This document discusses different types of software. It defines software as computer instructions or data that can be stored electronically, while hardware refers to tangible components like storage devices, CPUs and displays. It describes system software like operating systems, compilers, loaders and linkers that enable computers to function. Application software includes programs for tasks like word processing, spreadsheets, databases and presentations. The document also distinguishes between open source software with accessible code and proprietary software with restrictions on use and modification.