SOFTWARE is a packaged set of instructions that can be executed by the computer providing us with functionalities that would have been very tedious and error-prone to do manually.
For example, GPS navigation systems, Weather forecasting software, Reservation systems, healthcare imaging software, etc.
Just like in the real-world where we categorize something based on their function or usage. software is categorized as well. To the right, you see different food categories like main dish, sauces, drinks, etc.
TWO MAIN types of software categories are APPLICATION and SYSTEM Software.
Other ways to categorize software is Open source and Proprietary software. Open source software is developed and maintained by a community of developers. It is usually free to use. They are managed under general public licensing. Examples: Python, Apache Tomcat. Proprietary software is owned by an individual or company. We need to pay a license fee to use it. Example – Microsoft Office.