What is Software: Definition and 997 Discussions

Software is a collection of instructions and data that tell a computer how to work. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work. In computer science and software engineering, computer software is all information processed by computer systems, including programs and data. Computer software includes computer programs, libraries and related non-executable data, such as online documentation or digital media. Computer hardware and software require each other and neither can be realistically used on its own.
At the lowest programming level, executable code consists of machine language instructions supported by an individual processor—typically a central processing unit (CPU) or a graphics processing unit (GPU). A machine language consists of groups of binary values signifying processor instructions that change the state of the computer from its preceding state. For example, an instruction may change the value stored in a particular storage location in the computer—an effect that is not directly observable to the user. An instruction may also invoke one of many input or output operations, for example displaying some text on a computer screen; causing state changes which should be visible to the user. The processor executes the instructions in the order they are provided, unless it is instructed to "jump" to a different instruction, or is interrupted by the operating system. As of 2015, most personal computers, smartphone devices and servers have processors with multiple execution units or multiple processors performing computation together, and computing has become a much more concurrent activity than in the past.
The majority of software is written in high-level programming languages. They are easier and more efficient for programmers because they are closer to natural languages than machine languages. High-level languages are translated into machine language using a compiler or an interpreter or a combination of the two. Software may also be written in a low-level assembly language, which has strong correspondence to the computer's machine language instructions and is translated into machine language using an assembler.

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  1. B

    Software to determine the note and its register

    Hello everybody, I have .wav musical files that reproduce the sound of certain notes. I am looking for a software that is able to determine the note and its register. Can any of you be able to recommend one, possibly free and for Linux? Thank you very much!
  2. PeroK

    Graphics and Animation software recommendations

    I've been learning Python and I've got a program to generate Knight's tours on a chessboard. The output is in the format A1-C2 ... What software would I need, for example, to produce an animation of the knight hopping round a chessboard?
  3. Leonardo Machado

    Stargazing Where to find more material about LORENE software?

    Unlike Einstein Toolkit, which is a pretty alive community, LORENE users seems to be hidden somewhere. I cannot found much information about this software anywhere in format of tutorials. I'm having problems to compile codes with make use of LORENE libraries because of the reduced amount of...
  4. F

    Software simulator for point charges & conductors

    Is there any software/simulator of point charges/conductors? Preferably with features enabling dynamics of charges.
  5. theycallmevirgo

    A useful software: schematics drawing package for Jupyter (python)

    Just wanted to give a shoutout to SchemDraw, a FOSS circuit schematic drawing package for Jupyter(Python), made by a PhD at Sandia Labs. It's purely drawing, not simulation of any kind, but given Python's numeric and symbolic superpowers it's easy enough to bolt-on that functionality. If...
  6. BillTre

    Software recommendations for Drawing Molecules

    What do people use for drawing molecules (in a digital manner)? I would like to make space filling type models as well as letters representing the atoms connected by lines at different angles. The second kind I could make with ad drawing program, but there's got to be a better way.
  7. K

    Which Program for Drawing Statics & Dynamics Mechanicals and Setting Dimensions?

    Wich The Program (Software) Using To Draw Statics And Dynamics Mechanichal Same This 100% When Create This below Which Program Using ? And set Dimensions Thanks For All
  8. H

    Programs Difficult Decision: MS Operations Research or Software Development?

    I started a degree in MS operations research but now am having second thoughts. I took a class in statistics and optimization using linear algebra. But what I enjoy most is programming in python.I am also teaching myself c++. People say industrial engineer is more about analyzing data while...
  9. phoenix-anna

    I What software can I use to make space-time diagrams?

    In a few days, I will be hosting a Zoom-based meetup in which I will be explaining the Twin Paradox (time dilatation) and the Pole-in-a-Barn paradox (Lorentz contraction). To this end, I will need to make graphics of space-time diagrams like those in Wheeler's book Spacetime Physics. Can anyone...
  10. hagopbul

    How to sell a software product

    Hello All: i have a question regarding the steps after your team finish developing a software , my relative and her team finished developing a software but they don't know how to sell it , it is their first software , they start from scratch algorithm then code ,...etc now after one year...
  11. S

    How Do You Get From 1's and 0's to complex software and digital info?

    How do simple Architectural basic computing binary code signaling create a diversity of information and software properties from information signals of existence (=1's) and non-existence (=0's)? After reading some Theoritical and Analytical Science papers recently about the debate on...
  12. dasil12a

    3D Solid State Simulation Software

    How did you find PF?: Google I am studying the mechanical/electrical nature that govern certain nano-fabricated crystalline structures. Can someone with experience please recommend a 3d Solid State Simulation software that will allow me perform the following: Allows individual 3D placement...
  13. Buzz Bloom

    CamSpec Software Tool: UK Company Explored

    From reading the paper I cited in the summary, I am guessing CamSpec is a software tool for statistical analysis. I did a Internet search, but did not find anything other than mentioning CamSpec being used, but not what it does, except that there is a UK company...
  14. S

    Code / Software for Dynamic Balancing (Free / Open Source)

    I am thinking of doing a DIY project in which one sub-task would be to dynamically balance a small assembly that will be spun up by, for example, a small motor taken from a DVD drive. As a test case, here is a setup where we would like to adjust screws S1 to S6 such that the cylinder is...
  15. G

    Modeling Stress in Simple Objects: Easy Software Options?

    I am trying to model stress in simple objects such as a disk, a cube, a rectangular prism or a solid ball under their own weight or additional point mass weight on top to demonstrate such material response to students. I understand the usual process is to set up Mesh, boundary condition, and...
  16. brainpushups

    Data Plotting Software for HS Students

    I'm designing a course for 9th grade students that focuses on experimental methods in science. One topic that will come at the beginning of the course will be how to display experimental data graphically, including estimates of experimental error. I'm looking for some advice about what...
  17. Rifat amin

    Software for nuclear cross-section measurement and Irradiation yield

    I work in research paper on medical isotope production. I need a software where i can measure the cross section and Irradiation Yield like TALYS and EMPIRE. If you ask me why i don't use TALYS then the reply is I can't install it on my PC. so i am looking for alternate software where i can do...
  18. G

    Is Germán Arias the Newest Expert in Physics and Math Tutoring from Guatemala?

    Hello, my name is Germán Arias. I live in Quetzaltenango, Guatemala. I have 7 years of experience as a tutor in physics and mathematics. Mainly in general physics, algebra, trigonometry and calculus. But occasionally also with other areas such as mechanical engineering (static and dynamic)...
  19. qnach

    A Software for cross section calculations using .cif files

    Is there any software available to calculate cross section using .cif file?
  20. F

    From software development to physics PhD

    Hi there, Last June 2019 I graduated with a First class honors in Theoretical physics from one of the Top Unis in the UK. Then I started working for a company (of good prestige) as a software engineer full time. However, a few months in, I decided to apply for Masters and start a side project...
  21. M

    Learn How to Use Salome CAD Software for Creating STL Files

    Hi PF! I'm using Salome, an opensource software to build .stl files. I'm trying to cut a triangular cylinder from a rectangular cylinder. Here's how I build the two cylinders: I'm building the rectangular cylinder through the hot key "build a box" toggle. To build the triangular cylinder, I...
  22. Ozen

    Ray Diagram for an Experimental Lens Systems

    Hello, I wanted to confirm a suspicion with how the Aimpoint optics work, but to do that I need to do some ray diagrams. I only ever did them with simple convex, concave, and spherical systems while at college. From what I already know of how reflex sights work, the LED is placed at the focal...
  23. K

    Mathematica Is Mathematica more incomplete than the other math solver software packages?

    I only have access to mathematica currently. Regarding specifically its power to solve integrals, is it more unable to solve integrals than others like Maple? If the answer is yes, then I will move to purchase Maple.
  24. GravitySK

    How do you sketch (x^2-5)^2+y^2=16 without a calculator or software?

    Someone told me to use parametric equations to find symmetries first but are there other methods to sketch this graph? How do you think
  25. Eagle9

    Which software would you recommend to me for Karaoke?

    Hi guys :oldsmile: Several years ago I installed in my computer software „Realtek High Definition Audio“. The option “Karaoke” (with red line) enabled the sound/music to be played with imaginary/seeming high or low rate (however, the actual rate remained the same), this I liked very much. But...
  26. Robert House

    What's the best software to use when designing 2D floor plans for structures?

    What's the best software to use when designing 2D floor plans for structures?
  27. K

    Best software to fit molecular spectroscopy data

    Hello! I have some data from a molecular spectroscopy experiment, containing vibrational and rotational spectra, and I want to fit the peaks with Voigt profiles (one for each peak) in order to obtain the centers of the peaks. Do you know any software suitable for this kind of fit? I usually use...
  28. fissifizz

    Physics From Software Engineering to Astrophysics Grad School

    Greetings everyone. I am an undergrad currently majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Physics. I entered college as a physics student because I wanted to pursue astrophysics as a career. After my first 1.5 years of courses and a summer research experience, I concluded that a career in...
  29. M

    Looking for software to help me make electromagnets

    This is home project that I have wanted to do for years. I know I will have to build a lot of them to get what I need. I am hoping to find some software that will help me. I have looked and I can not find any electromagnets that will work. I will have to have odd shaped cores and they will need...
  30. Vigardo

    Optimisation software for trusses (or frames)

    Dear experts, What software is available (free or not) to optimise the member cross-sections of trusses or frames? Which one is your favorite? Would any of them optimise the topology and geometry? Ideally, the global buckling of the whole structure as well as the buckling and strength of...
  31. P

    Good Software to download and familiarize myself with

    Hey Everyone, I am a junior Physics major who would like to pursue a career in Renewable Energy Engineering. I am interested in the part of the development in which I would be designing the software, machine and every other component that goes along with the actual device (whether it be for...
  32. F

    3D printing software modeling and slicing

    Hello, The first step in 3D printing is the generation of a 3D model using a CAD software. But to be able to print the object, the CAD software is not enough, even if the file is saved in .stl or .obj format, correct? Another software, called the slicer, must then receive the 3D modeling file...
  33. M

    C/C++ Running a C++ code from oomph-lib (a CFD software)

    Hi PF! I recently installed the computational fluid dynamics software oomph-lib, which is similar to OpenFOAM. After installing, I'm trying to run a tutorial provided with the program, described here. I think all I need to do it run the .cc file here, so I type into the terminal >> gcc...
  34. whoohm

    Maple Anyone using Maple in 2019 on regular basis?

    I know these software packages were discussed a lot in the past, but I have not seen much input from the last couple years. I have used Matlab for many years, but remember using Maple in University Physics courses many years ago. I'm interested in a software package for symbolic math to use...
  35. M

    Install oomph-lib, a CFD opensource software

    Hi PF! I'm trying to follow these instructions to install an open-source CFD software on Ubuntu: http://oomph-lib.maths.man.ac.uk/doc/the_distribution/html/index.html#download After downloading the tar file http://oomph-lib.maths.man.ac.uk/tar_file_directory/, I type the command >> tar xvfz...
  36. R

    Looking for suggestions for software on a new tablet

    My old tablet is still working, but since there are no updates for years and it stuck at running some Android 4.xx system, there are problems piling up: incompatibility, lack of support, weird problems with software and so on. So I've decided to get a new one, this time with Win10 - I can still...
  37. Andrey Burian

    Is it possible to create mass on four springs (in Simscape Multibody software)?

    Dear Community, I just started to master Simscape Multibody and at the moment I'm trying to simulate mass on four springs. However, when I build parallel connections, the program writes an error, for obvious reasons, because the mass is tied to the spring, and when the spring moves, the mass...
  38. A

    Is there a good software package for mathematical illustrations?

    Summary: I'm planning making a guide of calculus so I am looking for a software that allows me to make illustrations like they show in the calculus books. do you know any? thanks in advance
  39. BWV

    Medical Food as Software and the end of livestock

    This is a futurist site, curious about how far away this really is Huge benefits to food security, CO2 emissions, public health etc https://www.nextbigfuture.com/2019/09/ten-times-cheaper-but-better-food-is-going-to-radically-change-your-world.html
  40. T

    Other Advice on books for logic puzzle questions for software engineers

    Summary: Advice on books for software engineer logic puzzles for interviews and improve overall skills I am looking to getting into software engineering, and am having trouble with find the logic puzzle books or websites to prep for interviews. Now of course there lots of logic puzzle type...
  41. somasimple

    Is There Software Available to Display Hydration Shells?

    Hi, Is there Hydration/solvation shell software? I mean softwares able to show ions/molecules and surrounding water molecules forming hydrations shell? https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solvation_shell
  42. hagopbul

    Software Patenting: Can You File a US Patent Application?

    Hello all: Are we able to file a patent application for a software ? Or we can only file it for an algorithm ? Like for example an encryption algorithms I have a family member wants to file one at the us patent office and I am trying to give some advice. Is it worth the time that we are...
  43. JayZ0198

    Multipurpose software that keeps C, Python, DSP, .... in the same file

    I’ve been looking for a certain type of software that can host programming (preferably C or Python) and other process that I’m going to need such as DSP, DSP filters, diagrams (3D graphs, charts,…), and text editing within the same file. It’s mainly so that I can incorporate and use each one...
  44. Manasan3010

    3D Animation Software used in Physics Videos by Eugene Khutoryansky

    https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJ0yBou72Lz9fqeMXh9mkog
  45. Rachelye

    Ansys tools for different software applications

    I am a mechanical engineering student and I know that our school will use ANSYS as simulation tools in the fall semester. And when I talk with one engineer, I know that they will use different kinds of ANSYS tools for the same project. The engineer uses ANSYS’s tools: Mechanical, Fluent, Maxwell...
  46. R

    MHB Math note-taking software for fast notes during lectures?

    Hello everyone, I want to find better math note taking software because I am a slow writer and my handwriting is very poor. It is difficult for me to keep up with professors when they are quickly jotting down equations in class. I will take Calculus 2 next semester and I am worried about how I...
  47. Wrichik Basu

    Turning a desktop PC into a WiFi hotspot using Connectify software

    I was reading online that Connectify can be used to convert any desktop or laptop PC into a hotspot. Our PC is fitted with Windows 7 Pro, 32-bit. It doesn't have an inbuilt WiFi adapter, and connects to the Internet using Ethernet. I wanted to make a hotspot using this desktop. There are...
  48. Ralph Rotten

    Playing with the Universe Sandbox Software

    I snapped this picture with my VIVE. It's a red dwarf. Universe Sandbox is sooo cool.
  49. N

    Overtone Spectrum Analysis Software

    I'm currently testing the overtone spectrum of several instruments. I haven't been able to find a freeware program that's well suited to my needs. In particular, I would like to be able to pause the playback of each overtone spectrum at specific intervals in order to compare the instruments...
  50. DaveC426913

    Software bugs and gene mutations

    Couldn't figure out which category to put this in so I put it here. Today, the Product Owner stumbled across a feature that was working correctly, but should not have been. A Yes/No button was defaulting to 'Yes'. It was eventually supposed to be implemented that way, but no one was assigned...
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