Software+vs+Hardware

__**Unit 2 - Software**__

In Unit 1, you explored the Parts of the Computer, including the input and output devices that help you use a computer. More specifically, you looked at the various physical components of a computer, more commonly called the //__hardware__//.

In this unit, we'll look at the various __//programs//__ that make the computer function. You may hear these programs also referred to as //__applications__// or //__software__//. The two you would most commonly be concerned about would be:


 * **System software** - which is the basic operating software for your computer. The two most common types are Microsoft Windows (XP, Vista, 7) and Macintosh (OSX). Some other computers use another system called Linux.


 * **Application software** - these are programs with which users may complete tasks. These would include websites, games and work productivity programs. In the next units we will look at three specific types of application software; word processors, presentation software and spreadsheets.