1. Software: Systems and Application Software
Chapter 4:
Software: Systems and Application Software

2. 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

3. 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.

4. 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.

5. 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

6. 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
Windows 2000 Server
Unix
Netware
Mac OS X Server
Enterprise Operating Systems
MVS/OS 390

7. 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

8. Types of Application Software

9. 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

10. 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

11. 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

12. Standard Off-the-shelf Application Software
Personal Application Software
Word processing
Spreadsheet analysis
Database applications
Graphics programs
On-line information services
Software suites
Workgroup Application Software
Lotus Notes
Group scheduling
Enterprise Application Software

13. 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.

14. 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

15. Discussion
Guides??