What is computer software?

The software is the set of instructions that a computer must follow, that is, all those instructions on what to do and how. The concept of software encompasses everything that is intangible on the computer, which cannot be touched, such as programs and operating systems.

This definition contrasts with hardware, which refers to the physical components of the computer, those devices, devices and equipment that can be touched, seen and manipulated. Without the software, no matter how big or expensive the hardware is, it won't work.

In fact, the word software comes from English; it means "soft merchandise", as opposed to hardware, which means "hard merchandise". Today, the word software has become global as a synonym for computer instructions.

If we compare a computer with a human being, the software would become like the signals of the nervous system that control the functioning of the body.

Types of software:

The software's are varied and must be adapted to the electronic equipment that you want to operate. For example, planes, smartphones, and word processors work with different software.

When we use the computer to listen to music, while we write a text and search for information on the internet, many software is active at the same time. Let's see the different types of software.

BIOS
The basic input/output system or BIOS (for its acronym in English, basic input-output system) is the initial software with which the computer starts and starts. It is the essential software for any computer.

Operating systems:

Its function is to control the physical part of a computer to facilitate its use by the user. The operating system takes control of the computer's activities after the BIOS completes its power-on job.

There are various operating systems, among which we can mention Microsoft Windows, Mac OS X, and Linux for personal computers, iOS, and Android for tablets and smartphones.

The operating system optimizes the use of the processor, memory and input/output equipment allowing users to run various programs efficiently. The database system tries to maximize memory and disk usage to allow different users to access data at the same time.


Utility programs
They are computer maintenance programs. For example information system, disk utility, console, and terminal.

Application software
An application is a software that helps us do something productive or fun on the computer. It is written to perform a particular function. This function does not have to be directly related to the computer. For example, a word processor helps users create texts.

There are two types of application software: generic commercial mass-use software, and custom-made software. Among the best known generic applications we have:

Powerpoint, with which you can make presentations,
The calculator is the calculator,
Google Chrome, to browse the internet,
DVD player: with which DVDs are read, among others.

An example of custom-made application software is the banking system, which handles a particular domain such as a bank's customers, accounts, investments, interest, and deposits.


Communication software
Communication software enables processes for computers to communicate with each other. Examples of these are FTP, email, chat rooms and messaging programs.

Embedded software

Video game equipment works with embedded software.

Embedded software is part of electronic equipment and is used to control the functions of the physical parts of the equipment. For example, on television sets, airplanes, and video games. When an operator presses a button on an airplane controls command, the software performs the corresponding function.

It is characterized because it is designed based on electronic equipment. For example, when we press the microwave keyboard to heat for two minutes at high power, the embedded system orders the microwave to operate at full voltage and turn off after a certain time.

How is the software written?

The basic form of the first software was binary code. This is a numbering system in which there are only two numbers: 0 and 1. Currently, programmers and software engineers write in programming languages, the best known being C ++, Ada, R and JavaScript

Importance of the software:
Today, the software is used to control virtually any electronic device. They are found in the control systems of airplanes, transport and power plants. Also in the electronic devices that we use frequently, such as ovens, microwaves, television, and refrigerators.

Medical equipment such as pacemakers and diagnostic equipment are also controlled by software. In short, modern society depends on the correct operation of the software.

Software engineering
It refers to the application of engineering principles in software construction, that is, the development, operation, and maintenance of software. The professional in charge of this task is known as a system engineer.

Let's make the analogy between a programmer and a system engineer. A programmer writes a complete program as a personalized activity. Instead, a system engineer writes part of the software that will be combined with others to build a system as part of teamwork.

See also What is hardware?