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Software

Without computer programs, or software, our computers would not know what to do. Software is designed to impart instructions to the computer so the computer can carry out the tasks the computer operator requires. These tasks can range from playing games, to performing simple or complex accounting, creating graphics or animation, and just about any other function which it is conceivably possible for a computer to do.

Compared to computer hardware, which is a physical thing that takes up room on your desk, computer software is difficult to describe. It is basically instructions, written in code, telling the hardware of the computer exactly what to do. Computer programmers encode the instructions for the computer as binary data which is then copied to the hard drive of the computer. Since the software is virtual, it is just code, it takes up no room in the computer, only in the memory, and therefore it is usually cheaper and always easier to upgrade the software instead of the computer itself.

A common way to store and transfer software is via CD-ROMs, DVDs and other media. Although technically only the code stored there is the software, it is nevertheless common to refer to these methods of distribution, (CDs, DVDs and such) as software.