What is the software on my computer?
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NoticeIntel no longer provides email, chat, or phone support for this product. Visit the product discontinuation notice for Intel® WiDi.
Show Follow these steps to determine which Windows* operating system is running on your computer. Windows® 10
Windows 8* or Windows 8.1* Option 1: From the desktop
Option 2: From the Start Screen
Windows 7*
See the Microsoft sites below for more details:
Your computer allows you to do some really amazing things. Digital photo editing, sophisticated computer gaming, video streaming—all of these things are possible because of different types of software. Developers are always creating new software applications, which allow you to do even more with your computer. Installing from a CD-ROMFrom the mid-1990s through the late 2000s, the most common way to get new software was to purchase a CD-ROM. You could then insert the disc, and the computer would walk you through the installation. Now, almost all software has moved away from this model. Many new computers no longer include a CD-ROM for this reason. However, if you do need to install software from a CD-ROM, simply insert the disc into your computer, then follow the instructions. Installing software from the WebToday, the most common way to get new software is to download it from the Internet. Applications like Microsoft Office and Adobe Photoshop can now be purchased and downloaded right to your computer. You can also install free software this way. For example, if you wanted to install the Google Chrome web browser, you can visit this page and click the Download button. The installation file will be saved to your computer in .exe format. Pronounced dot e-x-e, this is the standard extension for installation files on Windows computers. You can follow the steps below to install an application from an .exe file.
Tips for finding softwareIn our experience, the easiest way to find new software is to search the Web. For example, if you were looking for a way to edit some personal photos on your computer, you could run a Google search for free photo-editing software. If you're not exactly sure what kind of software you're looking for, try describing the tasks you want to complete. For example, if you wanted a way to create to-do lists and organize your appointments, you might search for something like free calendar organizer software. The Windows StoreIf you're using Windows 8, you can download and install software from the Windows Store. The Windows Store is meant to simplify the process of locating and installing software from third-party developers—when you find an app in the Windows store, you won't have to do any extra work to install it. While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Share Share Share to social media Facebook Twitter URL https://www.britannica.com/technology/softwareGive Feedback External Websites Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Your Feedback Submit FeedbackThank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. External Websites
Print Cite verifiedCite While every effort has been made to follow citation style rules, there may be some discrepancies. Please refer to the appropriate style manual or other sources if you have any questions. Select Citation Style Copy CitationShareShare Share to social media Facebook Twitter URL https://www.britannica.com/technology/softwareFeedbackExternal Websites Feedback Corrections? Updates? Omissions? Let us know if you have suggestions to improve this article (requires login). Feedback Type Thank you for your feedback Our editors will review what you’ve submitted and determine whether to revise the article. External Websites
By The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica Article History Table of ContentsKey People:Steve Jobs Bill Gates Larry Ellison Ray Kurzweil Azim Premji...(Show more)Related Topics:open source freeware malware ICQ plug-in...(Show more) See all related content → software, instructions that tell a computer what to do. Software comprises the entire set of programs, procedures, and routines associated with the operation of a computer system. The term was coined to differentiate these instructions from hardware—i.e., the physical components of a computer system. A set of instructions that directs a computer’s hardware to perform a task is called a program, or software program. The two main types of software are system software and application software. System software controls a computer’s internal functioning, chiefly through an operating system, and also controls such peripherals as monitors, printers, and storage devices. Application software, by contrast, directs the computer to execute commands given by the user and may be said to include any program that processes data for a user. Application software thus includes word processors, spreadsheets, database management, inventory and payroll programs, and many other “applications.” A third software category is that of network software, which coordinates communication between the computers linked in a network. Britannica Quiz Computers and Technology QuizSoftware is typically stored on an external long-term memory device, such as a hard drive or magnetic diskette. When the program is in use, the computer reads it from the storage device and temporarily places the instructions in random access memory (RAM). The process of storing and then performing the instructions is called “running,” or “executing,” a program. By contrast, software programs and procedures that are permanently stored in a computer’s memory using a read-only (ROM) technology are called firmware, or “hard software.” What software does my PC use?Open the Start menu by clicking the bottom left-hand corner of your screen. If you see a search text box, select it and then type “System Information” in the search box. If you do not see a search text box, then just start typing “system” or “system information.” Select System Information under Programs.
Where is my software installed?To find the installation folder of a program using a desktop shortcut:. From your desktop, right-click on the program's shortcut.. Click on the Properties, and the Properties window should now be displayed.. Click on the Shortcut tab, and you will find the installation path in the Target field.. What are the 3 examples of software?A list of some of the most well-known computer software examples includes:. Operating systems (such as Microsoft Windows, Linux, macOS). Productivity Software (for example, Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint). Internet Browsers (including Firefox, Chrome, and Safari). What are the 5 example of software?Examples and types of software. Application software. The most common type of software, application software is a computer software package that performs a specific function for a user, or in some cases, for another application. ... . System software. ... . Driver software. ... . Middleware. ... . Programming software.. |
