Computer software gives instruction to a computer. Computer parts can be divided into hardware and software.http://www.coolnerds.com/Newbies/Hardware/hardware.htm Hardware understands just two concepts: on and off. This is called binary. Computer software is created to tell the binary what to do. It gives the hardware concepts and directions.
Computer software is usually developed by computer programmers who use a programming language.http://online.onetcenter.org/link/summary/15-1021.00 Programmers write commands in what is called program language. A compiler is another computer program that changes the commands into language the computer can understand. This results in what is called an executable computer program, or software.
The two main kinds of software are system software and application software. System software are the programs installed on the computer that helps the hardware to run correctly. Application software is usually what a person buys at the store to add to the computer.http://www.openprojects.org/software-definition.htm
Software Types
Computer software can be divided into many categories. Some types of software are:
- Computer games - This is an entertainment software category that includes many subcategories. Some of these are strategy, action, adventure, role-playing, shooter and multiplayer online games.
- Driver software - This software allows a computer to interact with add-ons such as printers, scanners and video cards.
- Educational software - Educational software offers an interactive way to teach school subjects. There is a wide range of educational software and it can range from pre-school subjects to college courses and self-improvement.
- Media software - This software can help users to design and edit music, pictures and video.
- Productivity software - Productivity software is often used by businesses big and small. This kind of software can include word processors, database management utilities and presentation software.
- Operating systems - These work with a computer system and allow other programs to run. Some operating systems are Windows Vista, Mac OS X and Linux.http://www.wisegeek.com/what-is-computer-software.htm
Software History
The earliest form of programming was possibly by Jacquard in France in the early 19th century. He designed a loom that performed predefined tasks through feeding punched cards into a reading contraption. This technology would later be adapted by IBM to process data.http://www.thocp.net/software/software_reference/introduction_to_software_history.htm
In the 1950s, computers started to be used for business applications. The 1960s saw the first software products on the market. In the 1970s, the software market was growing steadily. Once computers became the trend in American households, the computer software market continued to grow.http://www.softwarehistory.org//
Computer Software
Computer Connectors teaches the hardware and software in a computer. It shows users how to find a list of software and hardware in the computer. It gives an explanation of operating systems and a rundown of the hardware. A computer technician would find the information helpful when determining what needs to be installed or uninstalled on a computer.
References
Fast Facts
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Software
Gives instructions to a computer
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Major parts of computer
Hardware and software
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Computer programmers
Develop software
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Types of software
System and application
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First software
Developed in the 1960s
