The software has become a part of human life and many people hear about "software" at least a few times a week but most of them don't understand what software is.
Software is the main part of computer performance and it is the provider of certain solutions for a function. The software is a pillar of digital transformation. Basically, it is a set of programs that can run as a single unit on a computer with the help of hardware. Software and hardware are inseparable from each other. Software without hardware will not "work" and hardware without software is a device made of plastic, glass, metal, and wires but without meaning. Today, top software development companies play an important role in human civilization.
Main software characteristics:
- As the giver of the order.
- Bridge the communication between the user and the machine.
- The logical basis of certain activities.
- Most of them can be updated.
Some software is free and others can only be obtained by paying for them first.
How to classify software?
There are several versions of the method but the following are the most common:
- System software
This is the main software because it bridges the communication between the operating system and the hardware. The operation of various sectors in a computer is only possible with this type of software. What does system software serve? Among them are the operating system itself, servers, utilities, diagnostic tools, and device drivers.
- Programming software
This type of software is "made of" basic logic and programming knowledge to perform certain activities. They consist of specific codes and allow several different programs to work together. Debugging, compilers, and text editors are some examples of programming software.
- Application software
It is software oriented toward the end user. They are created to perform a specific activity and are usually packaged in an icon that can be downloaded from a download platform. In the case of Android, it is the Play Store and for Apple users, it is the App Store. There is much software for even specific jobs though.
Understand more about how the software works
You need to understand the software license to understand more about how it works. There are several known types of software licenses.
A software license is a legal agreement between a software manufacturer and a software user. As simple as that. It governs all terms of use of the software from A to Z.
Popular types of software licenses:
- Free
This type of license can be used without restrictions. Any modification is possible and its distribution does not require any authorization.
- Copy left
This type of license cannot be modified even if it is used like free software. Any software with a “copy left” license may not be redistributed by end users.
- GPL
This license is only compatible with the Linux operating system so it is quite limited in distribution and modification.
- Debian
This license ensures wide distribution and is free but only if the distributor knows the source code of the software.
-BSD
It is more flexible in terms of distribution and modification but not as extensive as a free license.
- Public areas
This type of license does not have any copyright so it is available to everyone. Free licenses still have copyright but public area licenses don't have that right at all.
- Half free
This license can be used by anyone but it is illegal to distribute or modify it.
- Semi free
This license is free and freely distributed however it does not allow further modifications.
Shareware
This license allows the distribution of the software within a certain period of time, usually within 30 days. After that, the user has to buy it if you want to continue using it.
Commercial
This license is purely for trading. So everyone who wants to use it has to buy it. It is usually used in "known capabilities" software.
- Test
This license allows free distribution but only for a certain period of time. It could be a month or two depending on the developer.
Popular software companies
You know of companies like Apple, Microsoft, Internet Explorer, Adobe Photoshop, and Mozilla Firefox. All are popular software providers that support the activities of billions of people around the world every day. Some of them actually provide free services and others require payment at a certain level of usage.
In the end, we will not be able to discuss software from only one function. They serve so many functions and each of them is very specific. Software is the executor of certain commands and to run most modern machines, their presence is essential.