Changes

'''Software''' is [[computer]] code that is converted ("compiled") into a machine-readable [[Binary|binary]] program capable of performing complex operations.  Software is differentiated from [[hardware]], which is a physical computer attribute, such as a monitor or [[hard drive]].  There are many different types of software, ranging from something as central to the computer as its [[operating system]] such as [[Windows]] or [[Tails (operating system)|Tails OS]], to such productivity-based software like [[Microsoft Office]], to purely entertainment software like [[video games]].

'''Software''' is [[computer]] code that is converted ("compiled") into a machine-readable [[binary]] program capable of performing complex operations.  Software is differentiated from [[hardware]], which is a physical computer attribute, such as a monitor or [[hard drive]].  There are many different types of software, ranging from something as central to the computer as its [[operating system]] such as [[Windows]] or [[Tails (operating system)|Tails OS]], to such productivity-based software like [[Microsoft Office]], to purely entertainment software like [[video games]].  The process of creating software is called [[Computer Programming]].

==Functional types==

==Functional types==

*'''System software''' - Software which runs the various necessary functions of a computer system. The operating system is a collection of vital system software<ref name="classification-of-software">https://prezi.com/dbxyq-gz1dle/classification-of-software</ref>

*'''System software''' - Software which runs the various necessary functions of a computer system. The [[Operating system|operating system]] is a collection of vital system software<ref name="classification-of-software">https://prezi.com/dbxyq-gz1dle/classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Applications''' - Programs which run within a preexisting software environment which perform a wide variety of tasks. These programs can be generic such as a word processor, or specialized bespoke solutions like an air traffic control system.<ref name="classification-of-software">https://prezi.com/dbxyq-gz1dle/classification-of-software</ref><ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Applications''' - Programs which run within a preexisting software environment which perform a wide variety of tasks. These programs can be generic such as a word processor, or specialized bespoke solutions like an air traffic control system.<ref name="classification-of-software"/><ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

**'''Programming tools, frameworks, etc.''' - One type of application is a program which creates or supports other programs.  Code compilers, script frameworks, and other such software generate or facilitate applications, but are themselves applications.<ref name="classification-of-software">https://prezi.com/dbxyq-gz1dle/classification-of-software</ref>

**'''Programming tools, frameworks, etc.''' - One type of application is a program which creates or supports other programs.  Code compilers, script frameworks, and other such software generate or facilitate applications, but are themselves applications.<ref name="classification-of-software"/>

*'''Autonomous software''' - As opposed to most applications, which are designed to interact with people (users), autonomous software runs without user oversight.  Such software has different names depending upon how it is used.

**'''Bots''' - programs which navigate the [[Internet|internet]], looking for specific information.  For instance, search bots are used to index what is on the world wide web for [[Search engine]]s such as [[Google]] search and [[Bing]].

**'''Services''' or '''Daemons''' - programs that perform specific operations for [[Operating system|operating system]]s, such as scheduling the running of other tasks or sharing printers (aka print queues).  However not all services are part of operating systems.

==Classification==

==Classification==

To better define software, it is often classified into smaller groups.  The follow are the common classifications used:

To better define software, it is often classified into smaller groups.  The follow are the common classifications used:

*'''System software''' - runs the various necessary functions of a computer system<ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''System software''' - runs the various necessary functions of a computer system<ref name="ecomputernotes.com"/>

*'''Real-time software''' - monitors and controls real world events as they take place (for example, military defense systems)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Real-time software''' - monitors and controls real world events as they take place (for example, military defense systems)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com"/>

*'''Business software''' - used for managing and controlling basic business functions (Inventory management, payroll, etc.)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Business software''' - used for managing and controlling basic business functions (Inventory management, payroll, etc.)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com"/>

*'''Engineering and scientific software''' - used for research and development of technology (used in astronomy and space travel, product design, etc.)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Engineering and scientific software''' - used for research and development of technology (used in astronomy and space travel, product design, etc.)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com"/>

*'''Artificial intelligence''' - used for non-algorithmic problem-solving, where advanced comprehension and logic is needed<ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Artificial intelligence''' - used for non-algorithmic problem-solving, where advanced comprehension and logic is needed<ref name="ecomputernotes.com"/>

*'''Web-based software''' - uses basic information on remote devices (such as Internet servers) to generate a versatile interface for end-users (web browsers are a common example of such software)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Web-based software''' - uses basic information on remote devices (such as Internet servers) to generate a versatile interface for end-users (web browsers are a common example of such software)<ref name="ecomputernotes.com"/>

*'''Personal computer software''' - Whether a word processor, graphics editor, or media player, this software is designed for typical end-users from their local computer<ref name="ecomputernotes.com">http://ecomputernotes.com/software-engineering/characteristics-and-classification-of-software</ref>

*'''Personal computer software''' - Whether a word processor, graphics editor, or media player, this software is designed for typical end-users from their local computer<ref name="ecomputernotes.com"/>

==See also==

==See also==

* [[Tails (operating system)]] ([[Linux]]-based) and [[Tor (anonymity network)]] [[Firefox]] [[browser]] [[encryption]] for [[Internet]] [[anonymity]] to protect [[unalienable rights|unalienable]] [[Fifth Amendment]] - [[Fourth Amendment]] [[Right to Privacy]]

* [[Open source]]

* [[Hardware]]

* [[Electronic Frontier Foundation]]

* [[Open source]] [[Free software]] not [[Microsoft]]-[[Apple]]-[[Google]]-[[Android]]

[[Category:Software]]

[[Category:Software]]