'Computer software', or just 'software' is a general term primarily used for
digitally stored data such as computer programs and other kinds of information
read and written by computers. Today, this includes data that has not
traditionally been associated with computers, such as film, tapes and
records.[software..(n.d.). Dictionary.com Unabridged (v 1.1). Retrieved 2007-04-
13, from Dictionary.com website:
http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/software] The term was coined in
order to contrast to the old term hardware (meaning physical devices);
in contrast to hardware, software is intangible, meaning it "cannot be
touched".[{{cite web
| title = Wordreference.com: WordNet 2.0 publisher = Princeton University,
| Princeton, NJ url = http://www.wordreference.com/definition/software
| accessdate = 2007-08-19 }}] . Software is also sometimes used in a more
| narrow sense, meaning application software only. Examples:
* Application software, such as word processors which perform productive tasks
for users.
* Firmware, which is software programmed resident to electrically programmable
memory devices on board mainboards or other types of integrated hardware
carriers.
* Middleware, which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.
* System software such as operating systems, which govern computing resources
and provide convenience for users.
* Software testing is a domain dependent of development and programming.
Software testing consists of various methods to test and declare a software
product fit before it can be launched for use by either an individual or a
group.
* Testware, which is an umbrella term or container term for all utilities and
application software that serve in combination for testing a software package
but not necessarily may optionally contribute to operational purposes. As
such, testware is not a standing configuration but merely a working
environment for application software or subsets thereof.
* Video games (except the hardware part)
* Websites
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