Software

This is the technical term used in the computing world to describe a variety of programmes, procedures and documentation that perform a variety of tasks on a computer system. As compared to hardware which is used to refer to the nuts and bolts of a computer system, software is the adaptable side of computing. Types of software include application software, system software and middleware.

Application software is employed by users to perform a series of tasks with the aim of achieving a particular goal, for example, writing a letter. Often called an app for short, this type of software includes spreadsheets, photo editing, graphics, databases and word processing.

System software is used to refer to computer operating systems. The operating system is responsible for the organisation and sharing of activities of a computer. It also instructs the hardware to interact with application software. Examples of system software include Microsoft Windows, Mac OS and Linux.

Middleware is the software that links applications and the operating system together. As its name suggests, it sits in the middle between various software applications as well as forming the middle layer of a 3-tier architecture system. Examples of middleware include web servers, XML and database systems.