SOFTWARE by: ROBERT M. ROBLES JR, MCGA Why Learn About Software? • Software is indispensable for any computer system • Systems software needed for input, calculations, and output • Application software aids in productivity • Personal tasks using software – Income tax preparation – Keeping a budget – Internet research – Games 2 Software • a generic term for organized collections of computer data and instructions, often broken into three major categories: – system software that provides the basic non-task-specific functions of the computer, and – application software which is used by users to accomplish specific tasks. – Programming software usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs and software using different programming Principles languages in a more convenient way of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 3 Systems Software • Systems software: coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and programs • Computer system platform: combination of a hardware configuration and systems software Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 4 Systems Software • helps run the computer hardware and computer system. It includes combination of the following: – device drivers – operating systems – servers – utilities – windowing systems Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 5 Application Software • Application software: helps users solve particular problems • In most cases, application software resides on the computer’s hard disk • Application software can also be stored on CDs, DVDs, and flash or keychain storage devices Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 6 Application Software • allows end users to accomplish one or more specific (not directly computer development related) tasks. Typical applications include: – industrial automation – business software – computer games – telecommunications (i.e., the internet and everything that flows on it) – databases – educational software (coursera.org) – medical software Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 7 Programming Software • usually provides tools to assist a programmer in writing computer programs, and software using different programming languages in a more convenient way. The tools include: – compilers – debuggers – interpreters – linkers – text editors Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 8 Integrated Development Environment (IDE) • An Integrated development environment (IDE) is a single application that attempts to manage all these functions. • Examples: – C-Free - devcpp – Turbo C - pelles-c – Visual Studio Express Edition - codeblocks – Netbeans – J-Creator – Xamarin Principles of Information Systems, Eighth – Eclipse Edition 9 Software Variants • Retail software: This type of software is sold off the shelves of retail stores. • It includes expensive packaging designed to catch the eye of shoppers and, as such, is generally more expensive. • An advantage of retail software is that it comes with printed manuals and installation instructions. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 10 Software Variants • OEM software: OEM stands for "Original Equipment Manufacturer" and refers to software sold in bulk to resellers, designed to be bundled with hardware. • For example, Microsoft has contracts with various companies including Dell Computers, Toshiba, Gateway and others. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 11 Software Variants • Shareware: This software is downloadable from the Internet. • Licenses differ, but commonly the user is allowed to try the program for free, for a period stipulated in the license, usually thirty days. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 12 Software Variants • Crippleware: This software is similar to shareware except that key features will cease to work after the trial period has ended. • For example, the "save" function, the print function, or some other vital feature necessary to use the program effectively may become unusable. This "cripples" the program. • A purchase is necessary to unlock the crippled features. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 13 Software Variants • Demo software: Demo software is not intended to be a functioning program, though it may allow partial functioning. • It is mainly designed to demonstrate what a purchased version is capable of doing, and often works more like an automated tutorial. • If a person wants to use the program, they must buy a fully functioning version. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 14 Software Variants • Adware: This is free software that is supported by advertisements built into the program itself. • Some adware requires a live Internet feed and uses constant bandwidth to upload new advertisements. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 15 Software Variants • Spyware: Spyware software is normally free, but can be shareware. • It clandestinely "phones home" and sends data back to the creator of the spyware, most often without the user's knowledge. • Malware – malicious software Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 16 Software Variants • Freeware: Freeware is also downloadable off the Internet and free of charge. • Often freeware is only free for personal use, while commercial use requires a paid license. • Freeware does not contain spyware or adware. Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 17 Software Variants • Public domain software: This is free software, but unlike freeware, public domain software does not have a specific copyright owner or license restrictions. • It is the only software that can be legally modified by the user for his or her own purposes. • Example: Linux Operating System Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 18 Systems Software • Systems software – Controls operations of computer hardware – Supports application programs’ problem-solving capabilities • Types of systems software – Operating systems – Utility programs Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 19 Operating Systems • Operating system (OS): set of programs that controls the computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs • Kernel: ties all components of the OS together and regulates other programs Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 20 Operating Systems (continued) • Various combinations of OSs, computers, and users – Single computer with a single user – Single computer with multiple users – Multiple computers – Special-purpose computers Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 21 Operating Systems (continued) The role of Systems Software –interface between users, application software and hardware Figure 4.4: The Role of Systems Software Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 22 Operating Systems Functions 1. User interface and input/output management – User interface: allows individuals to access and command the computer system – Command-based user interface: requires that text commands be given to the computer to perform basic activities – Graphical user interface (GUI): uses icons and menus displayed on screen to send commands to the computer system Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 23 Operating Systems Functions (continued) 2. Hardware independence – Application program interface (API): allows applications to make use of the operating system 3. Memory management – Control how memory is accessed and maximize available memory and storage Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 24 Operating Systems (continued) 4. Processing tasks – Multitasking: more than one program can run at the same time – Time-sharing: allows more than one person to use a computer system at the same time – Scalability: ability of the computer to handle an increasing number of concurrent users smoothly 5. Networking capability – Features and capabilities of the OS that aid users in connecting to a computer network Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 25 Operating Systems (continued) 6. Access to system resources and security – Protection against unauthorized access – Logins and passwords 7. File management – Ensures that files in secondary storage are available when needed and that they are protected from access by unauthorized users Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 26 Operating Systems Table 4.2: Popular Operating Systems Cross All Three Spheres of Influence Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 27 Current Operating Systems (continued) • Microsoft PC operating systems – PC-DOS and MS-DOS: early, command-driven OSs – Windows XP: greatly improved stability and security over previous versions of Windows – Windows XP Professional X64: for computers with newer 64-bit capabilities – Windows XP Media Center Edition: incorporates additional multimedia features – Vista – Windows 7 – Windows 8 – Windows 10: Commonly used today Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 28 Current Operating Systems (continued) • Apple operating systems – Often provide cutting edge tools in graphics and music not available from Microsoft – Mac OS X • Jaguar (OS X.2) • Panther (OS X.3) • Tiger (OS X.4): support for 64-bit computing, Dashboard, Spotlight, etc. • Leopard (OS X.5) • Mountain Lion (OS X.8) • Mavericks (OS X.9) • Yosemite (OS X.10) Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 29 Current Operating Systems (continued) • Linux – Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991 – Open-source product – Only the kernel of an OS – Several distributions available with capabilities/applications that form a complete OS • Examples: Red Hat Linux, Caldera OpenLinux Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 30 Workgroup Operating Systems • Windows Server • UNIX • NetWare • Red Hat Linux • Mac OS X Server Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 31 Enterprise Operating Systems • z/OS • MPE/iX • HP-UX • Linux Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 32 Operating Systems for Small Computers, Embedded Computers, Special-Purpose Devices, and Mobile Phones • Palm OS • Windows Embedded • Windows Mobile • RIM/Blackberry • iOS • Windows 8 • Android Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 33 Utility Programs • Help to perform maintenance or correct problems with a computer sistem • Common types of utility programs: – Hardware utilities – Virus-detection and recovery utilities – File-compression utilities – Spam and pop-up blocker utilities Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 34 Utility Programs (continued) • Network and Internet utilities • Server and mainframe utilities • Other utilities – Manages and protects corporate documents – Helps people with visual disabilities use the Internet – Monitors employees – Searches for files and documents Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 35 Application Software • Primary function is to apply the power of the computer to give individuals, workgroups, and the entire enterprise the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks • Application programs interact with systems software; systems software then directs computer hardware to perform the necessary tasks Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 36 Overview of Application Software • Proprietary software: one-of-a-kind program for a specific application, usually developed and owned by a single company • Off-the-shelf software: existing software program that is purchased Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 37 Overview of Application Software (continued) Figure 4.13: Types of Application Software Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 38 Personal Application Software • Serves the needs of an individual user • Includes personal productivity software – Enables users to improve their personal effectiveness Principles of Information Systems, Eighth Edition 39
