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A software component is a modular unit of software that encapsulates specific functionality. [1] The desired characteristics of a component are reusability and maintainability . [ 1 ]
Software consists of computer programs that instruct the execution of a computer. [1] Software also includes design documents and specifications. The history of software is closely tied to the development of digital computers in the mid-20th century.
A software system is a system of intercommunicating components based on software forming part of a computer system (a combination of hardware and software). It "consists of a number of separate programs, configuration files, which are used to set up these programs, system documentation, which describes the structure of the system, and user documentation, which explains how to use the system".
Because computer parts contain hazardous materials, there is a growing movement to recycle old and outdated parts. [67] Computer hardware contain dangerous chemicals such as lead, mercury, nickel, and cadmium. According to the EPA these e-wastes have a harmful effect on the environment unless they are disposed of properly.
The term computer system may refer to a nominally complete computer that includes the hardware, operating system, software, and peripheral equipment needed and used for full operation; or to a group of computers that are linked and function together, such as a computer network or computer cluster.
The components of an operating system are designed to ensure that various parts of a computer function cohesively. With the de facto obsoletion of DOS , all user software must interact with the operating system to access hardware.
A computer program is a sequence or set [a] of instructions in a programming language for a computer to execute. It is one component of software, which also includes documentation and other intangible components. [1] A computer program in its human-readable form is called source code.
For example, in a single computer system, this would be the computer's architecture, operating system (OS), and runtime libraries. [2] In the case of an application program or a computer video game , the most relevant layer is the operating system, so it can be called a platform itself (hence the term cross-platform for software that can be ...
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