1. Software :
Software, as name suggest, is simply a collection or set of programs, procedures, data or instructions to instruct computer about what to do and are designed to perform well defined function.
2. Program :
Program, as name suggests, is simply a collection of instructions or ordered operations for computer to perform specific function or perform particular task and achieve a specific result.
Difference between Software and Program :
| Software | Program |
|---|---|
| Software’s are mainly dependent on operating system. | Programs are mainly dependent on compiler. |
| Various categories of software includes application software, system software, computer programming tools, etc. | There are no such categories of program. |
| Size of software generally ranges from megabytes (Mb) to gigabytes (Gb). | Size of program generally ranges from kilobytes (Kb) to megabytes (Mb). |
| Software’s are usually developed by people having expert knowledge and experience as well as are trained in developing software and are also referred to as software developers. | Programs are usually developed by person who is beginner and have no prior experience. |
| Software’s can be a program that generally runs on computer. | Programs cannot be a software. |
| If software’s are not present in computers, then computer is useless. | If programs are not present in computer, then also computer can function well because of operating system. |
| Software’s can be downloaded on computer using internet without any need of program. | Program cannot run on computer without any software present in computer. |
| Features of software includes security, safety, dependability, correctness, etc. | Features of program includes reliable, cost effectiveness, maintainability, profitability, etc. |
| It requires more time to create software than program. | It requires less time to create program than software. |
| Examples of software includes Adobe Photoshop, Google Chrome, PowerPoint, Adobe Reader, etc. | Examples of program includes Web browsers, word processors, video games, etc. |
