Definition
What is software and what does it do? It is a term used to describe a computer program or collection of programs that perform a function, where a program consists of an ordered sequence of instructions that tells a computer what to do and how to do it.
Application software includes word processors, and perform productive tasks. System software, such as operating systems, interface with hardware to provide services for applications. Middleware control and co-ordinate distributed systems.
Typical applications include word processing, adware, industrial automation, aviation, accounting, graphics, photography, educational, medical, tax preparation, real estate and computer games. Software is used in almost every field of human activity.
What is software? At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor. A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions which tell the computer what to do.