Software Basics: What It Is, Why It Updates and How It Keeps Your Business Running

If you’ve ever used a computer, smartphone, or tablet - and let’s face it, you have - you’ve used software.

And even if you don’t consider yourself much of a tech person, you’re interacting with software pretty much every day. But what actually is software? Let’s talk about it in a way that makes sense, even if you don’t live in the IT world.

At its core, software is simply the brain behind your devices. You can't physically see it or touch it like you can with your phone or laptop, but without software, those devices wouldn’t do much. You wouldn’t be able to check your email, stream a show, run your business apps, or even start the operating system.

Software is a set of instructions, or a program, that tells your device what to do and how to do it. Every time you open a document, play music, or join a video call, you’re relying on software to make that happen.

And chances are, you’re using a lot more software than you even realize. Things like web browsers - Chrome, Safari, Edge - those are software. Word processors like Microsoft Word. The apps you use to run meetings, track inventory, or communicate with your team. Even your operating system - whether that’s Windows, macOS, Android, or iOS - is all software.

Now let’s talk briefly about how it works. Don’t worry, we’re not diving into coding here. Just think of software as a detailed instruction manual written by programmers. When you click an icon or tap an app, your device follows those instructions instantly. That’s what brings up your spreadsheet, your sales dashboard, or your Netflix queue.

Because technology is always evolving, software needs to evolve too. That’s why you see those update notifications pop up from time to time. Updates aren’t just about adding shiny new features. They fix bugs, improve performance, and most importantly, they patch security vulnerabilities. So, when your IT team says, “Hey, there’s an update available,” it’s a good idea to listen.

Now, why does this matter to you as a business leader? Well, software is what keeps your entire operation running. It’s what your team relies on to get work done every single day. And if that software isn’t running properly - or worse, if it’s outdated - it can slow your business down, create security risks, and eventually cost you real money.

So even if you’re not the one installing updates or troubleshooting apps, understanding what software does helps you make better decisions about your technology investments. It helps you ask the right questions and know when it’s time for your IT team to step in.

Bottom line - software may be invisible, but it’s absolutely essential to everything you do. And staying on top of it is one of the smartest ways to keep your business running smoothly.

Still have questions or need assistance with software? Schedule a call with us or visit our Learning Center for more information. We're here to help!