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.

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Forbes.com: Collecting News

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Today's Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Exhibitions and Events

Aug 28: Guided Tours - Introduction to Museum Collections
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:05:25 -0500
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM One-hour tours, given by Museum-trained guides, feature masterpieces from the collections. Location: Sharf Visitor Center Tickets: Free with Museum admission.Click here for details(c) 2008 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Aug 28: Gallery Activities - Truth in Beauty: Symbolism of Art Nouveau Jewelry
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:05:25 -0500
11:00 AM - 12:00 PMIn this curatorial gallery talk led by Meghan Melvin learn about the Art Nouveau movement in the special exhibition "Imperishable Beauty: Art Nouveau Jewelry." Examine the exquisite craftsmanship and discover the potent themes of fin-de-siecle masterworks by artists such as Rene Lalique and Lucien Gaillard. Location: Sharf Visitor Center Tickets: Free with Museum admission.Click here for details(c) 2008 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
Aug 28: Guided Tours - Art of Asia
Thu, 28 Aug 2008 12:05:25 -0500
11:00 AM - 12:00 PM One-hour tours, given by Museum-trained guides, feature masterpieces from this collection. Location: Sharf Visitor Center Tickets: Free with Museum admission.Click here for details Related Collection: Art of Asia, Oceania and Africa(c) 2008 Museum of Fine Arts, Boston

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