2.  Refers to instructional information that directs the activities of computer hardware, or which helps the user control the computer.  Another name of Software is computer program.

4. Runs the computer system by controlling and managing the different hardware components; thus, without system software, the computer will not run properly

5. The system software which runs all of the computer`s basic system operations.

6.  Ensures that all other software can access different hardware components of the computer when needed, such as memory and input/output (I/O) devices, and also ensures that different programs don’t interfere with each other.  Windows, Linux and UNIX are examples of OS

7.  System software embedded into the hardware, such as the Basic Input-Output System (BIOS).  Loads the operating system into the memory each time the computer is switched on, and also provides limited control over the peripherals connected to the computer, such as keyboard and text and display functions for the monitor.

8.  Simply called Drivers  Programs that help the OS communicate with various hardware components.  Some components, such as monitors, don`t need drivers, while others, such as Sound cards and printers, do.  Tells the OS how to use the device for which the driver was designed for, such as printer

9. Tell the computer to perform specific tasks. Examples of these are Microsoft office, Open Office and Lotus Smart Suite

11.  Refer to those produced and sold by software companies  Software refer those created by computer programmers specifically for individuals or companies to address their needs.

12.  Application software which use different media to deliver information.  Forms of media can be text, audio or video.  Include Media players, and Graphic programs

13. Application software which are intended specifically to solve complex mathematical problems.

14. Groupware, or collaborative software programs, are used to integrate the work done on a single project by different people in different locations.

15. Software needs to be readable & executable for it to work with hardware.  Readable – it should be recorded and read in a digital/binary format  The data must be recorded on a storage medium that can be read by the computer, such as a hard disk, CD, or thumb drive.  The data must be written in a format which the computer or OS can understand.

16. Software needs to be readable & executable for it to work with hardware.  Executable – the software can activate and run the data  The data required can be run in the computer hardware using a set of commands.  The data’s ability to run must extend beyond the starting phase and must allow the practical application or functional use of the software content.

17.  Engineering  CAD (Computer – Aided Design) software – enables its users to create objects, such as houses, and other graphic designs in an accurate and exact manner

18.  Production line  Software to record, analyze and show any deviations to the norm in a manufacturing  Scientific research  Sophisticated computer programs – used to solve complex problems and are being developed continuously to better understand the world and the universe at large

19.  Flight and navigation controls  “fly by wire” Pilot uses his controls to deliver a signal to a computer, which in turn is the one that operates the aircraft’s controls

20.  Commercial off-the- shelf (COTS) – available for businesses that want to keep tabs on the bottom line through their financial statements  Supply chain management programs – help companies keep track of their products from production line to point of sale  Accounting  Financial or market analysis  Sales monitoring  Logistics

21. MAPP is a program that allows certain security software providers early access to the vulnerabilities of Microsoft software so that they can work on these quickly and distribute needed patches to those companies which are part of MAPP as soon as possible.