Computer software, or just software is a general term used to describe the role that computer programs, procedures and documentation play in a computer system.

The term includes:

Application software, such as word processors which perform productive tasks for users. Firmware, which is software programmed resident to electrically programmable memory devices on board mainboards or other types of integrated hardware carriers.

Middleware, which controls and co-ordinates distributed systems.

System software such as operating systems, which interface with hardware to provide the necessary services for application software.

Software testing is a domain dependent of development and programming. Software testing consists of various methods to test and declare a software product fit before it can be launched for use by either an individual or a group.

Testware, which is an umbrella term or container term for all utilities and application software that serve in combination for testing a software package but not necessarily may optionally contribute to operational purposes. As such, testware is not a standing configuration but merely a working environment for application software or subsets thereof.

Software includes things such as websites, programs or video games, that are coded by programming languages like C or C++.

"Software" is sometimes used in a broader context to mean anything which is not hardware but which is used with hardware, such as film, tapes and records.