Software Basics & Licensing

Question 1

What is software?

Answer 1

Software is a collection of programs, instructions, or data that tell a computer how to perform specific tasks. It is intangible and works in contrast to physical hardware.

Question 2

What is the difference between software and hardware?

Answer 2

Software: Programs and instructions (not physical)

Hardware: Physical parts of a computer (e.g. CPU, monitor)

Question 3

What is proprietary software?

Answer 3

Software that is owned by an individual or company and requires a license to use.
📌 Example: Microsoft Office.

Question 4

What is free software?

Answer 4

Software that can be used without payment but may still have licensing restrictions.
📌 Example: Adobe Acrobat Reader.

Question 5

What is open-source software?

Answer 5

Software whose source code is freely available to use, modify, and share.
📌 Example: Linux OS, Mozilla Firefox.