Patent and software ...

[gca1]

Hello,

I have just read a article on patent in a linux periodical.

In USA, is it possible to take out a patent for a software or an idea ?

if a mere idea can be patented, then companies can patent all the
unimaginable ideas and wait until have been developped by anyone else to
have a operating monopoly or to cash rights.

Is that true ?

What are organizations which grant patent ?

thank you for your help.

ANTONINO Christian.