Types of software | Intro to Computing
Types of software
In order to be capable of working with different software applications,
you must be able to distinguish the difference between their different types.
First, you need to know about the different operating systems (OS) in order to
choose the correct software to use.
Operating Systems:
An operating system is a type of system software that sits between
computer hardware and end user. It is installed first on a computer to allow
devices and applications to be identified and therefore functional.
There are 3 major types:
1) Microsoft Windows
2) Linux – Ubuntu, which is an open source OS from Linux
3) macOS
After determining the type of operating system, you need to determine where
the software application works. Such applications are one of the 4 types:
1) Desktop-based: the application needs to be setup on your computer and
does not necessarily need internet connection. For example: Microsoft
Office applications,
2) Web-based; the application has to be accessed through a web browser
(like google chrome), and in order to work it needs internet connection.
For example: Facebook and LinkedIn
3) Cloud-based: the application allows you to access data saved on remote
servers (the cloud) from any place, it needs access through a web browser
with a continual internet connection. For example: the e-learning website
& Google drive.
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Types of software | Intro to Computing
4) Mobile-based: the application is used on a mobile phone like the
application for mobile apps of Facebook, twitter, etc.; they do not require
a web browser.
The next step would be determining the price of the app, if it requires
money. There are 4 major types:
1) Commercial: an app that is only available after purchasing it, it does
not give you a testing or trial period, for example, dragon naturally
speaking.
2) Freeware: an app that is available free of cost, for example Facebook
& Google Chrome
3) Shareware: an app that is freely distributed to users on trial basis, for
example, SDL Trados
4) Open Source: the app is available to users with source code. Users can
modify, inspect and enhance it to improve the software, for example,
Omega T.
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