Software

Firmware is a specific class of computer software that provides the low-level control for a device's specific hardware. It is often stored on a ROM (Read Only Memory) chip. Unlike regular software, firmware is rarely updated and stays with the hardware for its lifetime. For example, the software inside your washing machine, microwave, or the BIOS in your computer is firmware. It tells the hardware how to start up.

This refers to software whose source code is available for the public to view, edit, and distribute. It promotes collaboration and transparency. Because it is free, many government projects use it to save costs. A famous example is the Linux kernel, which powers most of the world's internet servers. Another example is the VLC Media Player. It is the opposite of Closed Source software where the code is a secret.

The Operating System is the most critical system software. It manages the computer's memory, processes, and all of its software and hardware. It allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the computer's language. Without an operating system, a computer is useless. Common examples include Windows for PCs, Android for smartphones, and Linux for servers. It handles tasks like file management and controlling peripheral devices like printers.