Introducing software

You now know about different hardware devices and what they are used for. So let's think about software.

Software is the name for a set of programs that makes the computer work.

A program is a list of instructions that tell the processor what to do next.

Some programs are for basic tasks, for example, to run the printer or to recognise when the mouse is moving. Every IT system needs programs like these.

Other programs are for complex tasks like:

• playing games
• running 'hole in the wall' banks
• running checkouts in supermarkets
• booking holidays.

Programs for tasks like these are called application programs or simply applications.

You can buy applications in a software shop. Have you bought a computer game? If you have, then you have bought an application.