software

1. (computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).Examples: "The "software" comprising the carefully planned interpretive routines, compilers, and other aspects of automative programming are at least as important to the modern electronic calculator as its "hardware" of tubes, transistors, wires, tapes and the like."; "As originally conceived, the word "software" was merely an obvious way to distinguish a program from the computer itself. A program comprised sequences of changeable instructions each having the power to command the behavior of the permanently crafted machinery, the "hardware.""; "Cris “Space Rogue” Thomas, another ex-L0pht member who testified alongside Zatko that day, said that L0pht would do everything it could to get companies to collaboratively fix software issues the hacker group found."uncountableusually

2. (military) The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.Examples: "The Americans have devoted their attention to the hardware of disarmament: Europeans can make a special contribution to the 'software' or human content of detente."; "[…] preview of horrific images to come, as the hardware stage of the war yields to the software — or human — stage."uncountableusually