Computer program

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Computer programs (also software programs, or just programs) are instructions for a computer. A computer requires programs to function, typically executing the program's instructions in a central processor. The program has an executable form that the computer can use directly to execute the instructions. The same program in its human-readable source code form, from which executable programs are derived (e.g., compiled), enables a programmer to study and develop the algorithm.

Computer source code is often written by professional computer programmers. Source code is written in a programming language that usually follows one of two main paradigms: imperative or declarative programming. Source code may be converted into an executable file (sometimes called an executable program or a binary) by a compiler. Alternatively, computer programs may be executed by a central processing unit with the aid of an interpreter, or may be embedded directly into hardware (in which case it is more widely known under the term 'firmware', as something 'between' software and hardware).

Computer programs may be categorized along functional lines: system software and application software. And many computer programs may run simultaneously on a single computer, a process known as multitasking.

For more information about Computer program, read the full article at Wikipedia.
This text uses material from Wikipedia and is available under the GNU Free Documentation License.


News tagged with software program

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Endless original, copyright-free music

Technology / Computer Sciences

created Jun 01, 2009 | popularity 4.4 / 5 (10) | comments 8

A group of researchers from the University of Granada has developed Inmamusys, a software program that can create music in response to emotions that arise in the listener. By using Artificial Intelligence techniques, the ...


A fair hostess presents a netbook with the new Windows 7 version

Windows 7 to make public debut May 5

Technology / Software

created May 01, 2009 | popularity 1.8 / 5 (22) | comments 5

Microsoft said Thursday that a nearly-final version of its next-generation Windows 7 operating system will be publicly released on May 5.


An animated penguin boosts kids' math scores

Other Sciences / Social Sciences

created Oct 01, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (5) | comments 1

California's hottest new math teacher is an animated penguin named JiJi. Yes, it's true. A mute, waddling, tuxedo-clad cartoon figure has been quietly taking over math programs dotting Silicon Valley, dramatically improving ...


OpenDNS service is an alternative to major Internet providers

Technology / Internet

created Apr 15, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (4) | comments 1

You turn on your computer and try to log onto your favorite sites. Nothing happens. A message at the bottom of your screen tells you your computer is trying to connect, and trying and trying.


IBM Researchers Develop Shield to Mask Sensitive On-Screen Information

Technology / Software

created Jul 09, 2009 | popularity 4.3 / 5 (3) | comments 0

IBM Research - Haifa has developed software that more efficiently and effectively hides sensitive or personal information that might otherwise appear on the computer screens of unauthorized personnel. It could prove particularly ...


Artificial Intelligence Shuffles Schedules, Cuts Patients' Wait Times

Artificial Intelligence Shuffles Schedules, Cuts Patients' Wait Times

Medicine & Health / Other

created Dec 03, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Some of the same artificial intelligence (AI) underlying NASA’s Hubble Space Telescope is now streamlining patient care at Strong Memorial Hospital, helping radiologists and technologists ...


Protecting patient privacy the new fashioned way

Medicine & Health / Other

created Sep 25, 2008 | popularity 3.5 / 5 (2) | comments 0

Protecting patient privacy has been recognized as the duty of health-care providers for about as long as doctors have seen patients. In 1996 that duty became a legal obligation when Congress passed the Health Insurance Portability ...


Embedded systems -- the whole picture

Embedded systems -- the whole picture

Technology / Engineering

created Oct 28, 2009 | popularity 5 / 5 (1) | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- Embedded computer systems must be fast and efficient. A European consortium has created a new modelling framework that lets designers strike the best balance between static, reconfigurable ...


Review: Plug-in software that fine tunes iTunes (AP)

Review: Plug-in software that fine tunes iTunes

Technology / Software

created Mar 25, 2009 | popularity 2 / 5 (2) | comments 0

(AP) -- I generally like the way Apple Inc.'s iTunes orchestrates my music collection, but sometimes it hits a wrong chord on the older and more eclectic CDs transferred to my computer.


Arts and sciences join to develop greener, more efficient conferences and exhibits

Other Sciences / Other

created Dec 01, 2009 | popularity 4 / 5 (1) | comments 0

Santanu Majumdar spent his years as a graphic design graduate student developing a project that might sound counterintuitive for a student of fine arts - a software program made to simplify information gathering at conferences ...


Non-wovens as scaffolds for artificial tissue

Non-wovens as scaffolds for artificial tissue

Technology / Engineering

created May 04, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

(PhysOrg.com) -- In future, cartilage, tendon and blood vessel tissue will be produced in the laboratory, with cells being grown on a porous frame, such as non-wovens. A new software program helps to characterize ...


Tech gadgets can be addictive

Technology / Other

created Aug 28, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

I've been thinking I need to take a break from technology. Not an extended one, mind you. I'm not planning on becoming some latter-day Thoreau and retreating to my own Walden Pond sans laptop, TV and smart-phone.


Artificial intelligence helps diagnose cardiac infections

Medicine & Health / Research

created Sep 12, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Mayo Clinic researchers say that "teachable software" designed to mimic the human brain may help them diagnose cardiac infections without an invasive exam. Those findings are being presented today at the Interscience Conference ...


Apple have sold more than 50 mln iPhone and iPod Touch devices

Apple App Store downloads hit two billion mark

Technology / Software

created Sep 28, 2009 | popularity not rated yet | comments 0

Apple announced Monday that more than two billion applications for the iPhone and iPod Touch have been downloaded from its App Store, just five months after hitting the one-billion download mark.