Computer software (or simply software) is the programs and procedures that enable a computer to perform a specific task, as opposed to the physical components of the system (hardware). This includes application software such as a word processor, which enables a user to perform a task, and system software such as an operating system, which enables other software to run properly, by interfacing with hardware and with other software.

The term "software" was first used in this sense by John W. Tukey in 1957. In computer science and software engineering, computer software is all information processed by computer systems, programs and data. The concept of reading different sequences of instructions into the memory of a device to control computations was invented by Charles Babbage as part of his difference engine. The theory that is the basis for most modern software was first proposed by Alan Turing in his 1935 essay Computable numbers with an application to the Entscheidungsproblem. Hally, Mike (2005:79). Electronic brains/Stories from the dawn of the computer age. British Broadcasting Corporation and Granta Books, London. ISBN 1-86-207663-4.

Relationship to hardware

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Computer software is so called in contrast to computer hardware, which encompasses the physical interconnections and devices required to store and execute (or run) the software. In computers, software is loaded into RAM and executed in the central processing unit. At the lowest level, software consists of a machine language specific to an individual processor. A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions (object code), which change the state of the computer from its preceding state. Software is an ordered sequence of instructions for changing the state of the computer hardware in a particular sequence. It is generally written in high-level programming languages that are easier and more efficient for humans to use (closer to natural language) than machine language. High-level languages are compiled or interpreted into machine language object code. Software may also be written in an assembly language, essentially, a mnemonic representation of a machine language using a natural language alphabet. Assembly language must be assembled into object code via an assembler.

More on [ Computer software ]

Forbes.com: Logistics News

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The aluminum producer announces grim Q3 results.
Cleveland-Cliffs Nears Buyout
Ruthie Ackerman Sat, 04 Oct 2008 07:00:00 -0000
The iron ore miner voted against its largest shareholder, Harbinger, raising its stake.
Timken Tantalizes Investors
Ruthie Ackerman Wed, 01 Oct 2008 04:03:00 -0000
The maker of bearings and alloys raised its third-quarter guidance, but is maintaining its fourth-quarter outlook.

BBC News | Business | World Edition

Stock markets retreat after rally
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:33:17 -0000
After dramatic rises earlier in the week, most European and Asian stock markets give up some ground.
Bank crisis to dominate EU talks
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:55:52 -0000
EU leaders are to discuss multi-billion-euro rescue plans for Europe's ailing banks at a two-day summit in Brussels.
New York 'faces 165,000 job cuts'
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:48:49 -0000
New York City could lose 165,000 jobs as a result of the crisis in the financial sector, the city's chief financial officer warns.

NYT > World Business

Bleak Numbers Stoke Fears of Recession in Europe
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 05:12:57 -0000
With the financial sector’s problems weighing directly on the broader economy, many economists say Europe is already in recession and will be lucky to get out of it by summer.
Europe and Asia Fail to Sustain Rallies
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 08:52:07 -0000
Stocks fell in Europe after a mixed session in Asia as investors began to face the likelihood that dislocations would plague the economy even if bailouts were to succeed.
Despite Big Rally, Grim Outlook on Profits and Jobs
Wed, 15 Oct 2008 07:32:15 -0000
A day after the stock market staged one of its biggest rallies in history, investors retreated once again.

washingtonpost.com -

Unions, workers uneasy at possible GM, Chrysler deal
Reuters Tue, 14 Oct 2008 21:22:55 -0400
DETROIT (Reuters) - Labor unions in the United States and Canada on Tuesday expressed concern about the prospect of job losses from any merger between General Motors Corp (GM.N) and Chrysler LLC, adding that union leaders had not been consulted by the automakers.
Obama says he would act fast on $25 billion auto loans
Reuters Tue, 14 Oct 2008 20:14:50 -0400
OREGON, Ohio/WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Democrat Barack Obama said on Tuesday that as president he would demand that up to $25 billion in government loans targeted for distressed U.S. automakers be distributed quickly.
Boeing strike likely to run into November at least
AP Tue, 14 Oct 2008 18:49:33 -0400
SEATTLE -- With the collapse of revived contract talks after barely two days, a strike that shut down Boeing Co.'s commercial aircraft plants Sept. 6 appears likely to continue well into November and possibly longer.
Nikkei surges over 14 percent in record 1-day gain
Reuters Tue, 14 Oct 2008 03:06:38 -0400
TOKYO (Reuters) - The Nikkei average soared more than 14 percent on Tuesday, the biggest one-day gain in its 58-year history, after governments around the world pledged to support struggling banks and restore confidence in the financial system.
Boeing, striking machinists' talks break down
AP Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:41:20 -0400
SEATTLE -- Boeing Co. says renewed negotiations with its striking machinists broke down over an issue crucial to the company's "long-term competitiveness." A labor leader says the union was being asked to bargain away 2,000 jobs.
Companies Hobbled by Uncertainty
Steven Mufson Tue, 14 Oct 2008 00:00:00 -0400
There was no outbreak of relief yesterday for a wide variety of American corporations that are still facing tight credit markets, uncertain economic prospects and fluctuating stock prices.

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