Do people still use the word "program" as a noun?
Solution 1:
Program, software and application referto different development of computer technology:
Program- A set of instructions telling a computer what to do.
Software- the programs and other operating information used by a computer. Software can be made up of more than one program. All-encompassing term that is often used in contrast to hardware (the tangible parts of a computer)
Application- A program or group of programs that is designed for the end user. Application software (an application) is a set of computer programs designed to permit the user to perform a group of coordinated functions, tasks, or activities. Application software cannot run on itself but is dependent on system software to execute.
(teamtreehouse.com)
Solution 2:
To me, "program" refers to a coherent collection of lines of code, dedicated to some purpose.
I view "application" as referring to a collection of programs, data base objects, graphics, and other stuff, intended to fulfill a more diverse, comprehensive purpose than a simple "program".
"Software" is a collective term that can be used to refer to an individual program or application, or a library of such stuff. Or it can refer to a measly few lines of code which is not coherent enough to be considered a "program". It's merely the stuff that isn't hardware.
(Source: Having worked in the computer industry for about 45 years.)