software

Noun

1. Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
   • Some software will only run on a particular platform.
   • The "software" comprising the carefully planned interpretive routines, compilers, and other aspects of automative programming are at least as important to the modern electronic calculator as its "hardware" of tubes,...
   • As originally conceived, the word "software" was merely an obvious way to distinguish a program from the computer itself. A program comprised sequences of changeable instructions each having the power to command the...
2. The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.
   • The Americans have devoted their attention to the hardware of disarmament: Europeans can make a special contribution to the 'software' or human content of detente. - 1989, Christopher Layton, A Step Beyond Fear:...
   • […] preview of horrific images to come, as the hardware stage of the war yields to the software — or human — stage. - 1991, New York Magazine, volume 24, number 5, page 33:
3. Recorded music content, as opposed to the hardware necessary for reproducing it.
   • […] an extremely long playing time is achieved, which might be unnecessary from a software point of view - 1979 December 6, Toshi T. Doi, Takashi Itoh, Hiroshi Ogawa, “A Long-Play Digital Audio Disk System”, in Journal...
   • There seems to be a growing trend towards endorsement of the C-DAD system by equipment manufacturers and "software" (recorded material) producers around the world. - 1982 March, Len Feldman, “Digital Audio Disc”, in...
   • Software availability will probably be a significant problem for at least the first few months of the system's commercial life. At present there are only two CD pressing plants in operation, CBS/Sony's in Japan and...
4. Soft goods, such as textiles.
   • In fact, under the heads of hardware, software, and agriculture, the leading interests of the colony might be said to be grouped. - 1889, Parliamentary Debates, volume 61, Victoria. Parliament, page 1404:
   • Drop into the first emporium you pass, whether of hardware or software, of dry goods or wet goods, and note how comparatively few of the articles displayed represent really original ideas - 1914, Journal of...
   • We have wheat "kings" and cotton "kings" and coal "kings"; railroad "kings", stationary engine "kings", and Mr Ford; "kings" in the realms of hardware, software, sectional bookcases, crime, and canned tomatoes. - 1927,...