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From: jean@hrcca.UUCP (Jean Airey)
Newsgroups: comp.misc,misc.misc
Subject: Software/data definition
Message-ID: <656@hrcca.UUCP>
Date: Thu, 16-Apr-87 08:22:55 EST
Article-I.D.: hrcca.656
Posted: Thu Apr 16 08:22:55 1987
Date-Received: Sun, 19-Apr-87 08:45:47 EST
Distribution: na
Organization: Hickory Ridge - AT&T, Lisle, IL
Lines: 33
Keywords: terminology
Xref: mnetor comp.misc:458 misc.misc:862


I'd like some help with definitions of computer terms.
I'm working with a group of folks who are from a
switching background, and we're doing revisions
on a section of a course that is strongly computer-oriented.

What exactly -- to computer experts -- does the term
SOFTWARE mean.  Is it just the programs, or is
it data as well?  I.E.:  Would it be appropriate
to say that SOFTWARE is both the program and the data?
And does that definition include the FIRMWARE that's
loaded into the ROMS?  (And am I right in calling that
Firmware?) 

I checked a dictionary for "software" and its definition
goes "the entire set of programs, procedures and related documentation
associated with a system and esp. a computer system: specif: computer
programs." That last part seems to exclude DATA ?? 

Also:  We are dealing with two types of DATA:  a
very large and (fairly) stable body of information
as well as another body of information that changes
constantly as the machine states change (ie:  lines
in use etc).  Are there correct terms for the two
bodies?  Is one the "database" and the other something
else?  


"I've got this shocking pain right behind the eyes." . . .Vila
"Have you considered amputation?" . . . Avon
-- 
Jean Airey: US Mail 1306 W. Illinois, Aurora, IL 60506
ihnp4!hrcca!jean