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
 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 O ff-the-shellf Software

In-house developed Contract Custom ized Package Standard Package

In-house developed 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
 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
Discussion

 Guides??