Software

f) Control Applications

-Used to make something happen in the physical world.

-Also used to automate the movement of control devices or actuators such as motors.

-It achieves this in three steps;

 takes input from one or more sensor(s)

 makes a decision based on the input value

 outputs something (eg. a command) as a result.

-It is often used in;

 Engineering

 Vehicles

 Control systems

 Home automation systems which use smartphone apps to monitor and control devices eg lights, cookers, ACs etc

g) Project Management SW

-Used to plan and track individual project tasks in-order to use available resources efficiently.

-These applications can also be used to:-

 Determine task dependencies.

-Some tasks cannot be started until a previous task is completed or has been partly completed.

-It is therefore important for a project manager to see which tasks are dependent on others.

 Allocate tasks to individuals or groups of people.

 Provide tools for tracking the costs.

 Arrange for resource delivery.

 Schedule project tasks.

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h) Communication Software

-Provides remote access to systems and allows users to contact people using the internet.

-Can be used to send files and messages.

-Messages can be in the form of text, images, audio and video.

Types of Communication software

i) Web browsers

-Allow users to view web pages and websites.

-Also allow users to access other systems that use the internet.

ii) Email Software

-Send/receive emails (client or webmail).

-Often stores or uses a database of contacts.

-Have features such as labels to help organize emails and filters.

iii) Social Media Apps

-Enable communication via online platforms.

-Social media can be accessed through a web browser or by using locally installed apps.

-Examples:- Instagram, FB, Snapchat, TweetDeck

iv) SMS (Short Messaging Service) apps

-Found on mobile phones.

-Used to send text messages.

-Messages are limited to 160 text characters.

-Use mobile phone network(don’t need internet connection).

v) MMS (Multimedia Messaging Service) Apps

-MMS apps extend the capabilities of SMS apps.

-Can deliver more than 160 characters per message.

-Messages can include video, animations, images and audio.

-Use mobile phone network(don’t need internet connection).

vi) Instant Messaging Apps

-Very similar to MMS apps but require an internet connection.

-Include typing indicators to show when others are typing.

-Messages sent via these apps can include location data.
Software Licensing

1. Definition

 A software licence is a legal agreement between the software developer and the user.

 It states how the software can and cannot be used, copied, or distributed.

2. Types of Software Licences

a) Open Source Software

 Source code is available to users

 Users can:

o Modify the software

o Share/distribute it

 Encourages collaboration

✅ Advantages:

 Usually free

 Can be customised

 Community support

 Freedom from commercial vendor lock-in

✅ Disadvantages:

 Requires technical knowledge

 May lack regular updates/support

 Security risks

 Hidden costs – for internal training, integration, maintenance and IT personnel

b) Proprietary Software

 Owned by a company or developer

 Source code is not available

 Users must follow strict rules

✅ Advantages:

 Professional support

 Regular updates and fixes

 Usually User friendly

 Reliable

✅ Disadvantages:

 Expensive

 Limited customization

 Restricted control

 Vendor lock-in - reliance on a single company for all updates and support

c) Free Software

 Users can use, copy, and distribute it

 Source code may NOT be available

d) Freeware

 A type of proprietary software

 Free to use but restricted (no modification or resale)

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Key Exam Concepts

 “Free” ≠ no cost → means freedom to use/modify

 Licensing helps:

o Protect intellectual property

o Prevent software piracy

Software Updates

1. Definition

 A software update is a change or addition made to software to improve it or fix issues.

2. Reasons for Software Updates

i) Fix Bugs & Errors

 Removes faults in the program

ii) Improve Security

 Fixes vulnerabilities that hackers could exploit

iii) Add New Features

 Introduces new tools/functions

iv) Improve Performance

 Makes software run faster or more efficiently

v) Improve Compatibility

 Ensures software works with:

o New hardware

o New operating systems

vi) Improve Usability & Accessibility

 Easier to use

 Better for users with disabilities

3. How Updates Are Delivered

 Downloaded from the internet

 Can be:

o Manual

o Automatic updates

4. Risks of Updating

 Possible data loss

 Compatibility issues

Therefore:

 Always backup data before updating

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  • Control applications are used to make something happen in the real world.

  • They also automate devices, like motors or other control mechanisms.

  • The process involves three main steps:

    1. Takes input from one or more sensors.

    2. Makes a decision based on that input.

    3. Produces an output, like a command.

  • Common uses include:

    • Engineering

    • Vehicles

    • Control systems

    • Home automation, like controlling lights or air conditioning through smartphone apps.

  • Project Management Software helps to efficiently plan and track tasks in a project.

  • It can also:

    • Determine task dependencies (some tasks can’t start until others are done).

    • Assign tasks to individuals or groups.

    • Track costs.

    • Arrange resource delivery.

    • Schedule tasks.

  • Communication Software allows remote access and communication over the internet.

  • It can send files and messages, which can be text, images, audio, or video.

  • Types include:

    • Web browsers: For viewing web pages.

    • Email Software: For sending/receiving emails and managing contacts.

    • Social Media Apps: For communication on platforms like Facebook or Instagram.

    • SMS Apps: For sending short text messages over mobile networks, limited to 160 characters.

    • MMS Apps: Send longer messages with images, audio, and video.

    • Instant Messaging Apps: Require internet; show when people are typing and can send locations.