Introduction

1.1 Background

Software is a computer program, which provides the instructions which enable the computer hardware to work. System software operates the machine itself and provides the interface to the computer and also controls basic operations like saving and printing. Examples of system software are operating systems and programming languages. Application software on the other hand such as spread sheet or word processing programs, provide specific functionality. System software enables the application software to interact with the computer. Software is a form of intellectual property covered under software copyright. It has its origins in written material but it possesses a further quality of functionality that distinguishes it from other written material.