Here i have listed some of the most common glossary of computer terms. Counterfeit software is commonly produced using a cd burnerto copy the. Software, in its most general sense, is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. Asked in computer hardware what is the definition of a system. Such software is called a device driver, and it controls io to the peripheral. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, with such patches usually being called bugfixes or bug fixes, and improving the functionality, usability or performance. Freeware is completely free software that never requires payment, as long as it is not modified. Related terms such as software programs, applications, scripts, and instruction sets all fall under the category of computer software. Software, instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software is a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions, often broken into two major categories.
Basic computer terms list of important computer terms. Software definition of software by the free dictionary. Shareware is software that you can use on a trial basis before paying for it. A peripheral device that reads andor writes information on a disk. System software also includes the software needed to access a peripheral device connected to the computer. The firmware for a cd drive or the firmware for a modem are examples of firmware. This definition explains what software is, what it does and how it works. What is the definition of hardware and software answers. Jan 16, 20 malicious software, commonly known as malware, is any software that brings harm to a computer system. Glossary of computer system software development terminology 895 note. You may have a program for word processing, for example. Computer software law and legal definition uslegal, inc.
Computer terminology understanding computer definitions and abbreviations. Typical examples include office suites and video games. The device drivers may come already installed in the os, or you may have to install or update a driver when you add a new peripheral device. Therefore, installing new programs or applications on your computer is synonymous with installing new software on your computer. This includes fixing security vulnerabilities and other bugs, with such patches usually being called bugfixes or bug fixes, better source needed and improving the functionality, usability or performance patches may be installed either under programmed control or by a human. Organized information in the form of operating systems, utilities, programs, and applications that enable computers to work. The source of such definitions appears immediately following the term or. Software engineering is a detailed study of engineering to the design, development and maintenance of software. Device drivers which operate or control a particular type of device that is attached to. Applications are programs that are designed to perform a specific operation, such as a game or a word processor. I felt like its slowing me down on my net escapade. Shareware definition the tech terms computer dictionary.
It procurement software is an application or product suite that automates and coordinates tasks involved with the acquisition of information technologyrelated products and services. Btw, the rest of the term are very basic, so yeah, we all should know it. Diagnostic software is defined as computer programs that determine problems and issues in hardware and software on the computer. Dictionary term of the day articles subjects businessdictionary business dictionary. The terms software and hardware are used as both nouns and adjectives. Spyware is software that secretly monitors computer activity, attempting to gain private information without the computer user knowing. Software is often used to describe all the functional aspects of a computer that do not refer to its physical components hardware. A software license is a document that provides legally binding guidelines for the use and distribution of software.
A patch is a set of changes to a computer program or its supporting data designed to update, fix, or improve it. Internet terms hardware terms software terms technical terms file formats bits and bytes tech acronyms. Counterfeit software would include the illegal copying and distribution of commercial software on cd or dvd along with any accompanying manuals that the original legitimate software was sold with. Computer terminology dynamic web solutions pty ltd. Glossary of computer system software development terminology.
Software simple english wikipedia, the free encyclopedia. Free software shareware or trial software is software that gives you a few days to try the software before you have to buy. Computer software is the general term for a variety of. Computer software, or simply software, is a collection of data or computer instructions that tell the computer how to work. The picture shows a microsoft excel box, an example of a spreadsheet software program. Software is a set of instructions, data or programs used to operate computers and execute specific tasks. Computer software is the general term for a variety of procedures and routines that harness the computational. Software definition the tech terms computer dictionary. Open source projects, products, or initiatives embrace and celebrate principles of open exchange, collaborative. Software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system hardware. The term was coined to differentiate these instructions from hardwarei. Its a good thing theres no captcha here on your comment system. Information about computer software in the dictionary, synonyms and antonyms.
It relates to both computer hardware and computer software names of many computer terms, especially computer applications, often relate to the function they perform, e. The computers physical components are called hardware. A software tool used to perform calculations or determine accuracy of computer manipulated program variables. Computer software, also called software, is a set of instructions and its. Computer software definition of computer software by the.
Unlike freeware, shareware often has limited functionality or may only be used for a limited time before requiring payment and registration. The problem lies in the software, meaning that there is a problem with. Basic computer terms hardware the physical parts of a computer cpu. Computer software is programming code executed on a computer processor. The code can be machinelevel code, or code written for an operating system. Intangible personal property consisting of mathematical codes, programs, routines, and other functions that controls the functioning and operation of a computer s hardware. Mar 31, 2020 software, in its most general sense, is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. Malicious software, commonly known as malware, is any software that brings harm to a computer system. Today, however, open source designates a broader set of valueswhat we call the open source way. Proper usage and audio pronunciation plus ipa phonetic transcription of the word computer software. Learn vocabulary, terms, and more with flashcards, games, and other study tools.
May 21, 2019 software is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system hardware. Anything that can be stored electronically is software, in contrast to storage devices and display devices which are called hardware the difference between software and hardware. Computer software, or simply software, is a collection of data or computer instructions that tell. The problem lies in the software, meaning that there is a problem with the program or data, not with the computer itself. Problems arise when a software generally exceeds timelines, budgets, and reduced levels of quality. This document is reference material for investigators and other fda personnel. The term hardware describes the physical aspects of computers and related devices. Computer software, also called software, is a set of instructions and its documentations that tells a computer what to do or how to perform a task.
Software is a general term for the various kinds of program s used to operate computer s and related devices. For example, without your internet browser software, you could not surf the internet or read this page. Intangible personal property consisting of mathematical codes, programs, routines, and other functions that controls the functioning and operation of a computers hardware. The term originated in the context of software development to designate a specific approach to creating computer programs. The principal terms of the shrinkwrap license include prohibiting the unauthorized copying and renting of the software, prohibiting reverse engineering figuring out how the software works and modifications of the software, limiting the use of the software to one computer, disclaiming warranties, and limiting liabilities. I like the term captcha, but most of the time it annoys me. List of computer software terms, definitions, and words relating to computer software. Dictionary of software terms the tech terms computer. Software is a generic term used to describe computer programs that run on pcs, mobile phones, tablets, or other smart devices.
A computer encyclopedia or computer glossary can provide commonly used terms, abbreviations and support your learning about systems. It relates to both computer hardware and computer software. Operating systems which are essential collections of software that manage resources. Software is the term used to describe the instructions needed to make the computer work. Software includes all different software programs on a computer, such as applications and the operating system. Once you pay for a shareware program, the program is fully functional and. A widget is an element of a graphical user interface gui that displays information or provides a specific way for a user to interact with the operating system or an application.
Computer programs that assist bookkeepers and accountants in recording and reporting on a firms financial transactions. Counterfeit software is commonly produced using a cd burnerto copy the software and photocopies are made of the manual. Here are the remaining list of basic computer terms. Software may also be written in a lowlevel assembly language, which has strong. The computer s physical components are called hardware.
Use computer terminology and develop your computer vocabulary. Sometimes abbreviated as sw and sw, software is a collection of instructions that enable the user to interact with a computer, its hardware, or perform tasks. Although the terms computer science and software engineering are often used. The code can be machinelevel code, or code written for an. The term software refers to the set of electronic program instructions or data a computer processor reads in order to perform a task or operation. Software is also called a program and is a set of computer files that are used to perform various actions on the computer.
Related terms such as software programs, applications, scripts, and. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work. In computer science and software engineering, computer software is all information processed by computer systems. This is a list of the origins of computerrelated terms or terms used in the computing world i. An application used to access a database of files stored remotely on the world wide web.
This is a list of the origins of computer related terms or terms used in the computing world i. Computer software is a general term that describes computer programs. Software engineering was introduced to address the issues of lowquality software projects. Malware can be in the form of worms, viruses, trojans, spyware, adware and rootkits, etc. Broadband connections are generally always on, unlike modem connections. Without an operating system, the browser could not run on your computer. Once you pay for a shareware program, the program is fully functional and the time limit is removed. A type of software piracy that occurs when fake copies of software are produced in such a way that they appear to be authentic. Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system. Intangible personal property consisting of mathematical codes, programs, routines, and other functions that controls the functioning and operation of a computers hardware software instructs a computer what to do. Software definition, the programs used to direct the operation of a computer, as well as documentation giving instructions on how to use them. A glossary of computer and internet terms with definitions that are easy to understand. System software is also designed for providing a platform for running application software, and it includes the following. The terms are defined, as much as possible, using available standards.
630 925 1057 168 1469 749 657 848 1253 492 1169 155 789 666 1318 837 529 413 651 1224 20 230 1265 111 298 182 217 1544 441 1191 750 807 1013 1424 557 1033 1539 356 539 269 60 487 1057 1325 518