Applications Software: Getting the Work DoneObjectivesApplications SoftwareApplications SoftwareSoftware TypesCustom SoftwareSoftware Types:Packaged or CommercialPC (Packaged) Software CharacteristicsUser-Friendly SoftwareAcquiring SoftwareAcquiring SoftwareAcquiring SoftwareBuying Commercial Software: IndividualsPurchasing Commercial Software: Site LicensePurchasing Commercial Software: Electronic Software DistributionPurchasing Commercial Software: Application Service ProviderTask-Oriented Software:Productivity SoftwareWord ProcessingDesktop PublishingElectronic SpreadsheetsDatabase ManagementGraphicsPresentation GraphicsComputer ArtCommunicationsCommunicationsOther Task SoftwareBusiness SoftwareVertical Market SoftwareSoftware for Workgroups (Groupware)Software for WorkgroupsSoftware for a Small BusinessSoftware for Small BusinessSmall Office, Home Office SOHOApplication Software EthicsEthics and Application SoftwareSoftware PiracyCopying SoftwareSoftware PiracyComputers and PeopleComputers and PeopleComputer ProfessionalsComputer ProfessionalsApplications Software: Getting the Work DoneChapter 210/12/2003Objectives 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 professionals10/12/2003Applications Software“Applications” Apply to real-world tasks& Solve user problemsvs.OS that Controls the hardware &Provides services for applications10/12/2003Applications Software Software used to solve a particular problem or perform a particular task10/12/2003Software Types All software is: Written by programmers Takes a lot of time to write and test Custom Software Commercial or Packaged Software10/12/2003Custom Software Specifically tailored to an organization’s needs When requirements and specifications are unique Organization hires computer programmers (in-house IT organizations or by contract with SW development organization) They design, write, test, and implement software Can be extremely complex and take years to write10/12/2003Software 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 software10/12/2003PC (Packaged) Software CharacteristicsPC 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 proficiencyThen other kinds of software.10/12/2003User-Friendly Software Easy to use Should be intuitive for even a beginning user Can be used with minimum of training and documentation10/12/2003Acquiring 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 register10/12/2003Acquiring 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 OS10/12/2003Acquiring Software Commercial software Used most often Copyrighted Generally costly May not be copied without permission of the manufacturer10/12/2003Buying Commercial Software:Individuals Retail stores Mail order Electronic software distribution10/12/2003Purchasing 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 users10/12/2003Purchasing 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)10/12/2003Purchasing 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 usage10/12/2003Task-Oriented Software:Productivity SoftwareMakes work fasterMakes our lives easierMakes work fasterMakes our lives easier10/12/2003Word Processing Uses Most widely used personal computer software Create memos, reports, papers Incorporate graphics into documents Functions Create Edit Format Store Print text and graphics10/12/2003Desktop Publishing Uses Newsletters Reports Brochures Posters Functions Handles high-level publishing needs10/12/2003Electronic Spreadsheets Uses Comparing mortgageinterest 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?”10/12/2003Database Management Uses Keep track of a large number of related facts Query the data for specific information Retrieve information in a variety of ways
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