Software is basically a set of information and instructions that tell the computer exactly how to perform. This is contrast to physical hardware where the machine actually does the actual work and is assembled. Many people often confuse software with hardware since both are used in similar ways, but they are quite different. Software is responsible for doing all the actual work of running an operating system. The hardware part is just concerned with putting the machine together and getting it to function.
Software is almost always stored on a disk in your computer system and can be accessed by the operating system software. Hardware, on the other hand, is not stored on the disk. Hardware is typically installed on the PC. The reason for this is because the physical hardware has a very high failure rate, which means that most of the time the computer system has to be repaired or replaced before it is damaged.
Software can only be installed on an existing computer system, so in order to get software for your computer you have to either make your own CD-ROMs, or get software for your floppy disks. The problem with using floppy disks is that they are not read by most computers. Even if the floppies are installed into the computer, they will usually still be unreadable by the operating systems. Another problem is that floppies take up a lot of space, so if you only have a few floppies then your computer system will slow down over time. However, some programs do include a floppy disk with the program.
Windows based applications such as Word, Outlook and Excel run on computer hardware that already has the necessary components in it. These computer hardware components are known as an OS (economic organization system) and the applications run on the central processing unit or CPU. The processor is like the brain of the computer system software. The problem with many of the applications is that the CPU is slow, and the applications are known to slow down the speed of the CPU. So in order to make the computer faster, these programs have to be shut down and reinstalled.
For users who already have a personal computer and wish to have more advanced applications on their computers, then they have two main options. First, they can upgrade their current operating system to a new higher model, or they can purchase new hardware with the application software preinstalled. Upgrading the hardware is the easier option, but users may find that the extra money is worth it because they will have access to more advanced technology. Most applications do not run on the newer processors, but some of them may run on the newer hardware. Newer hardware will also allow for more robust hardware design.
Software development companies have made the most advances in the field of cloud computing. Software development means that the developers create the applications that are specific to the business or individual user. Cloud computing refers to the Internet that includes application software stored on servers that are accessed via a web browser. The Internet is becoming an increasingly important part of technology, since it allows people to collaborate with each other, share documents, and do work much more efficiently than they could do it before. Cloud computing helps users to save money, time, and bandwidth.
