Introduction

What is Software?

A simple question: "What is software?" A very simple answer is: Hardware you can touch, software you can't. But that is too simple indeed.

The software is the information that the computer uses to get the job done. Software needs to be accessed before it can be used. There are many terms used for process of accessing software including running, executing, starting up, opening, and others.
Computer programs allow users to complete tasks. A program can also be referred to as an application and the two words are used interchangeably.
Examples of software programs or applications would be the Operating System (DOS, Windows 9x/Millenium/XP/Vista, O/S2, UNIX, MacOS 9.x/10.x and various others), Wordprocessors (typing letters), Spreadsheet (financial info), Database (inventory control and address book), Graphics program, Internet Browser, Email and many others.

Types

The three basic types of software are; commercial, shareware and open source software. Some software is also released into the public domain without a license.
Commercial software comes prepackaged and is available from software stores and through the Internet.
Shareware is software developed by individual and small companies that cannot afford to market their software worldwide or by a company that wants to release a demonstration version of their commercial product. You will have an evaluation period in which you can decide whether to purchase the product or not. Shareware software often is disabled in some way and has a notice attached to explain the legal requirements for using the product.

Open Source software is created by generous programmers and released into the public domain for public use. There is usually a copyright notice that must remain with the software product. Open Source software is not public domain in that the company or individual that develops the software retains ownership of the program but the software can be used freely. Many popular Open Source applications are being developed and upgraded regularly by individuals and companies that believe in the Open Source concept.