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Software

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, UNIX, MacOS and various others), Wordprocessor (typing letters), Spreadsheet (financial info), Database (inventory control and address book), Graphics program, Internet Browser, Email and many others.

 

As well any document that you create, graphic you design, sound you compose, file you make, letter you write, email you send or anything that you create on your computer is referred to as software. All software is stored in files.

 

Software is stored on a disk, card, tape or one of the dozens of other storage devices available.

There are millions of different pieces of software available for almost every conceivable need. Software is available commercially through stores and mail order and also available on the Internet. Software is also available through an Open Source license which allows anyone to use the Open Source software free of charge as long as the license is maintained. If you can't find the application that you need software development companies can custom design software for you.

 

The largest software companies offer packages of software or suites that include many of the programs that the average person or business needs. Software packages or suites contain programs that work together and share information, making it easier to combine that information in versatile ways. For example when writing a letter you can get the mailing address from an address book, include a letterhead from a graphics program and included a financial chart from a spreadsheet and combine this collection of information in the body of the letter.

 

The four basic types of software are; commercial, shareware, open source and freeware.

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 world wide 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 a collaboration of programmers working together. Open source programs are often open for anyone to contribute to and the end products of open source projects are commonly released for public use. 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. There is usually a copyright notice that must remain with the software product and is similar to freeware.

 Freeware is created by generous programmers and developers and released is distributed freely, usually accompanied a copyright notice and terms of service that must remain with the software product. Freeware is generally free for anyone to use and distribute so long as the copyright notice and terms of service remain with the software.

 

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