Chapter 4:
Software: Systems and Application Software
Summary Slide
 What is Software
 Overview of Software
 Operating Systems
 Popular Operating Systems
 Utility Programs
 Types of Application Software
 Proprietary Application Software
 Off-the-shelf Application Software
 Standard Off-the-shelf Application Software
 Software Issues and Trends
What is Software
 Software consists of computer programs that control the
workings of the computer hardware (statements to the
computer) and program documentation used to explain the
programs to the user.
Overview of Software
There are two basic types of software:
 Systems Software is a set of programs that support the
computer system by coordinating the activities of the
hardware and the applications. Systems software is written
for a specific set of hardware, most particularly the CPU.
 Application Software is a set of programs that solve
specific user-oriented problems.
Operating Systems
 An Operating
System is a set of computer programs that
control the computer hardware and act as an interface with
application programs.
 Operating System Activities:
– Perform common computer hardware functions like storing data on
disk
– Provide the user interface like the Windows XP Graphical User
Interface
– Provide hardware independence by serving as the interface between
the application program and the hardware
– Manage system memory to control how memory is accessed and
used
– Manage processing tasks like enabling the user to run more than
one application (multitasking)
– Provide network capability to link users
– Control access to system resources by providing functions like
password protection
– Manage files tracking where each file is stored and where is located
Popular Operating Systems
 Consumer Appliance Operating Systems
– Windows CE.Net/Windows XP/Handheld PC/Pocket PC
– Palm OS
 PC Operating Systems
– MS Windows 95/98/2000/XP
– Mac OS X
– Linux
 Network (workgroup) Operating Systems
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Windows 2000 Server
Unix
Netware
Linux
Mac OS X Server
 Enterprise Operating Systems
– MVS/OS 390
– Linux
Utility Programs
 Utility programs are used to perform important functions
like merging and sorting sets of data, keeping track of
computer jobs and compressing files before they are
stored.
 Examples of Utility programs:
– DriveSpace compresses your hard drive increasing its storage
capacity (Windows 95/98).
– Disk Defragmenter speeds up disk access by rearranging the files
and free space on your computer (Windows 95/98)
– DFSORT sorts and merges data files (MVS)
– TestDrive allows you to try software before you purchase it and
deletes the software from your hard drive after the trial period.
– Screen Saver
– Virus Detection
Types of Application Software
Application Software
Proprietary Software
In-house developed
Off-the-shellf Software
Contract
Customized Package
In-house developed
Standard Package
Contract
Proprietary Application Software
 Application Software gives organizations the ability to
solve problems and perform specific activities and tasks.
 Proprietary application software solves a unique or specific
problem.
 Proprietary application software can be In-house
developed or developed by external vendors in which case
is called contract software.
 Advantages of proprietary application software:
– Software usually meets the user requirements
– Provides flexibility in making modifications
– Offers more control over the results
 Disadvantages of proprietary application software:
– Can take a long time and significant resources to develop (costly)
– Has more risk concerning the features and performance
Off-the-shelf Application Software
 Off-the-shelf application software may be purchased,
leased, or rented from a software company. Off-the-shelf
application software can be customized to better fit
company specific needs.
 Advantages of Off-the-shelf application software:
– Lower initial cost
– Lower risk that the software will fail
– Higher quality usually without bugs and well tested
 Disadvantages Off-the-shelf application software:
– May pay for features never used
– May lack important features
– May not match current work processes
Application Software
Horizontal-Market Applications Software
 Horizontal-market application software provides capabilities
common across all organizations and industries.
– Word processor, graphics programs, spreadsheets, and all
presentation programs are all horizontal-market application
software.
Vertical-Market Applications Software
 Vertical-market application software serves the needs of a
specific industry.
Examples of such programs are:
– Those used by dental offices to schedule appointments and
bill patients
– Those used by auto mechanics to keep track of customer
data and customers’ automobile repairs
– Those used by parts warehouses to track inventory,
purchases, and sales
Standard Off-the-shelf Application Software
 Personal Application Software
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Word processing
Spreadsheet analysis
Database applications
Graphics programs
On-line information services
Software suites
 Workgroup Application Software
– Lotus Notes
– Group scheduling
 Enterprise Application Software
Firmware
 Firmware is computer software that is installed into
devices like printers, print servers, and various types of
communication devices.
 The software is coded just like other software, but it is
installed into special, read-only memory of the printer or
other device.
 Users do not need to load firmware into device’s
memory.
 Firmware can be changed or upgraded, but this is
normally a task for IS professionals.
Software Issues and Trends
 Software bugs and the costs associated with them
 Open Source Software can save you money but be aware
of hidden costs
 Software Licencing
– Usage-based License
– Capacity-based License
– Subscription Licensing
 Lack of tracking software licenses can cost you:
– Software Publishers Association (SPA) can fine your organization
$100,000 or more if you are caught with illegal software
 Software upgrades should be carefully evaluated
 Software support should be carefully evaluated
 Shareware and Freeware can save you money:
– Shareware is software where you are expected to pay the author a
modest amount
– Freeware is free software