What is software

What is software?
Many people equate the term software with computer programs. However, I prefer a
broader definition where software is not just the programs but also all associated documentatlon
and configuration data that is needed to make these programs operate correctly.
A software system usually consists of a number of separate programs,
configuration files, which are used to set up these programs, system documentation,
which describes the structure of the system, and user documentation, which explains
how to use the system and web sites for users to download recent product information.
Soft\\iare engineers are concerned with developing software products, i.e., software
which can be sold to a customer. There are two fundamental types of software
product
1. Generic products These are stand-alone systems that are produced by a development
organisation and sold on the open market to any customer who is able
to buy them. Examples of this type of product include software for pes such as
databases, word processors, drawing packages and project management tools.
2. CuslOmised (or bespoke) products These are systems which are commissioned
by a particular customer. A software contractor develops the software especially
for that customer. Examples of this type of software include control systems
for electronic devices, systems written to support a particular business process
and air traffic control systems.

Question Answer
What is software7
What is software engineering?
What is the difference between
software engineering and
computer science?
What is the difference between
software engineering and system
engineering?
What is a software process?
What is a software process
model?
What are the costs of software
engineering?
What are software engineering
methods?
What is CASE (Computer-Aided
Software Engineering)?
What are the attributes of good
software?
What are the key challenges
facing software engineering?
Computer programs and associated documentation. software products
may be developed for a particular customer or may be developed for a
general market
Software engineering is an engineering discipline which is concerned
with all aspects of software production.
Computer science is concerned with theory and fundamentals; software
engineering is concerned with the practicalities of developing and
delivering useful software.
System engineering is concerned with all aspects of computer-based
systems development, including hardware, software and process
engineering. Software engineering is part of this process.
A set of activities whose goal is the development or evolution of
software.
A simplified representation of a software process, presented from a
specific perspective.
Roughly 60% of costs are development costs, 40% are testing costs. For
custom software, evolution costs often exceed development costs.
Structured approaches to software development which include system
models, notations, rules, design advice and process guidance.
Software systems which are intended to provide automated support for
software process activities. CASE systems are often used for method
support.
The software should deliver the required functionality and performance
to the user and should be maintainable, dependable and usable.
Coping with increasing diversity, demands for reduced delivery times
and developing trustworthy software.

An important difference between these types of software is that, in generic products,
the organisation that develops the software controls the software specification.
For custom products, the specification is usually developed and controlled by the
organisation that is buying the software. The software developers must work to that
specification.
However, the line between these types of products is becoming increasingly blurred.
More and more software companies are starting with a generic system and custQmising
it to the needs of a particular customer. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems,
such as the SAP system, are the best examples of this approach. Here, a large
and complex system is adapted for a company by incorporating information about
business rules and processes, reports required, and so on.