jean@hrcca.UUCP (Jean Airey) (04/16/87)
I'd like some help with definitions of computer terms. I'm working with a group of folks who are from a switching background, and we're doing revisions on a section of a course that is strongly computer-oriented. What exactly -- to computer experts -- does the term SOFTWARE mean. Is it just the programs, or is it data as well? I.E.: Would it be appropriate to say that SOFTWARE is both the program and the data? And does that definition include the FIRMWARE that's loaded into the ROMS? (And am I right in calling that Firmware?) I checked a dictionary for "software" and its definition goes "the entire set of programs, procedures and related documentation associated with a system and esp. a computer system: specif: computer programs." That last part seems to exclude DATA ?? Also: We are dealing with two types of DATA: a very large and (fairly) stable body of information as well as another body of information that changes constantly as the machine states change (ie: lines in use etc). Are there correct terms for the two bodies? Is one the "database" and the other something else? "I've got this shocking pain right behind the eyes." . . .Vila "Have you considered amputation?" . . . Avon -- Jean Airey: US Mail 1306 W. Illinois, Aurora, IL 60506 ihnp4!hrcca!jean