software coordinates the activities and functions
of the hardware and software. In addition, it controls the operations of the
computer hardware and provides an environment or platform for all the other types
of software to work in. The best-known example of system software is the operating
system (OS), which manages all the other programs in a computer.

Application software is a computer software package that performs a specific

function for an end user or, in some instances, for another application. An
application can be self-contained or a group of programs. The program is a set of
operations that runs the application for the user. Applications use the computer's
OS and other supporting programs, typically system software, to function.
Application software is different than other software that might come pre-bundled
with a computer's operating system, such as a utility.

Some general kinds of application software include:

1- Productivity software, which includes tools such as word processors and

spreadsheets.
2- Presentation software, also known as slideware.
3- Graphics software.
4- CAD/CAM.
5- Vertical market, industry-specific software -- for example, banking, insurance
and retail applications.

Software can be purchased or acquired in the following ways:

Shareware:
usually distributed on a free or trial basis, with the intention of sale when the
period is over.
Liteware:
a type of shareware with some capabilities disabled until the full version is
purchased.
Freeware:
can be downloaded for free but with copyright restrictions.
Public domain software :
can be downloaded for free without restrictions.
Open source software:
a type of software where the source code is furnished and users agree not to limit
the distribution of improvements.
Proprietary software:
software that remains the property of its owner/creator and is used by end users or
organizations under predefined conditions.
Today, much of the purchased software, shareware and freeware is directly
downloaded over the internet. In these cases, software can be found on specific
software industry vendor websites or application service providers. However,
software can also be packaged onto CD-ROMs or diskettes and sold physically to a
consumer.
A specialized type of software that allows hardware to run is firmware. This is a
type of programming that is embedded onto a special area of the hardware's
nonvolatile memory, such as a microprocessor or read-only memory, on a one-time or
infrequent basis so that thereafter it seems to be part of the hardware.

Although the terms computer science and software engineering are often used
interchangeably, they are not the same. Computer science is the field of computing
that centers around the study, implementation and analysis of algorithms. Software
engineering, on the other hand, focuses on applying structured engineering
principles to the development of software.

Softwares Improving Computer Life:

From Gmail to Microsoft Word, here are our favorite computer software. We use these
programs daily and have generally try to keep them updated as much as possible.
While it can get costly for some of them, they are definitely worth keeping.
1. Microsoft Office
No matter what people say, I’ve gotten to used to using MS Office, especially MS
Word. Even though some people dislike it, I find that it works well, no matter what
I plan on writing. In fact, it’s my go-to word processing software. Student
editions are most definitely worth it if you are trying to buy these.
2. Mozilla Firefox
Even though Google Chrome is supposed to be faster, I find that Firefox is a lot
better for my uses. I use quite a few different extensions and add-ons, which
aren’t all available on Chrome, meaning that my browsing is more effective on
Firefox.
3. Google Apps
From Gmail to Docs, Google makes some great software that’s available on different
platforms. Gmail has particularly revolutionized the way that I use email. I rarely
delete any emails now, only archive. Google Docs is another app that I use daily. A
lot of people share documents with me, and it’s the way to check them out and
contribute.
4. Adobe Photoshop
From editing , retouching, sharpening, photos and images, Photoshop is our go-to
image processing software. I use Photoshop daily and would have trouble imagining
using something different.

5. Adobe Acrobat Professional

When it comes to viewing, editing, and creating PDF documents, Acrobat is king of
the hill. There are other programs that can do this, but Acrobat Professional
definitely works better in our experience.