softwares

Noun

software (usually uncountable, plural software or (nonstandard) softwares)

1. (usually) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).
   • Some software will only run on a particular platform.
2. (usually) The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.
   • 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.1989, Christopher Layton, A Step Beyond Fear: Building a European Security Community
3. (dated, usually, music industry) Recorded music content, as opposed to the hardware necessary for reproducing it.
   • […] an extremely long playing time is achieved, which might be unnecessary from a software point of view1979 December 6, Toshi T. Doi, Takashi Itoh, Hiroshi Ogawa, “A Long-Play Digital Audio Disk System”, in Journal of the AES, volume 27, number 12, pages 975–981
4. (archaic, usually) Soft goods, such as textiles.
   • In fact, under the heads of hardware, software, and agriculture, the leading interests of the colony might be said to be grouped.1889, Parliamentary Debates, volume 61, Victoria. Parliament, page 1404