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.
4-2
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.
4-3
Integrated Packages
Combine functions of several programs
Examples: Microsoft Works, AppleWorks
Advantages
Lower price
Less disk space
Pre-installed on microcomputers
Disadvantages
Limited functionality
4-4
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
4-5
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
4-6
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
4-7
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
4-8
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
4-9
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
4-10
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
4-11
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
4-12
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
4-13
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
4-14
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
4-15
