A patch is used to update the software.
Software is a set of programs, instructions and computer rules that allow different tasks to be executed on a computer. It is a word that comes from the English language but, thanks to widespread use, has been accepted by the Royal Spanish Academy .
Software is considered to be the logical and intangible equipment of a computer . In other words, the concept of software covers all computer applications , such as word processors, spreadsheets, image editors, audio players and video games, among many others.
The programming
The software is developed using different programming languages , which allow controlling the behavior of a machine. These languages consist of a set of symbols and syntactic and semantic rules that define the meaning of their elements and expressions.
A programming language enables software programmers to specify, precisely, what data a computer should operate on.
Types of software
Within the types of software, one of the most important is system software or base software , which allows the user to have control over the hardware (physical components) and support other computer programs. The so-called operating systems , which start working when the computer is turned on, are basic software.
The firmware (which is responsible for the physical control of the hardware) and the drivers (oriented towards the interaction between the operating system and the peripherals) are also part of the system software.
In a company, meanwhile, office software , management software (ERP) and customer relationship software (CRM) are usually used, for example.
Among the security software , it is possible to highlight the antivirus and the firewall . These programs seek to prevent damage caused by malicious software ( malware ) such as spyware and ransomware .
According to the software license, a distinction can be made between shareware (allows free use with limitations), freeware (with free distribution) and adware (includes advertising), in addition to commercial software.
If we focus on the source code, there is proprietary software (it cannot be modified or adapted) and free software (whose code is accessible and can be modified and used freely). Open source software , meanwhile, presents its source code under an open source license.
Educational software favors the development of learning processes.
The complexity
Returning to software development , given that it covers so many very different fields, it is correct to say that it can also have very different degrees of complexity: programming a small application that stores a list of names, telephone numbers and email addresses does not require the same knowledge or skills that programming a video game requires. Nor are the innate abilities or talents needed for both fields the same: while the first pursues the development of simple and small products, the second is related to technological innovation at a very high level.
However, within the same company, teams of developers that create different types of software can coexist. For example, making a video game requires the use of programs for creating graphics, animations, maps, graphic interface elements, physics simulation and musical composition, among others, so that the skills of many people are combined.
Microsoft Office includes word processors, spreadsheets, and other types of software.
Software Examples
The Chrome web browser is an example of software. This program , like all of its kind, allows you to access sites on the Internet.
An example of graphic design software is Photoshop , very popular when editing images. Among audio software, meanwhile, an example is Audacity , which helps trim sounds, also making it possible to incorporate effects.
All mobile applications downloaded from the App Store or Google Play Store are also examples of software.
Its importance in the economy
The software development industry has become an important player in the global economy, moving millions of dollars a year. The largest and most popular company in the world is Microsoft , founded in 1975 by Bill Gates and Paul Allen . This company managed to transcend thanks to its Windows operating system and its Office suite of office programs.
In recent decades, software development has become increasingly relevant to the economy , as it covers a wide range of jobs and supplies programs to many very different markets. It is enough to take a look at stores to realize that even refrigerators have software to control different aspects of their operation. This is not exactly a feature of the latest generation devices, since the software has been in home appliances for many years now, but not always with such a clear and accessible interface for the user.
The presence of a screen to interact with a program is the norm today, but it was not always like this, precisely because it is not a requirement of the software but a tool that provides comfort to the person and opens the doors to greater control . Despite this, consumers with a lower degree of technical knowledge need this visual element to be aware that they are purchasing a product that has software.