second semester Lecture 12 : Programs, Applications, and software

second semester Lecture 12 : Programs, Applications, and software
Software is a general term for the various kinds of programs used to operate computers and related devices. 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.

A program usually requires an installer and will install various files needed on the computer for it to work. A program will include and require an uninstaller in order to get deleting the various files installed all over your hard disk.
In a computing context, software and program are mostly synonymous. Software can be made up of more than one program, however, and if you’re talking about a product, it’s usually called software.

An app will usually be (or at least feel like) one file downloaded, it will have one icon. An application (the short form of application program) is software that performs a specific function directly for the user, allows you to perform specific tasks, or in some cases, for another application program. An application is a program, or group of programs, that is designed for the end user.