Software

Definition of software:

Software is a collection of instructions, data, and programs used to operate computers and perform specific tasks. It is the counterpart of hardware, which refers to the physical components of a computer. Software encompasses applications, scripts, and programs that run on devices, making it the variable part of a computer while hardware remains constant.

System software

There are two main categories of software: application software and system software.

 Application software serves specific purposes and performs tasks, while system software manages a computer's hardware and provides a platform for applications to run on.

Other types of software include programming software, which equips developers with the necessary tools for writing code; middleware, which acts as a mediator between system software and applications; and driver software, which operates computer devices and peripherals.

In the past, software was tailored for specific computers and sold together with the hardware it supported. In the 1980s, software started being distributed on floppy disks, and later on CDs and DVDs. Nowadays, most software is purchased and directly downloaded from the internet, either from vendor websites or application service provider websites.

Examples and types of software

The most common types of software include application software and system software. Application software is a package of computer programs that fulfill specific user needs or perform tasks. It can be self-contained or consist of multiple programs working together. Examples of application software include office suites, graphics software, databases, web browsers, word processors, software development tools, image editors, and communication platforms.

System software, on the other hand, runs a computer's application programs and manages the hardware. It coordinates the functions of the hardware and software, controlling the operations of the computer and providing an environment for other types of software to operate. The operating system (OS) is a prime example of system software.

Driver software, also known as device drivers, falls under the category of system software. It controls computer devices and peripherals, enabling them to perform their specific functions. Every connected device requires at least one device driver to operate properly, ranging from nonstandard hardware like game controllers to standard hardware like USB storage devices, keyboards, headphones, and printers.

Middleware is software that facilitates communication between application and system software or different types of application software. For instance, it enables Microsoft Windows to interact with programs like Excel and Word. Middleware is also used to send work requests between applications running on computers with different operating systems, as well as to enable compatibility between newer and legacy applications.

Programming software and programming tools are utilized by computer programmers to write code. They provide the necessary resources for developers to develop, write, test, and debug software programs. Examples of programming software include assemblers, compilers, debuggers, and interpreters.

Software can be categorized into two types: application software and system software. Application software consists of programs that perform specific functions for end users, such as report writing and web browsing. These applications rely on the computer's operating system and other supporting system software to function. They are installed on a user's computer, utilize its memory, and do not require an internet connection to operate. Web applications, on the other hand, solely require internet access and can be launched from devices with web browsers.

System software acts as an intermediary between computer hardware and application software. It operates in the background and handles the fundamental functions of the computer. Users do not directly interact with system software, but it enables high-level application software to run smoothly. System software starts executing when a computer boots up and continues to run as long as the system remains on.

Design and implementation

The software development lifecycle is a framework used by project managers to describe the stages and tasks involved in designing software. The process begins with planning and analyzing user needs, followed by designing and implementing the software. Testing and maintenance ensure that the software functions properly and remains operational.

Software design encompasses the structure of the software, including data models, system component interfaces, and algorithms. It involves architectural design, which outlines the overall system structure, high-level design, which details the system's modules and functions, and detailed design, which covers the implementation specifics.

How to maintain software quality

Software quality is measured by its ability to meet functional and nonfunctional requirements. Functional requirements pertain to what the software should do, while nonfunctional requirements focus on how the system should operate. Software testing is essential for detecting and resolving technical issues within the code and ensuring the software's usability, performance, security, and compatibility.

Software quality is determined by various characteristics, including accessibility, compatibility, efficiency, functionality, installability, localization, maintainability, performance, portability, reliability, scalability, security, testability, and usability. These dimensions assess the software's ability to perform its intended functions, operate under specific conditions, and meet user requirements.

Overall, software plays a crucial role in computer operations, executing tasks, and meeting user needs. Its different categories and types cater to various purposes and enable the smooth functioning of computers and devices.

Software licensing and patents

A software license is a legally enforceable agreement that imposes limitations on the utilization and dissemination of software. It grants users the right to use the software without violating copyright and outlines the responsibilities of the parties involved. The license may impose limitations on how the software can be used and typically includes terms and conditions such as fair use, liability limitations, warranties, disclaimers, and protections for intellectual property rights.Software licenses can be for proprietary software, which remains the property of the creator, or for free software, where users have the freedom to run, study, change, and distribute the software. Open source software is a type of free software that is developed collaboratively, with its source code freely available. Users of open source software have similar rights as those of free software.

In recent years, software vendors have shifted from selling one-time licenses to a subscription-based model known as software-as-a-service (SaaS). This model involves hosting the software in the cloud and providing access to customers through a subscription fee, allowing them to use the software over the internet.

While copyright protects against direct copying of code, it does not prevent independent development of similar software. On the other hand, a patent enables developers to prevent others from using the functional aspects of their software, even if developed independently.

History of software

The history of software dates back to the late 1950s when programming software was not readily available. Users had to write their own software, mainly scientists and large enterprises. The timeline of software history includes milestones such as the creation of the first software for the Manchester Baby computer in 1948, the introduction of floppy disks in the early 1950s, the release of the Unix OS in 1971, and the launch of the free software movement in 1983.

Throughout the years, advancements such as the release of Mac OS, Microsoft Windows, and the development of key software applications have shaped the software industry. The introduction of CD-ROMs, DVDs, and the rise of cloud computing have also influenced the distribution and delivery of software. Currently, the internet and the cloud have become the primary platforms for software distribution, with subscription-based models and SaaS becoming increasingly common. The advent of mobile applications and the shift from physical media to digital downloads have further transformed the software landscape.