From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary Englishsoftwaresoft‧ware /ˈsɒftweə $ ˈsɒːftwer/ ●●● S3 W1 noun [uncountable] TDthe sets of programs that tell a computer how to do a particular job → hardware She loaded the new software.design/anti-virus/database etc software word-processing software a software companyCOLLOCATIONSverbsuse softwareSeveral companies have already begun using the software.run softwareTo run the software, you will need the latest version of Windows.load/install softwareDon't let your kids load pirated games software onto your machine.download softwareUsers can download the software without charge.write/design/develop softwareHe designs software for an Atlanta-based company.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + software computer softwareHe is the owner of a computer software company.anti-virus softwareMake sure you have good anti-virus software installed.business softwareHe has been training people in the use of business software since 1983.software + NOUNa software developer/engineer/designerher job as a software developera software package (=a set of programs)Select a software package which suits your requirements.phrasesa piece of softwareThis excellent piece of software is compatible with both PCs and Macs.
Examples from the Corpus
software• a software developer• It is rapidly propagating electronics and software companies.• Before downloading any beta software, check the appropriate Usenet news group or online service forum for possible complaints about the software.• Drawing software takes a mathematical approach to lines and shapes, and deals with objects rather than individual pixels.• But there is wide variation among Internet providers in cost, features, software, reliability and customer service.• The company develops interactive software for schoolchildren.• The latest software can imitate the texture of flesh or the topography of a mountain range.• The nature of software is philosophically problematic.• word-processing software• India's software industry barely existed 15 years ago but is growing rapidly today.• A glitch in the customer-service software left customers unable to get through to help lines.• You need special software to view the information in the file.• The couple has used the software in 200 homes, she said.design/anti-virus/database etc software• These aren't really a type of virus; the name merely describes their extraordinary ability to hide from anti-virus software.• Better yet, purchase and install a good anti-virus software program.• In between, he designed software for his phone systems, which allow callers to perform various functions through a voice menu.• Do you just want to run knitting design software?• The shipping deadline has slipped, but the Redwood Shores database software giant remains deeply committed to the project.• Some dealers who supply design software are able to supply computers, while others can advise you where to go for help.• The design software is a real delight.From Longman Business Dictionarysoftwaresoft‧ware /ˈsɒftweəˈsɒːftwer/ noun [uncountable]COMPUTING the sets of programs that you put into a computer when you want it to do particular jobsLoading the software (=putting it on the computer) should be quick and simple.the giant software company, Microsoft → application software → database software → desktop publishing software → graphic software → investment software → knowledge-based software → multimedia software → packaged software → presentation software → reality software → speech recognition software → spreadsheet software → third-party software → word-processing software → see also firmware, freeware, groupware, nagware, shareware 