Software vs. Tool — What's the Difference?

Software is a collection of instructions and data that tell a computer how to work. This is in contrast to physical hardware, from which the system is built and actually performs the work.

A tool is an object that can extend an individual's ability to modify features of the surrounding environment. Although many animals use simple tools, only human beings, whose use of stone tools dates back hundreds of millennia, have been observed using tools to make other tools.

The programs, routines, and symbolic languages that control the functioning of the hardware and direct its operation.

A device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function

(computing) Encoded computer instructions, usually modifiable (unless stored in some form of unalterable memory such as ROM).

A distinct design in the tooling of a book.

(military) The human beings involved in warfare, as opposed to hardware such as weapons and vehicles.

A man's penis.

(computer science) written programs or procedures or rules and associated documentation pertaining to the operation of a computer system and that are stored in read/write memory;

Impress a design on (leather, especially a leather book cover)

Equip or be equipped with tools for industrial production

Drive or ride in a casual or leisurely manner

Dress (stone) with a chisel.

A device, such as a saw, shovel, or drill, used to perform or facilitate manual or mechanical work.

A machine, such as a lathe, used to cut and shape machine parts or other objects.

The cutting part of such a machine.

Something regarded as necessary to the carrying out of one's occupation or profession

Something used in the performance of an operation; an instrument

Vulgar Slang The penis.

A person used to carry out the designs of another; a dupe.

A bookbinder's hand stamp.

A design impressed on a book cover by such a stamp.

(Computers) A utility program.

To form, work, or decorate with a tool.

To ornament (a book cover) with a bookbinder's tool.

(Slang) To drive (a vehicle)

To work with a tool.

(Slang) To drive or ride in a vehicle

A mechanical device intended to make a task easier.

Any piece of equipment used in a profession, e.g. a craftman's tools.

Something to perform an operation; an instrument; a means.

(computing) A piece of software used to develop software or hardware, or to perform low-level operations.

A person or group which is used or controlled, usually unwittingly, by another person or group.

An obnoxious or uptight person.

A penis, notably with a sexual or erotic connotation.

A gun.

(transitive) To work on or shape with tools, e.g., hand-tooled leather.

(transitive) To equip with tools.

(intransitive) To work very hard.

To put down another person (possibly in a subtle, hidden way), and in that way to use him or her to meet a goal.

To intentionally attack the ball so that it deflects off a blocker out of bounds.

To drive (a coach or other vehicle).

To carry or convey in a coach or other vehicle.

To travel in a vehicle; to ride or drive.

An instrument such as a hammer, saw, plane, file, and the like, used in the manual arts, to facilitate mechanical operations; any instrument used by a craftsman or laborer at his work; an implement; as, the tools of a joiner, smith, shoe-maker, etc.; also, a cutter, chisel, or other part of an instrument or machine that dresses work.

A machine for cutting or shaping materials; - also called machine tool.

Hence, any instrument of use or service.

A weapon.

A person used as an instrument by another person; - a word of reproach; as, men of intrigue have their tools, by whose agency they accomplish their purposes.

To shape, form, or finish with a tool.

To drive, as a coach.

To travel in a vehicle; to ride or drive.

An implement used in the practice of a vocation

The means whereby some act is accomplished;

A person who is controlled by others and is used to perform unpleasant or dishonest tasks for someone else

Obscene terms for penis

Drive;

Ride in a car with no particular goal and just for the pleasure of it;

Furnish with tools

Work with a tool