A Closer Look: Definition of Computer Software

Computers are a major force of the 21st century, but while many people are proficient users, they don't know what a common term like software means. According to the YourDictionary definition of "software," the word refers to "The programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the functioning of its hardware and its direct operation."

Basically, software is a collection of information. To further explain what exactly that means, Open Project distinguishes between system software and application software.

System Software

System software refers to items that control hardware units of the computer to make these operations more user friendly. For example, login authentications, file managers and text editors are examples of types of system software.

Application Software

Think of Microsoft Office as an example of application software. It is a package of different programs that allow the user to perform different tasks. The software is put onto the computer, and then it is available to create spreadsheets or for word processing.