SOFTWARE is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. SOFTWARE can be thought of as the variable part of a computer and hardware the invariable part. Software is often divided into application software (programs that do work users are directly interested in) and system software (which includes operating systems and any program that supports application software). The term middle ware is sometimes used to describe programming that mediates between application and system software or between two different kinds of application software.
An additional and difficult-to-classify category of software is the utility, which is a small useful program with limited capability. Some utilities come with operating systems. Like applications, utilities tend to be separately installable and capable of being used independently from the rest of the operating system. Applets are small applications that sometimes come with the operating system as “accessories.” They can also be created independently using the Java or other programming languages.
Software can be purchased or acquired as shareware (usually intended for sale after a trial period), lite ware (shareware with some capabilities disabled), freeware, public domain software, and open source .
Software is often packaged on CD-ROMs and diskettes. Today, much purchased software, shareware, and freeware is downloaded over the Internet. A new trend is software that is made available for use at another site known as an application service provider.
Some general kinds of application software include:
Productivity software, which includes word processors, spreadsheets, and tools for use by most computer users:
Presentation software
Graphics software for graphic designers
Specialized scientific applications
Vertical market or industry-specific software (for example, for banking, insurance, retail, and manufacturing environments) .
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