if you want to know what is software?, you are at the right place. We will tell you what is computer software, and what software means. So friends, for complete information about software, do read this post till the end.
Software is called the soul of any computer or mobile. Just like our soul cannot be seen, similarly, software is also not visible to us, but for any kind of work to be done on a computer, software is required. Without software, a computer is like a lifeless thing.
All the work we do on a computer, like creating files, making documents, listening to songs, making videos – all these tasks we do with the help of software.
So let’s begin with TMI.
What is Software?
Software is a collection of many programs that provide instructions to the computer about what to do and how to do it. In other words, software acts as an interface between the user and the computer. It is a set of instructions used to command the hardware. Through this, we receive output.
All the tasks we perform are done with the help of software. Software refers to those set of instructions which are fed in the form of programs.
If we talk about the full form of software, let me tell you – software has no full form, it is called computer software even in Hindi. After reading this, you must have understood what software means. Moving forward, we are going to give you complete information about software.
Some examples of software that everyone knows:
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MS Word
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Google Chrome
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Adobe Photoshop
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VLC Player
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AutoCad
Definition of Software:
A set of instruction codes or a collection of programs is called software. Software makes a computer usable for the user.
To operate computer hardware, various sets of instructions or codes, called computer programs, are used. This is what we call “software”—it tells the computer what to do and how to do it. Examples include all computer software, applications, and operating systems, etc.
So now you’ve understood what software is. Let’s move on and understand how many types of software there are.
Types of Software:
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System Software:
These are the software that handle background tasks in the computer. They are called system software because they help run the computer. With their help, the computer can operate other components like hardware. Any kind of software you install is run by a program. If we talk about system software, they are of many types, commonly known as the operating system.
Examples:
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Operating System
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Assembler
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Compiler
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Interpreter
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Application Software:
This is a group of programs created to perform specific tasks such as learning, personal, or professional work. Some examples of application software are:
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Photoshop
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PageMaker
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PowerPoint
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MS Word
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MS Excel
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Utility Software:
These programs help any computer work in a better and efficient way. Utility software improves the operating system of the computer. It makes computer tasks easier and keeps the system secure in various ways.
How is software created?
Creating computer software can be a little difficult for you. For this, you need good knowledge of programming languages and a lot of patience. Only then can you become a professional software developer. But no task is impossible if you are determined to do it.
To create any kind of software, programming languages are required. Many types of programming languages have been developed for this, through which you can make software according to various needs.
If you want to make and learn software, then you must know about programming languages. You can start with some easily learned programming languages and try your hand at computer coding, like C, C++, Java.
These are some software that almost everyone uses…
How to Maintain Software Quality
Keeping software high-quality means making sure it does exactly what it’s supposed to do (functional requirements) and works well in every other way that matters (nonfunctional requirements, like security and ease of use).
Here’s a quick breakdown:
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Functional Requirements:
What the software does—like calculations, data handling, and features that fulfil its main purpose. -
Nonfunctional Requirements (Quality Attributes):
How the software works—from being easy and safe to use, to working on different devices, and recovering from errors.Why Test Software?
Testing helps catch and fix problems, checks if features work as intended, and makes sure the software is reliable, secure, user-friendly, and quick.
Key Aspects of Software Quality:
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Accessibility:
Can everyone use it, including people who need assistive tools (like screen readers or voice commands)? -
Compatibility:
Does it work well across various devices, operating systems, or browsers? -
Efficiency:
Does the software run smoothly without wasting time or resources? -
Functionality:
Are all features working as they should? -
Installation:
Is it easy to install on different computers or devices? -
Localization:
Can the software adapt to different languages, regions, or time zones? -
Maintainability:
How easy is it to update, fix bugs, or add new features? -
Performance:
Is it fast, even when many people are using it at once? -
Portability:
Can you move the software to a different computer or system easily? -
Reliability:
Does it work consistently without errors? -
Scalability:
Can it handle more users or data if needed? -
Security:
Is your data safe from hackers or malware? -
Testability:
Can you test it quickly and easily to find issues? -
Usability:
Is it simple and straightforward for users to understand and operate?Making sure all these aspects are covered helps build software that not only works, but works well for everyone. Regular testing and updates are key to maintaining quality over time. If you keep these points in mind, your software will be reliable, efficient, and user-friendly!
Names and Uses of Some Software:
Software Name Purpose Type AVG, McAfee, Norton Computer Security Antivirus Program VLC, Windows Music Player Play Audio Sound Programs Computer Drivers Hardware Communication Utility Gmail, Outlook, Thunderbird Email Communication Chrome, Firefox, Edge Internet Browsing Web Browser Paint, Photoshop Graphics Handling Graphic Software Word, Notepad, WordPad Create Documents Word Editor MS Excel Make Spreadsheets Spreadsheet Program Presentation Creating Slides Presentation Program Summary of What You Learned:
This article covered the basics of software, its different types, common examples, and how software is developed. Our goal was to make these concepts clear and useful for you. If anything is still unclear or you want to know more, just drop your questions in the comments—we’re here to help!
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