Applications Software Getting the Work Done Chapter 2 Objectives Distinguish between operating systems and applications software List the various methods by which individuals and businesses acquire software List and briefly describe various types of task oriented software Identify the kinds of software available for both large and small businesses Discuss ethical issues associated with software Describe the functions of various computer professionals 10 12 2003 Applications Software Applications Apply to real world tasks Solve user problems vs OS that Controls the hardware Provides services for applications 10 12 2003 Applications Software Software used to solve a particular problem or perform a particular task 10 12 2003 Software Types All software is Written by programmers Takes a lot of time to write and test Custom Software Commercial or Packaged Software 10 12 2003 Custom Software Specifically tailored to an organization s needs When requirements and specifications are unique Organization hires computer programmers inhouse IT organizations or by contract with SW development organization They design write test and implement software Can be extremely complex and take years to write 10 12 2003 Software Types Packaged or Commercial Sold in stores catalogs or Web sites Sometimes downloaded from the Internet Package contains one or more CDs or DVDs holding the software Typically contains software documentation Designed to be user friendly Must be installed Standard or custom installation The setup process copies some or all of the software to the hard disk May require the CD ROM to be in the drive to run i e game software 10 12 2003 PC Packaged Software Characteristics PC Software tends to be more User friendly Easy Intuitive to a degree Minimum training and documentation needed to use On line help included with most packages After market books helpful to increase proficiency Then other kinds of software 10 12 2003 User Friendly Software Easy to use Should be intuitive for even a beginning user Can be used with minimum of training and documentation 10 12 2003 Acquiring Software Freeware Author provides it free for all to use Author retains copyright May place restrictions on use May not be altered or redistributed without permission Shareware Copyrighted but freely distributed for a trial period When the trial period is over it may stop working Pay a nominal fee to register with the author Most authors add free documentation enhancements support and updates to encourage people to register 10 12 2003 Acquiring Software Public domain software Not copyrighted May be used or altered without permission Generally developed under government grants Common in UNIX systems Open source Free to all Source code is distributed Others may modify and redistribute which helps to improve the software and increase the features Popular under the FreeBSD LINUX OS 10 12 2003 Acquiring Software Commercial software Used most often Copyrighted Generally costly May not be copied without permission of the manufacturer 10 12 2003 Buying Commercial Software Individuals Retail stores Mail order Electronic software distribution 10 12 2003 Purchasing Commercial Software Site License Software installed on some or all computers depending on license terms Customer keeps track of how many users Number of users cannot exceed number of licenses Customer copies and distributes software and manuals to users Some organizations use network licenses Software installed on server License fee based on number of concurrent users 10 12 2003 Purchasing Commercial Software Electronic Software Distribution Get software from the Internet Typically freeware and shareware Some commercial software Typical scenario Download software for trial period Software disables itself after trial period unless you register pay 10 12 2003 Purchasing Commercial Software Application Service Provider Delivers applications to businesses via the Internet ASP maintains software and data on its systems Customers access applications as needed over the Internet Alternative to creating and maintaining custom software or purchasing packaged software Rent software paying based on usage 10 12 2003 Task Oriented Software Productivity Software Makes work faster Makes our lives easier 10 12 2003 Word Processing Uses Most widely used personal computer software Create memos reports papers Incorporate graphics into documents Functions Create Edit Format Store Print text and graphics 10 12 2003 Desktop Publishing Uses Newsletters Reports Brochures Posters Functions Handles high level publishing needs 10 12 2003 Electronic Spreadsheets Uses Comparing mortgage interest rates Preparing budgets Tracking weight loss Keeping grades for class Functions Manipulates numbers in rows and columns Recalculates the results when a number is changed Allows you to explore the What if 10 12 2003 Database Management Uses Keep track of a large number of related facts Query the data for specific information Retrieve information in a variety of ways Functions Store data Update data Manipulate data Retrieve data Print data in many forms Report on data in a variety of ways 10 12 2003 Graphics Uses Maps Graphs Charts Helps to Compare data Spot trends Make decisions Visual information is more compelling Human information processing 80 visual 15 audio 5 reading 10 12 2003 Presentation Graphics Uses Business tool Share reports Discuss business plans Document activities Sales tool Show cost benefit projections on charts Present audio video testimonials from satisfied customers Demonstrate a product Teaching Seminar presentations May contain Text Graphics Audio Video Animations 10 12 2003 Computer Art Use software to Produce art Express ideas Graphic artist Artistic ability Computer skills Produces computer art 10 12 2003 Communications Communicate from home with computer at office Access data stored in another computer in another location Stock exchange updates Remote Weather information REINAS project at UCSC Communicate with other people E mail IRC MUDS MOOS Mailing lists Chat rooms 10 12 2003 Communications Provides method for communicating between computers Most likely way to connect is via the Internet Use a browser to access the Internet 10 12 2003 Other Task Software Personal Information Managers Keep track of activities Typically include appointment calendar address book and task manager Office Suite A group of basic applications that work together Easy to share data among applications