Software -- General Information

Computer software provides instruction that tell the computer how to operate.

1. Software are also called programs.
2. Programs are usually created using other software called programming languages.

There are two (2) main types of software

1. System Software
   • Used by the computer to accomplish a task.
   • What system software does:
     • controls the internal function of the computer
     • controls other devices connected to the CPU
       
       
2. Application Software
   • Used by people to accomplish a specific task.
   • Some common kinds of application software
     • Word Processor software
     • Database software
     • Spreadsheet software
     • Games
     • Web Page Browsers
       

Kinds of Software

1. Public Domain Software
   • Has no copyright - no one owns the right to control who can make copies of the software.
   • Free to use or make copies of.
   • Can be copied, used in other programs, or changed by anyone.
     
     
2. Freeware
   • Has a copyright - someone owns the right to determine who can make copies of the software.
   • Free to use and make copies of.
   • Can only give away exact copies of the software.
   • Can not be changed or used in another program without the copyright holder's permission.
     
     
3. Shareware
   • Has a copyright.
   • Allowed to use the software before paying for it.
     • Can be a demo - which limits some major features like the Save command.
     • Can set an amount of time you can use the software.
     • Can trust that you will pay for it if you like the software.
   • Can only give away exact copies of the software.
   • Can not be changed or used in another program without the copyright holder's permission.
     
     
4. Commercial Software
   • Has the most resistive copyright.
   • Have to buy the software before you can use it.
   • Can usually make one copy of the software as a backup copy.
     • A backup copy is used in case something goes wrong with the original software.
     • Can not give away or sell the backup copy.
   • Can not copy, look at the program's code, change, or use the software in another program without the copyright holder's permission.
   • Commercial Software is the best software in the world.