ANSWERS: 5
  • The programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the functioning of the hardware and direct its operation. A set of coded instructions that enables a machine, especially a computer, to perform a desired sequence of operations. One of those is the definition of software and one is of program. In use, they tend to be interchangable. A program, like TurboTax, is a specific piece of software.
  • Computer software, or just software, is a general term used to describe a collection of computer programs, procedures and documentation that perform some tasks on a computer system. Computer programs are instructions for a computer.
  • a program is a unit of executable code. It can be launched (manually or automatically) to perform a specific function. Examples include Microsoft Word, GIMP, and millions of others. Software (not 'a software') is the general category of computer code comprising instructions for the computer to perform some function. This includes the executive, scheduler, memory allocation, device interrupt handling.... It also includes programs. The term 'software' - code in a computer- is usually used to contrast with 'hardware' - the stuff you can pick up and toss out the window, and 'firmware' - software in a device (like a digital camera) to make it behave the way it does. Firmware can often be changed if it is stored in flash memory, but some is permanent.
  • A programis what a computer runs. Unless it's turned off or halted, a computer is always running a program. A single program may exist in multiple files. Software is a program or set of programs that reside in main memory. This is different from firmware, which is a program or set of programs that reside in non-volatile memory, such as flash ROM.
  • "I'd say 'program' tends to be used in a more narrow/technical context whereas 'software' in a broader/more consumer-oriented setting. You tend to sell people software rather than programs. Software can apply to quite complex systems whereas a program is typically just one script/application/thingummy." Source and further information: http://discuss.fogcreek.com/joelonsoftware5/default.asp?cmd=show&ixPost=164670&ixReplies=13

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