Computer Software

Software provides the information and instructions that allow computers to create documents, solve simple or complex calculations, operate games, create images, maintain and sort files, and complete hundreds of other tasks.

Word-processing software, for example, makes writing, rewriting, editing, correcting, arranging, and rear-ranging words convenient.

Database software enables computer users to organize and retrieve lists, facts and inventories, each of which may include thousands of items.

Spreadsheet software allows users to keep complicated and related figures straight, to graph the results and to see how a change in one entry affects others. It is useful for financial and mathematical calculations. Each entry can be connected, if necessary, to other entries by a mathematical formula. If a spreadsheet keeps track of a computer user's earnings and taxes, for example, when more earnings are added to the part of the spreadsheet that keeps track of them (called a" register"), the spreadsheet can be set up, or programmed, to automatically adjust the amount of taxes. After the spreadsheet is programmed, entering earnings will automatically cause the spreadsheet to recalculate taxes.

Graphics software lets the user draw and create images. Desktop publishing software allow publishers to arrange photos, pictures, and words on a page before any printing is done. With desktop publishing and word processing software, there is no need for cutting and pasting layouts. Today, thanks to this type of computer software, anyone with a computer, a good quality printer, and the right software package can create professional looking documents at home. Entire books can be written and formatted by the author. The printed copy or even just a computer disk with the file can be delivered to a traditional printer without the need to reenter all the words on a typesetting machine.

Sophisticated software called CAD, for computeraided design, helps architects, engineers, and other professionals develop complex designs. The software uses high-speed calculations and high-resolution graphics to let designers try out different ideas for a project. Each change is translated into the overall plan, which is modified almost instantly. This system helps designers create structures and machines such as buildings, airplanes, scientific equipment, and even other computers.

Software for games can turn a computer into a space ship, a battlefield, or an ancient city. As computers get more powerful, computer games get more realistic and sophisticated.

Communications software allows people to send and receive computer files and faxes over phone lines. Education and reference software makes tasks such as learning spoken languages and finding information easier. Dictionaries, encyclopedias, and other reference books can all be searched quickly and easily with the correct software.

Utility programs keep computers more efficient by helping users to search for information and inspecting computer disks for flaws.

A development of the Internet era has been the creation of file sharing. This allows the sharing of computer files across the electronic network of the Internet. A host computer equipped with the necessary software can download other programs from the Internet. A prominent example of this concept—currently defunct because of copyright infringement implications—is Napster, which is used to download music files (MP3 files) to a personal computer. Via file sharing, a user can freely acquire many files that would otherwise have to be purchased.