Software is the stuff that turns a computer into a tool. Without software, a computer is just a big, expensive, useless, chunk of plastic, steel and silicon. Software is what makes a computer behave the way you need. For example, wordprocessing software makes the computer behave like a typewriter. Database software makes it behave like a card file.
Some software is built into the chips in the computer.
This software, called the Bios, tells the computer how to start itself up when you turn the power on. Usually this software tells the computer how to access its hard disk and system programs. Once a computer is started, it relies on other installed software to perform its tasks. Most software is purchased from commercial software development companies like Microsoft or Wordperfect. This agreement informs you of your legal rights and responsibilities regarding the use of the software.