Application Software and End-User Applications Study Guide

Definition and Scope of Software

• Software serves as a general term encompassing a myriad of programs designed for specific technical and functional purposes.

• It is utilized to operate and manipulate computer systems and their peripheral devices.

• It serves as the vehicle through which a computer performs a specific task.

Major Classification of Computer Software

• Software is categorized into two primary branches: Application Software and System Software.

• System Software: This category manages and supports the operations of computer systems and networks. It is further divided into:

  • System Management Programs: These include Operating Systems, Network Management Programs, Database Management Systems (DBMS), Application Servers, System Utilities, and Performance and Security Monitors.

  • System Development Programs: These include Programming Language Translators, Programming Editors and Tools, and Computer-Aided Software Engineering ($CASE$) Packages.

• Application Software: This branch performs information processing tasks for end users. It is divided into:

  • General-Purpose Application Programs (Productivity Packages): Examples include Software Suites, Web Browsers, Electronic Mail ($E-mail$), Word Processing, Spreadsheets, Database Managers, Presentation Graphics, and Personal Information Managers.

  • Application-Specific Programs: Programs tailored for specific functions, including:

    • Business: Accounting, Transaction Processing, Customer Relationship Management ($CRM$), Enterprise Resource Planning ($ERP$), and Electronic Commerce.

    • Science and Engineering.

    • Education, Entertainment, etc.

Classification Based on Software Development Methodology

• Software is also categorized by its origin and development model:

• Custom Software:

  • Defined as software applications developed within an organization specifically for use by that same organization.

  • Designed to satisfy the exact requirements, wants, or needs of the entity.

  • The entire software lifecycle takes place locally within the organization.

• Commercial Off-the-Shelf ($COTS$):

  • Developed with the intent of selling multiple copies, usually for a profit.

  • Developed with minimal changes expected beyond scheduled upgrades.

  • Purchasers have no control over specifications, development schedules, or the evolution of the software.

  • Purchasers do not have access to source code or internal documentation.

  • The product vendor retains all intellectual property rights.

• Open Source Software:

  • Developers collaborate on application development using shared programming standards.

  • Collaboration allows anyone to contribute to the software development process.

  • Application code becomes available and is free to anyone upon the completion of a project.

General-Purpose Productivity Software and Suites

• Software Suites:

  • These are the most widely used productivity packages, bundled together (e.g., Microsoft Office).

  • Advantages:

    • Cost is significantly lower than purchasing individual packages.

    • Uniform Graphical User Interface ($GUI$); icons, toolbars, status bars, and menus are consistent, providing the same "look and feel."

    • Consistency makes software easier to learn and use.

    • Efficiency is increased through shared tools like spell checkers and help wizards.

    • Seamless integration allows for easy file importing between different programs within the suite.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Many features included in the suite may never be used by the consumer.

    • They consume significant disk space, a phenomenon often referred to as "bloatware."

• Integrated Packages:

  • These combine the functions of several programs into a single, unified package (e.g., Microsoft Works, AppleWorks).

  • Advantages:

    • Provides many functions at a lower total price point.

    • Consumes less disk space compared to suites.

    • Frequently comes pre-installed on microcomputers.

  • Disadvantages:

    • Offers limited functionality compared to dedicated standalone applications or full suites.

Web Browsers and Communication Tools

• Web Browsers:

  • Software applications supporting navigation through hyper-linked resources via point-and-click functionality.

  • Often referred to as the Universal Client, meaning the software component installed on all networked computing and communication devices throughout an enterprise.

  • Acts as a universal platform for launching:

    • Information searches.

    • $E-mail$.

    • Multimedia file transfers.

    • Discussion groups.

    • Variety of other Internet-based applications.

• Electronic Mail ($E-mail$):

  • Software used to communicate via messages and attachments transmitted through the Internet, intranets, or extranets.

• Instant Messaging ($IM$):

  • Enables users to receive electronic messages instantly.

• Weblogs (Blogs):

  • Personal websites maintained in a dated log format.

  • Frequently updated with information regarding specific subjects or a range of topics.

Word Processing, Desktop Publishing, and Spreadsheets

• Word Processing:

  • Transformed the writing process by allowing users to create, edit, revise, and print documents.

  • Examples: Microsoft Word, Lotus WordPro, Corel WordPerfect.

• Desktop Publishing ($DTP$):

  • Used to produce printed materials that carry a professional, published appearance.

  • Examples: Adobe PageMaker, Microsoft Publisher, QuarkXPress.

• Electronic Spreadsheets:

  • Essential tools for virtually every business for tasks involving analysis, planning, and modeling.

  • Consists of a worksheet organized into rows and columns.

  • Supports the design of formats and the development of formulas to establish relationships between data points.

  • Enables the creation of charts and graphic displays of results.

  • Specifically supports "what-if" questions for scenario testing.

Presentation and Personal Management Software

• Presentation Graphics Software:

  • Converts numeric data into visual displays such as line charts, bar graphs, and pie charts.

  • Facilitates the creation of multimedia presentations incorporating graphics, photos, animation, and video clips.

  • Effectiveness: Multimedia displays emphasize key points, strategic differences, and trends more effectively than tabular numeric data.

  • Used extensively in advertising media, management reports, and business presentations.

  • Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint, Lotus Freelance, Corel Presentations.

  • High-end packages can tailor files into $HTML$ format for web transfer.

• Personal Information Managers ($PIM$):

  • Popular for end-user productivity and collaboration.

  • Common application for Personal Digital Assistant ($PDA$) handheld devices.

  • Functions: Stores client information, manages schedules, appointments, and tasks.

  • Most provide $E-mail$ and Web access; some support team collaboration through info-sharing.

  • Examples: Lotus Organizer, Microsoft Outlook.

• Groupware Software:

  • Designed to help workgroups collaborate on group assignments.

  • Relies on the Internet, corporate intranets, and extranets to facilitate global collaboration for virtual teams.

  • Includes components like $E-mail$, discussion groups, shared databases, and video conferencing.

  • Examples: Lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise, Microsoft Exchange.

  • Tools like Windows SharePoint Services and WebSphere enable the creation of websites for document collaboration.

Software Delivery Alternatives and Cloud Computing

• Application Service Providers ($ASP$):

  • Companies that own, operate, and maintain application software and computer system resources.

  • Users access the application over the Internet for a fee.

  • Operates on a pay-as-you-go model.

• Cloud Computing:

  • A style of computing where software and virtualized hardware resources are provided as a service over the Internet.

  • Users do not require internal knowledge, expertise, or control over the infrastructure "in the cloud."

  • Built on reliable services delivered through data centers using various levels of virtualization technologies.

  • The cloud acts as a single point of access for all consumer computing needs.

  • Examples of Cloud Vendors: SAP Business ByDesign, MidlandHR’s ‘iTrent as a Service,’ Salesforce.com, and Google Apps.

Software Licensing and Legal Frameworks

• Software licensing is governed by intellectual property rights including copyright, trademark, and trade secrets.

• It is influenced by traditional contract law, specifically the Uniform Commercial Code ($UCC$).

• Ownership vs. Licensing: Purchasing a software application does not grant ownership rights. It grants a license to use the software under the terms of a licensing agreement.

• Vendor Protection: Licensing is intended to protect the vendor’s intellectual property.

• Common Restrictions: Licenses often prohibit reverse engineering, modifying, disclosing, or transferring the software.

• Resale and Duplication: Licenses may allow the purchaser to sell or dispose of the rights provided by the license, but generally forbid duplicating or reselling multiple copies.

• Ownership Rule: Software is only owned if the individual/entity writes it themselves or pays someone specifically to write it for them.