Computer Basics/Software/Computer software

From WikiEducator
Jump to: navigation, search
OtagoPoly Logo S.png




Computer software

Software is any type of program which:

  • contains step by step instructions
  • tells the computer what to do
  • tells the computer how to do it

Without software, a computer system is a collection of plastic and metal parts that wouldn't be able to do anything.


Main types of computer software

There are two types of software programs: system software and application software.


System software controls the computer hardware and the computer system. Examples are:

  • Windows
  • Linux
  • Mac OS X


Application software are programs that make computers perform specific tasks. Examples are:

  • Word processors
  • Spreadsheets
  • Database management systems
  • Internet Browsers