Software is a set of coded instructions that tells a computer what to do. It can be as simple as a single line of code that tells the computer to print a message on the screen, or it can be millions of lines of code that make up an operating system or a complex application. Benefits of software There are many benefits to using software, including: -The ability to automate repetitive tasks -The ability to perform complex calculations and analysis -The ability to create models and simulations -The ability to store and retrieve data -The ability to communicate with other computers and devices Categories of software There are four main categories of software: system software, application software, middleware, and firmware. System software includes the operating system and all the utilities that work with it to keep the computer running. Application software includes programs that do specific tasks, such as word processing or web browsing. Middleware includes programming that connects different applications and systems. Firmware is permanent coding that is stored in a computer’s read-only memory (ROM).
