Computer Software
Software is a collection of programs and applications installed on your computer. There are different types of software, but I will focus on two main types, system software and application software. System software is related to the workings of your computer. For example, Windows is an operating system that may be installed on your computer. You may have Windows XP or Windows Vista. Windows supports the running of programs by you being the user. Another example of system software is a device driver. If you wanted to purchase a printer to connect to your computer, you would need to install the driver or printer software on your computer so that the printer and computer can communicate and work together.
Application software uses your computer to perform a task that you directly wish to do - you being the user making application of the software, telling it what to do.
As an example, Microsoft Office is software that has 3-4 individual software programs which are bundled together to form a application software package. By using Microsoft Word, you can type, create a letter, resume or other word processing functions. Microsoft Powerpoint allows you to create presentations, flyers and slides. Microsoft Excel allows you to create spreadsheets and Microsoft Access allows you to create and maintain a database. Another example of application software is the popular ITunes. With this software, you can download, copy, and transfer music. If you see and hear of words such as: software, application, program - these are all referring to basically the same thing.
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