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Software vs Autoplay - What's the difference?

software | autoplay |

In computing terms the difference between software and autoplay

is that software is encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware while autoplay is any software feature that plays (a video, a compact disc, etc.) automatically.

software

English

Noun

(-)
  • (computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM). Compare hardware.
  • * 1958 , John W. Tukey, "The Teaching of Concrete Mathematics" in The American Mathematical Monthly , vol. 65, no. 1 (Jan. 1958), pp 1-9:
    • 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.
  • * 1995 , Paul Niquette, Softword: Provenance for the Word ‘Software’ :
    • 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."

    Usage notes

    Software'' is a mass noun (''some software'', ''a piece of software''). By non-native speakers it is sometimes erroneously treated as a countable noun (''a software'', ''some softwares ).

    Hyponyms

    * See also

    Derived terms

    * * * * * * * *

    Related terms

    * adware * bloatware * firmware * freeware * hardware * malware * schlockware * shareware * spyware * vaporware * wetware

    See also

    * application * assembly * assembler * bug * code * coding * compilation * compiler * debugging * interpreter * linking * linker * open source * patch * programming * script * utilities * warez

    References

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    autoplay

    English

    Noun

    (-)
  • (computing) Any software feature that plays (a video, a compact disc, etc.) automatically.
  • * 2001 , E. Ernst, The desktop guide to complementary and alternative medicine (page 445)
    • If you have not enabled autoplay , click on the CD icon that appears on your desktop, then click on 'CAM' to open the application.
  • * 2004 , Tony Bove, Cheryl Rhodes, iLife '04 all-in-one desk reference for dummies (page 346)
    • You can even combine the features and make a looping autoplay DVD for a kiosk or self-running demo.
  • * 2011 , Steve Fulton, Jeff Fulton, HTML5 Canvas (page 265)
    • Adding controls, looping, and autoplay to an HTML5 video embed is simple.