software
nouncommon in dialogue
- United Kingdom//ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛə//
- United States//ˈsɔf(t)ˌwɛɹ//
- United States//ˈsɑf(t)ˌwɛɹ//
- Canada//ˈsɒf(t)ˌwɛɹ//
- Australia//ˈsɔf(t)ˌweː//
Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
noun
- 1
Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
Some software will only run on a particular platform.
The "software" comprising the carefully planned interpretive routines, compilers, and other aspects of automative programming are at least as important to the modern electronic calculator as its "hardware" of tubes, transistors, wires, tapes and the like.
As originally conceived, the word "software" was merely an obvious way to distinguish a program from the computer itself. A program comprised sequences of changeable instructions each having the power to command the behavior of the permanently crafted machinery, the "hardware."
Cris “Space Rogue” Thomas, another ex-L0pht member who testified alongside Zatko that day, said that L0pht would do everything it could to get companies to collaboratively fix software issues the hacker group found.
- 2
The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.
The Americans have devoted their attention to the hardware of disarmament: Europeans can make a special contribution to the 'software' or human content of detente.
[…] preview of horrific images to come, as the hardware stage of the war yields to the software — or human — stage.
- 3
datedRecorded music content, as opposed to the hardware necessary for reproducing it.
[…] an extremely long playing time is achieved, which might be unnecessary from a software point of view
There seems to be a growing trend towards endorsement of the C-DAD system by equipment manufacturers and "software" (recorded material) producers around the world.
Software availability will probably be a significant problem for at least the first few months of the system's commercial life. At present there are only two CD pressing plants in operation, CBS/Sony's in Japan and PolyGram's in Germany.
PLENTIFUL SOFTWARE Compact Disc already has support from the recording studios. Many familiar labels appear on these shining silver discs, so that a wide choice of music from the world's leading artistes is available.
- 4
archaicSoft goods, such as textiles.
In fact, under the heads of hardware, software, and agriculture, the leading interests of the colony might be said to be grouped.
Drop into the first emporium you pass, whether of hardware or software, of dry goods or wet goods, and note how comparatively few of the articles displayed represent really original ideas
We have wheat "kings" and cotton "kings" and coal "kings"; railroad "kings", stationary engine "kings", and Mr Ford; "kings" in the realms of hardware, software, sectional bookcases, crime, and canned tomatoes.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *sem- Proto-Germanic *samþuz /*samftuz Proto-Indo-European *-yos Proto-Indo-European *-yós Proto-Germanic *-jaz Proto-West Germanic *-ī Proto-West Germanic *samft(ī) Old English sōfte Middle English softe English soft Proto-Germanic *warō Proto-West Germanic *waru Old English waru Middle English ware English -ware English software Computing sense from soft + -ware, by contrast with hardware (“the computer itself”). Coined by John Tukey in 1958. The earlier sense of software to mean tangible products with a soft texture may have fallen out of common usage before the computing sense was created.
Forms
- plural
- softwares
software · Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
soggy · Soaked with moisture or other liquid.soho · ho; halloo; a word used in calling from a distant place.Soho · An area of the West End, in central London.