What are “Apps” and “Software”?

Software is what makes your computer useful.

The operating system software (Like Microsoft’s “Windows” or Apple’s “osX” or “iOS”) makes your computer behave and look the way it does and looks after all of the hardware.

The program software or APPS (short for applications) lets you do useful things like word-processing, email and internet browsing and a host of other things.

Why Soft -ware? It can be easily changed and updated. It is on the computer’s disk drive and exists only as digital information.

Software is written by human beings so inevitably is never “perfect”. It can have all sorts of errors (“bugs”) and is a never-ending source of frustration for computer users when programs behave unexpectedly. Computer programs can also sometimes pose a security risk. For this reason, computer programs are constantly being updated and “improved” by the program vendors. It is important that you regularly update your computer software with the latest security updates (so called “patches”) both for operating system and applications.

It is also a good idea to ensure you have the latest “driver” software for your installed hardware, such as video cards, mice, cameras, monitors, printers, scanners etc. Most software vendors and hardware manufacturers publish updates software on their websites.

If you are unsure of how to update, install or remove software or you want advice on what software you need then contact me.