Software is the programs and data that a computer uses. Software is kept on some hardware device such as a hard disk or floppy disk, but it itself is intangible. Say that you have a floppy disk with a program saved on it. Now say that you erase the program from the disk. The intangible software has been removed without removing anything tangible.
Software consists of both programs and data .
Programs are lists of instructions for the processor. The distinction between programs and data is not as clear-cut as you might think, however. Both programs and data are saved in computer memory in the same way. The realization that both programs and data can be saved using the same electronic methods is one of the most important ideas in computer science. Computer systems can use their memory for whatever needs arise.