We explain what a computer program is, what types exist and multiple examples. Also, what are program licenses.
What is a computer program?
A computer program or computer program is a complex sequence of digital instructions designed for playback in the central processor of a computer in order to offer the user some type of result or interactive environment. The programs are part of the software of the system and owe their name to the fact that they have been programmed, that is, written in a programming language, normally by an engineer in software.
computer programs are essential to operate in a computer system either because they allow system resources to be managed or because they have these resources to offer the user some type of response or interaction. In that sense, some programs are fixed and permanent in the system, while others can be downloaded and installed, that is, they are accessories.
The complex series of commands that make up a computer program can be interpreted by humans as source code: a set of instructions expressed in a formal language and that make up an executable image, that is, a file that acts as a starting point for the rest of the program, and which is read and launched by a compilerthat is, another program capable of interpreting and executing the instructions of the source code.
See also: Computer functions
Types of computer programs
In general, computer programs are classified into two types: software of system and software of application.
He software System is the set of programs preinstalled on the computer system and necessary to manage its resources that is, they are fundamental computer programs that manage the relationship with the hardware and with the user, thus allowing the stability of the system and the subsequent execution of the software of application. They are examples of software system: operating systems, drivers (drivers) of peripherals, among others.
He software of application It is the set of optional or secondary programs that are introduced into the system to carry out certain functions and that generally require user participation. It is also called, generically, “applications”. Furthermore, it is impossible to use this type of program without first having a software system in operation. These programs can be very diverse, and in turn can be classified into:
- Entertainment programs designed for leisure, such as video games, programs to watch series and movies, comic readers, and other similar programs.
- Telecommunications programs which allow the user to establish communication with other users of a network, such as video calling or video conferencing programs, instant messaging programs, among others.
- Internet browsing programs which allow the user to access the World Wide Web and view and download information.
- Office programs designed for work, such as word processors, spreadsheets, accounting programs, slide presentation programs, among others.
- Editing programs which allow the user to create and modify multimedia pieces, such as visual, audio or video editors.
- Peripheral management programs which allow the user to manage removable devices through the system and transfer files to and from the computer, such as mp3 music managers, image gallery programs, among others.
- Programming programs better known as programming languages, which are used to design other application programs.
Computer program licenses
Most computer programs are protected by copyright since its source code can be considered an original piece of computer writing. In that sense, They are marketed to the general public together with a license of use, that is, legal permission for their use which often establishes a certain maximum period. At the end of this period, the user will be able to renew their license and continue enjoying the program, or look for a replacement. In other cases, the license does not expire, but prevents or limits free copying and reproduction of the software.
There is also the so-called free softwarethat is, without licenses or with much more benevolent and generous licenses, that allow the copying and reproduction of the program, or even the modification of its source code, as long as this is done under certain criteria and without profit. There are different ways in which this software free is managed, but in general it seeks to constitute itself as an alternative to software commercial sales of large corporations (copyleft).
Examples of computer programs
Some examples of computer programs are:
- The programs that make up the Microsoft Office Work Package: Microsoft Word (word processor), Microsoft Excel (spreadsheet), Microsoft Access (database management), Microsoft Powerpoint (presentation design).
- Free software operating systems such as Unix, Linux, Ubuntu, FreeDOS among others.
- The Macintosh manager of digital music and playback devices, called iTunes.
- PC video games like Elden Ring (Bandai Namco), StarCraft (Blizzard), Mass Effect (Electronic Arts), among others.
- Instant messaging programs like MSN Messenger, Facebook Messenger or Whatsapp Messenger.
- Social media apps for smartphonesas Instagram, Twitter, Facebook or TikTok.
- Web browsers like Internet Explorer, Google Chrome, Safari, Opera, Mozilla among others.
- Design programs from Adobe, such as Adobe Illustrator, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Flash, Adobe Acrobat Reader among others.
Continue with: Computer Science
References
- “Computer program” on Wikipedia.
- “What is a computer program and how to use it?” (video) at GCFAprendelibre.
- “Software (computing)” in The Encyclopaedia Britannica.
