Chapter

4
Computer Software

McGraw-Hill/Irwin

Copyright 2010 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All

Learning Objectives
Describe several important trends
occurring in computer software.
Give examples of several major types of
application and system software.
Explain the purpose of several popular
software packages for end user
productivity and collaborative computing.

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Learning Objectives
Define and describe the functions of an
operating system.
Describe the main uses of computer
programming software, tools, and
languages.
Describe the issues associated with
open-source software.

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Integrated Packages
Combine functions of several programs
Examples: Microsoft Works, AppleWorks

Advantages
Lower price
Less disk space
Pre-installed on microcomputers

Disadvantages
Limited functionality

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Groupware
Collaborate on group assignments
E-mail, discussion groups, databases, video
conferencing
Lotus Notes
Novell GroupWise
Microsoft Exchange

Some allow teams to create websites

Windows SharePoint Services, WebSphere

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Software Alternatives
Outsourcing
Domestic
Offshore

Application service providers (ASPs)

Companies that own, operate, and maintain
application software and computer system
resources
Use the application for a fee over the Internet
Pay-as-you-go
Use expected to accelerate
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Software Alternatives
Cloud computing services over the internet
Natural step from grid computing (Chapter 3)
Applications
Virtualized hardware resources

Vendors of cloud services

SAP Business ByDesign, Salesforce.com,
Google Apps, MidlandHRs iTrent as a Service

Advantages
Low barrier to entry
Cost Savings
More powerful software
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Categories of Group Software

System Management Programs
Manage the resources of a computer system
Examples:

Operating systems
Network management programs
Database management systems
System utilities

System Development Programs

Helps develop IS programs and procedures and
then prepare them for processing
Language translators and editors
CASE and programming tools
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Operating Systems
Integrated system of programs that
Provides interface between user and computer
Manages the operations of the CPU
Controls the input/output, storage resources,
and activities of the computer system
Provides support for application programs

Loaded first before other tasks

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Popular Operating Systems

Windows
GUI, multitasking, networking, multimedia
Microsofts operating system
NT, XP, 2003, Vista, Windows 7

Different versions manage servers

Windows Server 2008

Based on Vista
Release 2 to correct performance and
security issues

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Popular Operating Systems

Unix
AT&T
Multitasking, multi-user, network-managing
Portable across computer sizes

Linux

Low-cost, powerful, reliable

Similar to Unix-like
Open-source
Flexible
Multiple machines

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Open-Source Licensing Characteristics

The Program
Must allow distribution of
Source code
Compiled form

The License

Shall not restrict selling or giving away

Must allow modifications
Must allow distribution
May restrict modified source code
Must not discriminate
Must not restrict other software distributed
along with the licensed software
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Application virtualization
Allows software to run on a different operating
system.
Advantages
One machine acts like multiple machines
Reduces the number of computers needed
Energy savings
Use software from multiple vendors

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Web Languages
HTML
Hypertext documents for the Web

XML
Identifying tags or contextual labels
Digital publishing
Cheaper, faster

Java
Object-oriented
Simple, secure, and platform independent
Java applets on any computer

JEE6 Java Enterprise Edition 6

Microsoft .NET
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Programming Tools
Help identify and minimize errors
Graphical programming interfaces
Programming editors
Debuggers

CASE Tools
Help in the software development process.
Combine many programming tools into a single
application with a common interface
Used in different stages of the systems
development process

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