Computer software

Computer software (or simply software) is essentially a computer program encoded in such a fashion that the program (the instruction set) contents can be changed with minimal effort. Computer software can have various functions such as controlling hardware, performing computations, communication with other software, human interaction, etc; all of which are prescribed in the program.

System and application software

Practical computer systems divide software into two major classes: system software and application software, although the distinction is somewhat arbitrary, and often blurred.

Related Topics:
System software - Application software

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:System software helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes operating systems, device drivers, programming tools, servers, windowing systems, utilities and more.

Related Topics:
System software - Computer hardware - Computer system - Operating system - Device driver - Programming tool - Server - Windowing system

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:Application software allows a user to accomplish one or more specific tasks. Typical applications include office suites, business software, educational software, databases and computer games. Most application software has a graphical user interface (GUI).

Related Topics:
Application software - Task - Office suite - Business software - Educational software - Database - Computer games - Graphical user interface

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