Computer Software and its Application

Computer Software and its Application

Computer software or simply software is any set of machine-readable instructions that directs a computer’s processor to perform specific operations. Computer software contrasts with computer hardware, which is the physical component of computers. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used without the other. Using a musical analogy, the hardware is like a musical instrument and software is like the notes played on that instrument. It is a program that enables a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system (hardware).

Computer software includes computer programs, libraries, and their associated documentation. Each instruction causes the computer to carry out an operation – moving data, carrying out a computation, or altering the control flow of instructions. The word software is also sometimes used in a more narrow sense, meaning application software only. The software is stored in computer memory and is intangible, i.e. it cannot be touched. Thousands of application specific software packages are available to support a specific application of end user in business. These are as follows –

1) Customer relationship management;

2) Enterprise resources planning;

3) Supply chain management;

4) Data warehousing and data mining;

5) Software regarding, accounting, marketing, manufacturing, and HRM financial management etc.

6) E-commerce software;

7) Decision support system (DSS) and data analysis.