Software: Basics and Riduments

All the elements that go together to make up a PC fall into one of two categories, hardware or software. This section is about software, the stuff that runs on top of the hardware.

Webster defines software as 'something used or associated with and usually contrasted with hardware as the entire set of programs, procedures, and related documentation associated with a system and especially a computer system.'

Nine out of every 10 PCs used in homes worldwide, run some type of Windows operating system.

There are two types software found in every PC:
an Operating System and Application Programs

Operating Systems (OS) provide the basic platform that brings the PC to a point where it can work with application programs and interface with users.
Think of your car running at idle after you start it. Until the engine and basic systems are up and running you can't use it to run any applications like going to the store or work or anywhere else!

Operating Systems can be divided into two groups: Windows and non-Windows
I chose this classification because of the wide spread use of Windows operating systems and not on any particular technical aspects of the many operating systems in use today.

Application Programs are loaded and run on top of the OS. There are application programs to do just about anything you want. From finding any location in the world via a street address, listening to music, watching videos or TV to something very simple like a program to help you learn how to type (what I need). You name it and someone has probably developed an application to do it!