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Software also known as a program is a set of instructions that guide a computer on what to do. Alternatively, a software or program can be defined as a set of instructions stored in a computer memory for a specific purpose. Virtually all electronic devices have some sort of software installed in them. It is for this reason that they are referred to as computerized devices. Everything that a computer or electronic device does is as a result of the software installed in it. For example, word processing, gaming, internet browsing and spreadsheet amongst other activities done in a computer is as a result of the software installed in it.

Software or programs can be classified into two main groups, i.e.:

- Operating System Software.

- Application Software,

Application software enables the computer system to run and examples include Windows, Linux and Mac OS amongst others. Application software on the other hand enables PC users to be able to do their day to day activities on the computer, e.g. surfing, word processing, gaming and desktop publishing. Commonly used application software are Microsoft Word, Adobe Reader and Safari Browser amongst others.

Discussed herein are the world’s top ten software companies:

1. IBM

IBM an acronym for International Business Machines is a Computer Company that was established in the 1880s. Since its inception, IBM has managed to engage in several business ventures involving technologies and for a long time was the US government main provider for various technological services. IBM is known worldwide as the pioneer of the modern computers but, very few recognize it as a software manufacturer. Nonetheless, IBM does engage in software development and has developed some of the most complex platforms used on IBM servers.

2. Microsoft

If there is a software manufacturing company that has humble beginnings then it has to be Microsoft. Microsoft is an American public multinational corporation. It has its main offices in Redmond, Washington in the United States. Microsoft is in the business of developing, manufacturing, licensing and supporting extensive assortments of platforms and services that are related to computers. It has different product divisions that have been tasked to develop solutions for various computing needs. Microsoft was initially established to create and market Basic Interpreters. These are raw programs that required an individual with extensive computing knowledge to understand. Its rise to fame was the MS-DOS program designed for IBM computers. Later on it became a major contender for home computer operating system that was to be followed with its famous office suite.

3. Google

Google is famed as one of the world’s largest search engine. Millions of online users worldwide use the search engine for their basic needs. Just like Microsoft, Google is an all American multinational public corporation that has interests in internet search, online advertising and cloud computing. Other than internet search services, Google also creates several online based services and makes a large chunk of its revenues from advertising using an applications referred to as AdWords and AdSense. Google was created by Larry Page and Sergey Brin while studying for their Ph.D. courses in 1998.

4. Accenture

Accenture is a software development company that was incorporate as a worldwide management consulting and technology outsourcing in the Bermuda, but, was to later be incorporated afresh in the United States. To date, Accenture is the world’s biggest consulting company as well as being a leading player in technology consulting.

5. SAP AG

SAP AG is a software manufacturing company that was incorporated in Germany. It mainly develops and sells enterprise software applications and offers software support for all kinds of businesses worldwide. It headquarters is in Walldorf, Germany. In addition, it has regional offices distributed globally to facilitate some of its international businesses. As an enterprise software developer, it is the biggest in its field globally. In Europe, it is the topmost software developers while the fifth globally. Application programs synonymous with the company are SAP BusinessObjects Software and SAP Enterprise Resource Planning.

One of the greatest innovations of the 20th century has to be the mobile phone or commonly referred to as the cell phone. Over the years, technological enhancement in the manufacture process has enabled manufacturers to convert the cell phone from being a mere tool of making and receiving calls to a more dynamic miniature computer.

At the turn of the 21st century it was possible for one to surf the web from their mobile phones. As competition increased, it soon became possible to receive and send documents from your phone, listen to FM station, download music and play games amongst other applications. All these were made possible thanks to mobile software. In the year 201 there was an eruption of innovations in respect to mobile phone applications. As new smart phones were hitting the market, i.e. iPhone 4 and numerous Android devices offering better experiences for its customers.

Not all mobile phone software are the same. There are those that serve as utility programs while others serve as entertainment applications. In addition, some mobile application programs can be downloaded for free while some have to be paid for. Nonetheless, there has been a revolution of mobile phone software since 2009.

1. Chase Mobile:

The Chase mobile software has been specially developed for smart phones, i.e. iPhone, BlackBerry, iPad, Android and iPod Touch. The cell phone users are offered a means to check their account balances, confirm credit card due dates and available amount as well as check transaction history. The software is not hard to utilize and offers the functions it was designed for.

2. Angry birds:

The Angry Bird mobile phone application offers features related to gaming, i.e. challenging physics castle demolition, replay values and game plays. Of the 120 levels offered in the game, reasoning is required in addition to skill and monster power to exterminate the opponent. The game has managed to achieve the status of the No. 1 paid application in countries such as US, Russia, Britain, Germany, Canada and Italy because of its addictive nature.

3. The New York Times:

The New York Times is a cell phone application that is rich in content and offers ad-support. In as much as the application is available for free, it is a must have application on the phone given that the advert banner displayed at the bottom of the screen does not interfere with the activities of the user. As such, you can carry on with your reading without the worry of interruption. The stories carried in the application are classified into sections in a similar manner as the actual paper.

4. Facebook:

Given the popularity of the social network. An application referred to as Facebook has been developed for smart phone users, e.g. Android, BlackBerry, iPhone, Windows Phone 7 and iPod Touch amongst others. It enables users to stay connected while on the move but still sharing information with their networks. Having achieved a baseline of 200 million users plus, Facebook must be the ones pushing for the application as a way of enhancing the experience of its users worldwide.

5. The Weather Channel:

The Weather Channel also known as TWC is an application that is available across all platforms. Every application is distinct in that it brings the benefits of an actual OS on which it is running on. The application is preferred by a majority of users as it offers the functions for which it was developed for as it provides its users with specific information that they are looking for. The application supports adverts but is in no way intrusive. There is a banner at the top of the screen however this expands only if the user clicks on it.

There is no doubt that internet technology has enabled individuals and businesses to achieve so much more with less. Activities such as video conferencing has made it possible for corporate organizations to save tens of thousands in travel expenses incurred by its globe trotting business executives to attend meetings and close business deals. Ecommerce has enabled thousands of merchants worldwide to trade from this platform with ease from the comfort of their homes without the need to rent a large office space. Online banking and shopping has made it possible for millions of consumers globally to buy and pay for their goods at the click of a button without the need of leaving their homes or offices. However, the ever rising cases of cyber crimes are posing serious threats to effective internet use. Internet security threats such as identity theft, viruses, phishing websites, spyware, Trojans, worms and viruses have caused home users and business establishments to lose millions of dollars in lost data and working hours.

Nonetheless, thanks to continuous development in software technology users have no need to worry. Internet security software, e.g. Norton, AVG and Kaspersky amongst others have been specially designed to provide adequate protection against internet threats by identifying and eliminating threats before causing havoc to your system. Discussed herein are some to the top ten internet securities in the world

1. Norton Internet Security 2010:

Norton Internet Security 2010 is the top pick for 2010 when it comes to internet security edging out all other security software. This is because of the all-inclusive set of characteristic, i.e. malware detection which functions in detecting threats based on their behavior. Other than detecting and removing malicious malware, it is able to identify are quarantine bad software in the PC.

2. Kaspersky Internet Security 2010

The second best internet security software which provided adequate security to users while online and offline in 2010 is Kaspersky Internet Security 2010. Its high rating was based on robust malware detection, efficient functionality and an easy to use interface. Whereas, Kaspersky security software carries out these specifications quite well, the cost is on the higher end in comparison to other internet security software suites. In general, Kaspersky has a user friendly graphical user interface. It has informative screens which display information with ease. The central window is easy to understand and simple to navigate.

3. AVG Internet Security 9.0

Coming at number three on the 2010 security suites list, is AVG Internet Security 9.0. The software is distributed at a discounted cost of $44.00 for up to three users. At such an inexpensive price, it provides adequate security to users working online and offline. It is quite reliable in terms of malware detection and disinfection. Its weak point is on the user interface. The developer has not done much about it and still presents organizational issues. Despite the shortcoming, it still scored well at identifying active PC infection. Of the samples that were tested, AVG identified 93% and disabled 87%.

4. PC Tool Internet Security 2010

At number four and one of the most affordable Internet Security Software at $50.00 for three users is PC Tools Internet Security. Whereas, the developer has made significant improvements over the years, it still lacks in terms of parental control as well as online backup specifications. In addition, there has been little change on the user interface, nevertheless still user friendly. The graphical user interface has been developed with the regular consumer in mind. The central screen is simple and easy to navigate. Nonetheless, the more avid user may find the interface restricting.

5. BitDefender Internet Security 2010

At number five on the 2010 Internet Security is BitDefender Internet Security 2010. Available in the market at $50.00 for three users, it still provides strong protection to its users. There has been a significant improvement on the user interface. In terms of identifying and eliminating threats, the security software scored highly. While it has the capability to detect and disable threats, it still left traces behind. Unlike other security software that identifies threats based on behavior, BitDefender relied on signature to detect and eliminate threats.

Microsoft has continued to grow in leaps and bounds since its incorporation. After the introduction of its Windows Operating System in the market, there has been no looking back. Since the release of Windows 95, there has been several versions released in the market all offering better features than their predecessors.

Whereas competition from other software developers offering graphical user interface operating system has increased over the years, Microsoft Windows still remains one of the most preferred operating system for both business establishments and home users. The following are some of the reasons why Microsoft Windows is still the best in the market.

- Enhanced graphical user interface: Windows offer an easy to use graphical user interface even for a person who has no experience in computers, the interface offered can enable you to interact with the computer.

- Internet Security: Windows offers one of the best security platforms when surfing the web against online threats, i.e. viruses and spyware. The inbuilt firewall has been enhanced to scan inbound and outbound traffic. In addition, the windows defender scans your PC for threats.

- Parental Control: Now you can be able to take control of what you children browse on the internet using parental control. Using the feature, you can be able to restrict access to certain websites and applications, e.g. games.

Discussed herein are the top ten most sold Windows Operating systems:

1. Windows 7 Ultimate:

Windows 7 Ultimate is the latest version of Windows Operating System in the family. It comes with added features and benefits that were lacking in the previous versions. The following are some of the benefits of using Windows 7 Operating system:

o Improved Desktop: Unlike other versions of Windows, Windows 7 offers better navigation around your PC. The taskbar is much larger than before and now you can be able to pin most frequently used applications to it for one time access.

o Smart Search: Included in the start menu is a search box. This enables you to type whatever you are looking for and obtain the results instantly. The search results are grouped by category and you can be able to fine-tune the search results by making use of filters, i.e. date and file types.

2. Windows 7 Professional:

Windows 7 Professional has been designed especially for small businesses looking to get the most of Windows in terms of security and communication.

3. Windows Vista Ultimate:

Windows Vista Ultimate is a version in the family of Windows Vista. There are several benefits which one stands to gain by making use of Windows Vista Ultimate as outlined below:

o Easy Search: Windows Ultimate features Instant Search feature which makes it easy for one to find any file, i.e. music, image, email and video on their PC with ease. The live icon feature has been specially designed to display the contents of the file thus making is easy to find what you are looking for.

o Enhanced Security: Windows Ultimate makes use of Windows Defender which scans your computer for malware and issues alerts. If a threat has been detected, then the application provides the user with removal tools that ensures the threat is eliminated and normalcy returned.

4. Windows Vista Business:

Windows Vista Business offers improved features for business establishments. The four main pillars of Windows Vista Business are security, networking, manageability as well as mobile computers. Unlike other versions of Vista, Win-Vista Business offers better enhancements in security. Using the User Account Control feature, as an administrator, you can be able to minimize the amount of havoc a user can inflict in the system in addition to decreasing chances of malicious applications affecting its operation.

5. Windows 2003 Server:

Windows 2003 server has been specially designed to run on servers and not desktop computers. The operating system is well suited when planning to run and manage a local area network (LAN). It is an improvement of Microsoft NT System which was in use in the 90s. Unlike its predecessor, the operating system offered improved security and an active directory system enabling the management of files and layout control. Other features included fresh architecture and improved graphical user interface. It is more reliable as it has an uptime of 99.993%. This translates to approximately 40 minutes of downtime on a yearly basis. The downtimes are mainly attributed to reboots that takes about 6 minutes.

Software is a collection of computer programs which are developed by the expert professionals to support the various functions carried out by an individual or an organization using a computer. Software is the main component of the IT sector, and with the boom in the IT sector the software manufacturers all over the world are rejoicing. The software firms have seen tremendous growth in the last decade and a huge number of small and big software firms came out. But stood tall are those few firms who have excellent product and world class services. The top ten among those stand out performer in the Software Industry are listed as under:

1. International Business Machine [IBM]

The International Business Machine or the IBM is one of the biggest software manufactures in the world. It has it’s headquarter in the United States and operates across the globe. IBM is certainly a giant when it comes to software manufacturing. IBM employs over 400,000 people across 200 countries. IBM holds more patents than any other firms in the US and has 9 research laboratories worldwide. IBM is one of the best companies to work for and has successfully developed much Software and has helped the world of business tremendously with its innovations.

2. Microsoft

Microsoft Corporation is an American public multinational corporation headquartered in Washington, USA. Microsoft is probably the most popular company in the globe with its product Windows which is an OS. Microsoft was the number one software manufacturer of the world for long but had recently slipped to the second spot. Microsoft was founded by Bill Gates in the year 1975 and ever since then it had never looked back. Bill Gates, as the CEO of Microsoft was the richest person in the world for over a decade and half.

3. Oracle Corporation

Oracle Corporation is an American multinational computer technology corporation that specializes in developing enterprise software’s. They are specialized in the Data Based Management Systems and serve a number of customers all over the world. Headquartered in California, United States and having its operation across the globe, Oracle Corporation is one of the giant software manufacturers in the world. Oracle Corporation is best known for its flagship product, the Oracle Database.

4. SAP AG

SAP AG is a German global software corporation that provides enterprise software. They are probably the most rapidly growing form in the world. SAP AG is the major competitor for the Oracle Corporation. It has become the largest software company in the world in 2009 and is still growing. SAP was founded in 1972 in Germany by 5 ex IBM employees and today SAP is a worldwide phenomenon. SAP is focused on enterprise software’s and currently they are the world leader in the enterprise software’s.

5. Symantec

Symantec Corporation is the largest manufacturers of the security software’s for the computers. The Symantec Corporation was founded in the year 1982 and is headquartered in California, United States. Symantec are famous for their antivirus solutions and they have big corporate giants as their clients. Symantec Corporation is also a major player in the enterprise software which they grew after acquiring the VERITAS software. Symantec Corporation’s Norton Antivirus are the largest and the most in use antivirus solution for the global corporate houses.

Technological development in internet technology in the present age has made great strides with innovations of products such as internet technology that has changed the way people do things. Individuals as well as business establishments are increasingly relying on the tool not only to earn money but also for download. Other than mp3 and movies, majority of software used today are bought and downloaded from the internet. If you are looking for open office, antivirus, music player, remote desktop or drivers, they can be accessed from the internet.

What are the benefits of downloading your software from the web as opposed to buying from a vendor? First and foremost, you are provided with variety and affordability. Unlike local software vendor, you have access to several versions of particular software as well as reviews from previous users. This enables you to know whether certain software is effective or not. Discussed herein are top ten free software download sites. However, one should not restrict themselves to the following websites as there are other sites you can use, but the following are some of the most used by millions of users worldwide.

1. Download.com

This is by no doubt the most used and preferred site for free software download. The site has gained accolades over the past few years from millions of users worldwide by making available reliable and robust software. In addition, the site has an easy to use graphical user interface that makes accessing and using the site. What makes the site number one? Other than providing you with what you need, it does make recommendations of other related software and provides ratings.

2. Soft32.com

Coming in at number two is Soft32. This is why the site is preferred by most users. First and foremost, the site does categorize downloads according to operating system and products. For example, if you need to download windows related programs, all you need to do is click on the window tab, login and download whatever application that you need. Unlike Download.com, for one to use Soft32 registration is required. Its strong points are that it provides users with everything that they are looking for, i.e. from desktop to cell phones.

3. Open Source Mac

There are those who believe in open source software due to the freedom and flexibility that it provides them. If you are one of those persons, then this is the site for you. From open Source Mac you can find and download anything that ranges from operating system to office to music players.

4. ZDNet Downloads

Coming in at number four is ZDNet Downloads. ZDnet has continued to rise the ranks of one of the most preferred sites for software downloads given the variety and ease it offers visitors to the site to get whatever that they are looking for. Looking for program to download is made easier by the categorization used in the site, e.g. most popular, recently added and top searches. There is no limitation to what you can download from the site. Other than downloads, the site provides users with a platform to interact by providing tools such as bogging and reviews.

5. GearDownload

Coming in at number five is GearDownload. The site is popular with download of application software, e.g. imaging software, music players, DVD Banners and file compressors. The site boasts of an easy to use interface that makes it easier for visitors to the site to download whatever they are looking for.

The World Wide Web has made world a global village and to access this village, it is obvious that you will need a doorway. Finding the doorway to enter the global village is not a tough job. Different internet browsers are there to provide you the access to the World Wide Web. It is true, all the browsers are meant for same purposes, yet each of them has got something special. For a complete browsing experience, you need to glance through these features. If you do that, it will be a simple task for you to access the web for news, shopping, entertainment or communication. Whether you use the Internet Explorer or Apple Safari or the Google Chrome, you have a secure browsing platform. However, it is good to understand the basic features that make them stand apart. If you can understand these distinct features, you can upgrade your system accordingly.

1. Mozilla Firefox

Mozilla Firefox, the free web browser developed by Mozilla Corporation is popular among web users for its great features. The latest version of Mozilla Firefox, i.e. Firefox version 4, supports features like spell checking, tabbed browsing, live bookmarking, incremental field, location aware browsing and many other. To support web developers, this open source browser offers a complete environment for their built-in tools.

2. Internet Explorer

Microsoft’s Internet Explorer supports different computer languages like CSS Level 1, HTML 4.01, DOM Level 1 and XML 1.0. Officials stated, Internet Explorer 9, which is yet to be released, will support XHTML and SVG to offer a different browsing experience altogether.

3. Google Chrome

Google Chrome, designed and developed by Google is dedicated to provide faster browsing experience than its competitors. The very first version of Chrome has passed Acid Test 1 and Acid Test 2. Version 4 of this browser has also passed the Acid Test 3. The security features of this browser are really commendable and warns user about every possible threat that there is.

4. Apple Safari

The graphical web browser, Apple Safari was initially designed for Mac OS X. Yet, later it was developed for Microsoft operating systems too. Both Windows and Mac users can access all the basic features of Safari, but Mac OS X users will also be able to save clips of any webpage and view them on Apple Dashboard.

5. Opera

Designed by Opera Software, internet suite and internet browser, Opera supports security features like malware protection, built-in phishing and strong encryption while browsing. It can also delete HTTP cookies and private data at ease. Opera, which is known to be the fastest browser, has introduced different features that other internet browsers adopted much later.

Anybody who has a computer has one of these media players- how can one work on a PC without listening to music? The following are the ten best out of the lot.

1. iTunes

You can download this media player on the internet or load it onto your computer with the CD that comes along with your iPod. You can play both media and video files with great ease. The library can accommodate thousands of songs and your computer will not freeze up.

2. VLC Media Player

The VLC media player is very popular because sometimes movies cannot be played on players like Winamp or Windows Media Player. This is when the VLC media player becomes useful- it can play any movie in the world! People say that if you even put a photograph on it, it will start playing it!

3. Windows Media Player

This media player is definitely the oldest and was doing well even before anybody had heard of MP3 players and therefore, iTunes. However, try not to use it if you have a choice- it does not play certain songs if it is not in a particular format and will sometimes destroy the quality of your songs.

4. Nero Media Player

Nero is a software that is used to burn CDs and as far as its media playing facilities are concerned, it is pretty decent. It will not tarnish the quality of the video or the song. You can also create libraries and listen to one song after the other- a feature that is not supported by VLC Media Player.

5. Winamp

Winamp is as old as Windows Media Player and is pretty reliable because you can create folders of your favorite songs and add it onto the player. Users can also the change the skin as and when their moods change. However, if you want to watch videos, you are better off using VLC.

These software bugs drained billions in less than 60 seconds because one person made a mistake when writing the superscripts.

1. Mars Climate Orbiter Crashes

The contractor who was given the responsibility of planning the navigation system got the specifications from NASA but instead of using the metric system, he carried out measurements using imperial units. What happened was that the space craft crashed into Mars and over 125 million dollars were lost.

2. Ariane 5 Flight 501

The engine of this satellite was much faster than that of the previous models but it had a software bug that went unnoticed. The satellite was launched and after 36.7 seconds, it self destructed and turned into a magnificent ball of fire. While the satellite’s cost was estimated at 8 billion dollars, it was also carrying payload worth 500 million dollars when it disintegrated.

3. EDS Fails Child Support

About 6 years back, EDS created an IT system that was quite complex and presented it to the CSA or the Child Support Agency in U.K. The software was not compatible with the restructure initiated by the DWP which caused many errors. The cost has been estimated at 1 billion dollars till date.

4. Soviet Gas Pipeline Explosion

In 1982, the CIA claimed that the Soviet Union was in the process of stealing important U.S. technology. The CIA then introduced a software bug into the system which would work in such a way that while it would not allow operation to be carried out, it would go through inspection without any problems. The explosion that followed will never be forgotten.

5. Black Monday

In 1987, certain investigation caused the bull market to come to screeching halt. The investigation affected certain stocks whose investors decided to dump them. The computer triggers were kicked into motion which destroyed certain systems. The market value fell rapidly and there was no choice but to liquidate the stocks.