Types of Software

Software that is written is protected by copyright

Commercial Software - user pays for a license to use someone else’s software

Open Source - developers can share, modify and distribute software for free

  • Linux Kernel
  • Libra Office
  • Gimp
  • Firefox\

Application Software - any software created to fulfill a specific need

  • text editors
  • web browsers
  • graphic editors

System Software - software used to keep our core system running

  • OS tools and utilities
  • Firmware - software stored permanently on a computer component
    • BIOS