The following outline is provided as an overview of and topical guide to software:

Software collection of computer programs and related data that provides the information for the functioning of a computer. It is held in various forms of memory of the computer. It comprises procedures, algorithms, and documentation concerned with the operation of a data processing system. The term was coined to contrast to the term hardware, meaning physical devices. In contrast to hardware, software "cannot be touched".[1] Software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only. Sometimes the term includes data that has not traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes, and records.[2]

Types

Products

By publisher

By platform

By type

Comparisons

History

Development

Software development entails the establishment of a systems development life cycle of a software product. It encompasses a planned and structured process from the conception of the desired software to its final manifestation,[4] which constitutes computer programming, the process of writing and maintaining the source code. Software development includes research, prototyping, modification, reuse, re-engineering, maintenance, or any other activities that result in software products.[5]

Software engineering

Computer programming

Distribution

Software distribution

Industry

Publications

Influential people

See also

References

  1. "Wordreference.com: WordNet 2.0". Princeton University, Princeton, NJ. Retrieved 2007-08-19.
  2. "software..(n.d.)". Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved 2007-04-13.
  3. "Translation 'teachware'".
  4. "Application Development (AppDev) Defined and Explained".
  5. DRM Associates (2002). "New Product Development Glossary". Retrieved 2006-10-29.
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