What is Computer Software?
Computer software is so called in contrast to computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. The distinction between computer software and computer hardware is sometimes confusing because they are so integrally linked. Clearly, when you purchase a computer program (video games, operating systems, etc.), you are buying software. But to buy the software, you need to buy the disk (hardware) on which the software is read or recorded.

Software is often divided into two categories:

Systems software: Includes the operating system and all the utilities that enable the computer to function.

Applications software: Includes programs that do real work for users. For example, word processors, spreadsheets, and database management systems fall under the category of applications software.