Outline of software: Difference between revisions

Topical guide to software

This outline is an overview of software and a topical guide in list form.

Software is a comprehensive term for a collection of computer programs and related data that provides the information for the functioning of a computer. It is held in various forms of memory of the computer. It comprises procedures, algorithms, and documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system. The term was coined to contrast to the term hardware, meaning physical devices. In contrast to hardware, software “cannot be touched”.^[1] Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only. Sometimes the term includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes, and records.^[2]

Software is a form of technology, specifically computer technology, and represents a set of tools.

• Application software – end-user applications of computers such as word processors or video games, and ERP software for groups of users.
• Middleware controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
• Programming languages – define the syntax and semantics of computer programs. For example, many mature banking applications were written in the language COBOL, invented in 1959. Newer applications are often written in more modern languages.
• System software – provides the basic functions for computer usage and helps run the computer hardware and system. It includes a combination of the following:
• Teachware – any special breed of software or other means of product dedicated to education purposes in software engineering and beyond in general education.^[3]
• Testware – any software for testing hardware or software.
• Firmware – low-level software often stored on electrically programmable memory devices. Firmware is given its name because it is treated like hardware and run (“executed”) by other software programs. Firmware often is not accessible for change by other entities but the developers’ enterprises.
• Shrinkware is the older name given to consumer-purchased software, because it was often sold in retail stores in a shrink wrapped box.
• Device drivers – control parts of computers such as disk drives, printers, CD drives, or computer monitors.
• Programming tools – assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using various programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include:

Products[edit]

By publisher[edit]

By platform[edit]

By type[edit]

Comparisons[edit]

History[edit]

Development[edit]

Software development entails the establishment of a systems development life cycle of a software product. It encompasses a planned and structured process from the conception of the desired software to its final manifestation,^[4] which constitutes computer programming, the process of writing and maintaining the source code. Software development includes research, prototyping, modification, reuse, re-engineering, maintenance, or any other activities that result in software products.^[5]

Software engineering[edit]

Computer programming[edit]

Distribution[edit]

Software distribution –

Industry[edit]

Publications[edit]

Influential people[edit]

See also[edit]

References[edit]

External links[edit]