Computer Software

Computer Software consists of one or more computer programs.

A computer program is a set of instructions.

System software also known as operating system is the software on which the computer runs.

Main types of system software are operating systems such as Microsoft Windows, Apple OS X and Linux.
Examples of mobile operating systems are: Android and iOS.

There are four main categories of Application software

Open Source software is where the developers make the source code available to the public so that other developers can add to it.  This creates a more collaborative development environment.  With more developers and testers on board, the software will further develop more rapidly and be more stable also.

In short, open source software has a licence which permits anyone to inspect the source code and to improve, expand and distribute freely according to open standards.

Examples include:

Linux is an Operating System just like Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS.

However Windows and Mac Operating Systems are closed source, which means that the public cannot see the source code of the operating systems.

Linux on the other hand is Open Source.  The public has access to Linux Operating System code and therefore more developers from around the world can contribute to it.  The software is also free for companies and individuals to use.

Proprietary also known as close source is protected by the company or entity that has developed it.  Public will not have access to the Proprietary software source code.

Examples include: Microsoft Windows and Apple Mac OS