Software is created by programmers in various computer languages (i.e.,the code) that the computers understand. Without software, computers would be useless to humans.

In writings and in conversation software is often called programs or computer programs, or computer software. These terms are considered synonymous in the computer world. There are zillions of pieces of software in the world written for various and sundry purposes.

Rather than try to learn and think of software in all its various categories and types, we can think of it in its two most general categories: 1) Operating system software, and 2) application software.

Examples of operating system software are:

 Windows '95
 Windows '98
 Windows ME
 Windows 2000
 Windows XP

You must have operating system software on your PC or it can do absolutely nothing. That's why it is sold as part of a package deal with a personal computer. Operating system software is abbreviated OS.

The application software is the software that we PC users buy to make our computers do the tasks we want them do.

1. Microsoft Word which is a word processing piece of software. It helps the user write letters, make labels, compose resumes, and other writing tasks.

2. CorelDraw which is a drawing piece of software. It helps the user draw things like boxes, circles, house plans, cartoons, and a whole host of other things.

3. Internet Explorer which is a powser. It allows users to find and display web site pages and find and display answers to questions available on the internet.

4. Microsoft Access which is a piece of database software. I helps users electronically store and retrieve information about their investments, hobbies, businesses etc...

5. NetZero which is a piece of communications software. It allows users to connect to the world wide web (i.e., www) via telephone connections.

I could go on forever, if I could live that long, but it's far more than enough for people just beginning their involvement with personal computers.