What Does Software Mean?

Software refers to the programs and data that instruct a computer's hardware (or physical parts) how to work together and how to allow the computer's user to interact with the computer.

Allows Hardware to Work Together

Software essentially is programming code that allows hardware to interface with other hardware and the user to interface with the hardware. Without software, hardware would not be able to communicate with or utilize other hardware and the user would not be able to use the device.

Operating Systems and Hardware Drivers

Operating systems are technically software because they are made up of programming code, but operating systems are so large in scope that they are their own class of software. Hardware drivers are software that tells the operating system how to use the computer's hardware devices.

Resides in Read/Write Memory or on Media

Software usually resides in ROM (read only memory) or RAM (random access memory) or on media such as a hard drive, CD or USB device. In most cases software is initially transferred to a hard drive and then used from the hard drive from then on.

Firmware Blurs the Lines

Some software resides in what is called "firmware," which is a cross between hardware and software. Firmware is basically software encoded somehow onto hardware. It can in some cases be changed or upgraded.

References

• Princeton: WordNetWeb Search - 3.0
• SearchSOA: Definitions