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Hello, what is up guys. This is Macmaster4848 here, back here for another episode of The
Tech Dictionary. In this episode I will be talking about software.
INTRODUCTION One of the key components to a functioning
computer is the software. Software is usually what you see on a computer monitor.
Software is a set of machine-readable instructions, often in the form of a program that directs
a processor to perform specific operations. The term software is used in contrast with
hardware. If we return to the basics, we may know that
computers consist of two main components, or ideas. These are hardware and software.
Hardware is a physical component or accessory, while software is machine, or hardware, readable
code, while software is what ends up being seen as an operating system or program on
a computer monitor, or as a background process. While we generally tend to refer to software
as specific to computers, we also see software in a wide range of devices such as firmware
in fridges, radios, cars and other devices.
DEFINITION Software is a general term that is used to
describe a set of machine-readable instructions. These instructions direct a computer's processor
to perform operations. Software requires hardware, and vice versa.
The term software mostly refers to the term 'computer software'.
However, the term software also covers other areas. Firmware is often used for appliances
such as radios, where the software is permanently stored in the hardware, this has the qualities
of both software and hardware, as in this case, both the hardware and software cannot
be modified without physically, by hand, modifying components.
TYPES OF SOFTWARE There are three categories of software. These
include 'System Software', 'Application Software' and 'Embedded Software'.
SYSTEM SOFTWARE System software is computer software designed
to operate and control hardware. System software provides a platform for running application
software. The top-level component of system software is the operating system, which I
talked about in another TTD episode; the operating system is a platform for which programs can
be run on and developed. Operating systems are also responsible for providing a graphical
user interface. A graphical user interface, also known as a GUI, is a visual way of interacting
with a computer using interfaces such as windows, images and icons. System software also includes
drivers and the BIOS, which help an operating system communicate with various hardware and
accessories. APPLICATION SOFTWARE
Application software is computer software designed to perform useful tasks. Application
software, commonly known as programs or applications, run on top of the operating system, meaning
that programs communicate with the processor and other hardware via the operating system
and other system software. All of your ordinary software that is not included with your operating
system and don't fall in the category of exceptions are application software.
EMBEDDED SOFTWARE Embedded software is computer software that
is written to control machines or devices such as appliances. These devices are typically
not thought of as computers. The term, embedded software, is related to, and is also known
as firmware. Firmware is stored permanently in hardware and typically cannot be modified
by the end-user. There are a wide range of operating systems that are used by embedded
software. These operating systems are much simpler than standard operating systems such
as Mac or Windows. EXECUTION
Software is loaded into the computer's temporary memory. Once the software is loaded, a computer
is able to execute the software. The process of execution involves a computer carrying
out the instructions of the software. Computer code is written in a high-level language,
such as C++. High-level languages are generally much easier to program in than lower-level
languages. Computer code is compiled by a compiler into a lower-level language that
is simpler and faster for the processor to execute. Compiling is a one-way process. The
term execution in computing refers to a process being carried out, or run.
OUTRO Thank you for watching episode four of The
Tech Dictionary. I hope you found enjoyed this episode and found it informative. Feel
free to subscribe to my channel, macmaster4848, to see future episodes of The Tech Dictionary
and other series.