what is a software ?

software is an instruction that when executed provide desired features,functions and performance.

Anything that can be stored electronically is software, in contrast to storage devices and display devices which are called hardware.

The terms software and hardware  are used as both nouns and adjectives. For example, you can say: "The problem lies in the software," meaning that there is a problem with the program or data, not with the computer itself. You can also say: "It's a software problem."

The distinction between software and hardware is sometimes confusing because they are so integrally linked. Clearly, when you purchase a program, you are buying software. But to buy the software, you need to buy the  disc on which the software is recorded.software is divided into two categories.

1. system software:     

which includes operating system and utilities that enable the computer to function.

2. application software:

application software includes  program to do the real work  for the user.word processor,spread sheet etc are some application software.