Program vs. programme

[Britta]

Test No. incompl/inter-8 "Going on foot", question 9

There's a new software program on the market that's supposed to protect your computer from any ..........

(a) virus
(b) disease
(c) complaint
(d) illness

Test No. incompl/inter-8 "Going on foot", answer 9

There's a new software program on the market that's supposed to protect your computer from any virus.

Correct answer: (a) virus

Your answer was: correct
_________________________

Hi guys!!!
What exactly is the difference between "program" and "programme". Does the American usage differ from British English?

[Torsten]

Hi Britta,

In British English programme is the general term for plan, schedule, agenda, course, TV or radio show etc. and a program is a computer software application such as MS Word or Outlook.

In American English there is only the word program and it describes the general idea of a plan, agenda etc. as well as a software application.

TOEIC short conversations: Two co-workers brief each other on recent sales.