the programs, routines, etc. for a computer or computer system
Origin of software
soft + (hard)ware
noun
Software is the programs and routines for a computer or the program material for an electronic device which make it run.
An example of software is Excel or Windows or iTunes.
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software
Webster's New World College Dictionary, Fifth Edition Copyright © 2014 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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software
noun
ComputersThe programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the functioning of the hardware and direct its operation.
THE AMERICAN HERITAGE® DICTIONARY OF THE ENGLISH LANGUAGE, FIFTH EDITION by the Editors of the American Heritage Dictionaries. Copyright © 2016, 2011 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
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The programs, programming languages, and data that direct the operations of a computer system. Word processing programs and Internet browsers are examples of software.
Compare hardware
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Noun
(uncountable)
- (computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware.
Hyponyms
- See also software
terms etymologically related to "software"
English Wiktionary. Available under CC-BY-SA license.
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software - Computer Definition
The programs and routines for a computer system. System software includes programs and routines required to run the computer. Application software includes programs that enable users to perform tasks that use computer resources. Synonymous with software program. See also firmware, grayware, hardware, and freeware.
Webster's New World Telecom Dictionary Copyright © 2010 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Indianapolis, Indiana.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
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Instructions for the computer. A series of instructions that performs a particular task is called a "program." The two major software categories are "system software" and "application software." System Software Runs the Computer System software is made up of the operating system and other control programs for managing the hardware and running the applications. Application Software Runs the Business Application software is any program that processes data for the user (inventory, payroll, spreadsheet, word processor). Even games and DVD playback software are applications. The terms "software," "program" and "application" are synonymous and commonly interchanged in the same discussion. See system software, application software, information system, data processing and wares. Software Is Not Data A common misconception is that software is data. It is not. Software tells the hardware how to process the data. Software is "run." Data are "processed."
Computer Desktop Encyclopedia THIS DEFINITION IS FOR PERSONAL USE ONLY All other reproduction is strictly prohibited without permission from the publisher. © 1981-2017 The Computer Language Company Inc. All rights reserved.
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