The software is the information that the computer uses to get the job done. Software needs to be accessed before it can be used. There are many terms used for the process of accessing software including running, executing, starting up, opening, and others.

Computer programs allow users to complete tasks. A program can also be referred to as an application or app (these words mean the same thing). Programs (apps) become obsolete over time and must be upgraded as some point.

Examples of software programs or applications would be the Operating System (DOS, Windows, UNIX, MacOS and others), Word processor (typing letters), Spreadsheet (financial info), Database (inventory control and address book), Graphics program, Internet Browser, Email, Games and many others.

As well any document that you create, graphic you design, sound you compose, file you make, letter you write, email you send or anything that you create on your computer is referred to as software. All software is stored in files.

Software is stored on a disk, usb drive, card, tape or one of the dozens of other storage devices available.

There are millions of different pieces of software available for almost every conceivable need. Software is available commercially through stores, mail, and also the Internet. Software is also available through an Open Source license which allows anyone to use the Open Source software free of charge as long as the license is maintained. If you can't find the application that you need software development companies can custom design software for you.

The largest software companies offer packages of software or suites that include many of the programs that the average person or business needs. Software packages or suites contain programs that work together and share information, making it easier to combine that information in versatile ways. For example when writing a letter you can get the mailing address from an address book, include a letterhead from a graphics program and included a financial chart from a spreadsheet and combine this collection of information in the body of the letter.

Software can be; commercial, shareware or freeware, or open source.

Commercial software comes prepackaged and is available from software stores and through the Internet. It can be a one-time purchase or a subscriptions. Commercial software comes with an end user agreement and a copyright license that must be adhered to.

Shareware or Freeware is software developed by individuals or companies that release a 'free' version of their product. Many shareware programs and games display advertisements which provide the developer with income. Some shareware has an evaluation period in which to decide whether to purchase the product or not. Some offer a 'pro' version that has more features for a fee. Freeware is usually released into the public domain without an end user license.

Open Source  software is created by a programmer or collaboration of programmers or company(ies). Open source programs are open for anyone to contribute to and the end products of open source projects are commonly released for public use. Open Source software is not public domain in that the company or individual that develops the software retains ownership of the program but the software can be used freely. Many popular Open Source applications are being developed and upgraded regularly by individuals and companies that believe in the Open Source concept. There is usually a copyright notice that must remain with the software product.

Operating Systems

All computers and devices need some sort of Operating System. The majority of modern home computers use some form of Microsoft's operating systems or Apple's OS. The original Microsoft operating system was called DOS (Disk Operating System) though computers now use Windows. Windows comes in various versions with a new version released every few years. Apple's Mac use their own operating system beginning with OS 1 through to OS 10.x. The majority of tablets and phones use either Apple's OS or Google's Android. Some companies and institutions will have an operating system design exclusively for their use but as the commercial operating systems become more sophisticated the benefits of this practice is becoming less apparent. Some computer professionals, Internet Service Providers (ISP) and mainframe computer users use an operating system such as UNIX (or a Linux), Windows server or one of the other network or server based operating systems.

There are many smaller operating systems out there. The problem is that software is currently being developed only for the main operating systems and only the newest versions of these operating systems. Many older computers with unique operating systems have lots of software already developed for them but there is very little new software being developed for the older computers. The older operating systems are less likely to offer technical support.

The operating system controls the input and output or directs the flow of information to and from the CPU.

When you turn your computer on it first needs to load the operating system. Basically the computer starts from scratch every time you turn the power on.

It checks all its components and will usually display a message if there is a problem. Loading the operating system is usually automatic.

Once the system is loaded the application or program can be started.

Most computer users will run Microsoft Windows, Mac OS or Linux as their operating system. These OS are Graphic User Interface (GUI) which allows the user to control or run the computer using a Mouse or Touch screen. The user moves the mouse on a flat surface or moves their hand over the screen or touch pad to control a pointer. They then choose the option they want by pressing a button or tapping the screen or pad.

Without a GUI the user controls the computer using the keys on the keyboard. Programmers will use a Command Line Interface (CLI) and type commands to control their computer.

Disk and Storage

Disks, drives, cards and other storage devices are used to store information. All information on computers is stored in files. The size of a file is measured in bytes.

A byte is approximately one character (letter 'a', number '1', symbol '?' etc....).

A byte is made up of 8 bits. A bit is simply an on or an off signal which passes through the computers circuitry. Every piece of software can be broken down into a series of on or off signals or it's Binary Code.

• About a thousand bytes is a kilobyte (Kb).
• About a million bytes is a megabyte (Mb).
• About a billion bytes is a gigabyte (Gb).
• About a trillion bytes is a terabyte (Tb)

* Editor's Note: I say 'about' because everything in computers must be divisible by 8 so a kilobyte is actually 1,024 bytes. Search Wikipedia as an excellent resource more detailed information.

Disk are a common way of transporting information such as bringing files home from work or sharing files. Floppy disks have become less useful as file sizes increase and CD/DVDs  Portable and Flash drives are more common. Most software is downloaded from the internet but can also be is sold on a CD/DVD. Internal Hard disks are the most common storage device.

Compact disks or (CD) and Digital Video Devices (DVD) can store large amounts of information. One CD will store 650 Mb. Compact Disk Read Only Memory (CD-ROM) can only be read and Compact Disk - Read/Write (CD-RW) can be written to as well. CD/DVD drives can copy information or burn information on to a blank CD. Common Read Only CD blanks can only be written to once though more expensive Read/Write CD's can be used over again.

DVD disks can store 4.5 GB on standard disk, 8 GB on a dual layer disk and 16 GB on a blu-ray disk.

Digital recorders or External drives allow you to store large files, such as movies, on a single disk. The amount of storage space depends on the size of the disk.

Hard disks store the majority of information on today's modern computer. Some of the first hard disk stored 10 to 40 MB. Today a standard hard disk can store multiple Gb or Tb of data (this number is constantly increasing). Information can be stored and deleted as necessary. As files get larger the speed that hard disks can read and write become more important.

Solid-state drives, Flash drives or Memory cards range in size. Unlike hard drives there are no moving parts.

There are many other storage devices including tape, portable disk drives and many others. Innovation in storage technology is advancing rapidly and some technologies have become obsolete, such as the floppy disk as new ones are developed.

Information is stored in an electromagnetic form much like a cassette or video tape. It is important to backup or copy your important files to another storage device so that you have a copy if the original version becomes corrupted.

Note: Keep electromagnetic storage devices away from strong electric or magnetic fields including x-rays. Be aware of high electromagnetic areas in the room such as televisions, speakers, high tension wires, etc... Use disks only at room temperature and keep them out of direct sunlight. If possible avoid passing electromagnetic storage devices through airport x-rays. In theory information stored on a disk will last indefinitely but the physical storage device will wear out with usage and time so be sure to back up (copy) your important files to a second storage device.