ssimpson@trwrba.UUCP (Scott W. Simpson) (09/03/84)
Can anyone give a good definition of "software"? The Godfather
of computer science (Donald Knuth of course) defines it in the preface
of volume 1 of The Art of Computer Programming as:
the development of "software" (programs to facilitate the
writing of other programs),
I always believed that software was a more global term covering any
programs (i.e. the terms "software" and "programs" are
interchangeable). If you write a program you have created a piece
of software. Perhaps the definition has changed in the 16 or so
years since his book was written.
When constructing a definition of "software" for others I make
an analogy between software and music. Both are not tangible and both
can be carted around on a magnetic tape. Also, both sheets of music
and program listings are instructions on how to reproduce something.
Incidentally, my Webster dictionary does not list the term "software"
(perhaps because it was coined so recently).
From the confused mind of...
--
Scott Simpson
TRW Electronics and Defense Sector
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