Topic 3 Software System Software (3) Applications

Activity 1 Research the following: What does the term ‘proprietary software’ mean?

Computer Systems and their Importance What is a Application? As we have already seen System Software (Operating systems and their utility programs) allows a computer to function by enabling computer devices to work with one another. Application Software is another classification of software and include programs such as browsers, word processors and music players; software which allows the user to perform a task. In this lesson we will look at application software and in particular the different types of application software that is available. Learning Objectives: (c) Discus the relative merits of custom written, off the shelf, open source and proprietary software.

Proprietary (Off the Shelf) Applications VS Bespoke (Custom Made) Applications

Computer Systems and their Importance Proprietary (Off the Shelf) Applications Proprietary applications are those that are made for the masses. They often offer generic functions to users. Examples of such software are Microsoft’s Office Suit Adobe’s Creative Suit. They are written by companies and sold for profit. Usually, they are quite cheap as millions will buy the software. Learning Objectives: (c) Discus the relative merits of custom written, off the shelf, open source and proprietary software.

Computer Systems and their Importance Bespoke (Custom Made) Applications Bespoke applications differ in many ways. They are written for a specific user or organisations (not the general public). They are usually written when a user has a specific need that no other ‘off the shelf’ application can satisfy – this is the main advantage of bespoke software. Because they are written for a specific user there are many down sides. They cost a huge amount as the programmers can only sell the product once (or a limited number of times). They often have many bugs because only a few users will ever get to test them. If the user’s needs were not clearly explained before the software was developed, the software may turn out to be useless. Learning Objectives: (c) Discus the relative merits of custom written, off the shelf, open source and proprietary software.

Open Source Applications

Computer Systems and their Importance Open Source Applications Open source software is freely available to anyone. What's more, anyone is allowed to see the source code (program code) and if they want they can edit it. There is no copyright protection on Open Source software. Learning Objectives: (c) Discus the relative merits of custom written, off the shelf, open source and proprietary software.

Computer Systems and their Importance Linux is a good example of Open Source software: The operating system is developed by enthusiasts to produce different distributions. All distributions use the Linux Kernel at its heart (the kernel gets the computer devices communicating with software). Groups of people then adapt it and if they feel it progresses the operating system, they keep the adaptions and make it available for the public. Learning Objectives: (c) Discus the relative merits of custom written, off the shelf, open source and proprietary software. Look at the ‘Linux Distro Timeline’ (file on MBC) to see how many variations of Linux have been developed since the 90s.

Revision Software Topic 3 Operating System Utility Software Applications Task: Produce a set of revision notes, or a mind map for topic 3. Revise for your ‘end of topic 3’ assessment next week, Remember: Reading is not revising! Revising is: -Reading -Making notes -Learning your notes -Testing yourself -Repeating the process for areas you couldn’t answer when you tested yourself.