Categories of Software Overview

Software Resources

• Software can be categorized into two types: Systems Software and Application Software.
• Systems Software manages and controls the operation of the computer system, performing tasks on behalf of the user.
• Application Software enables users to perform specific information-processing activities.

Categories of Systems Software

• Operating System software manages and controls the operation of the computer system.
• Software Development Programs allow users to develop their own software to carry out processing tasks.
• Utility Programs provide a range of tools that support the operation and management of a computer system.

Software Development Programs

• First Generation languages require a programmer to work in ones and zeros to represent characters and numbers.
• Second Generation languages use assembly language, which simplifies the tasks.
• Third Generation languages, such as FORTRAN, EGO, and BAST, make producing code easier.
• Fourth Generation languages, such as SQL, are built around a database system and make producing code even easier.

Utility Programs

• Examples include programs that monitor system performance, provide security controls, antivirus software, backup software, and disk tools.

Network Components

• Server controls the flow of information around the network, manages network resources, and uses a Network Operating System (NOS).
• End-user Computers or Terminals are also known as clients, nodes, or workstations, and are the access point for users of a network.
• Telecommunications Processors are pieces of hardware that link street networks together, including Hubs, Routers, Firewall, and Middleware.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Networking

• Advantages:
  • Allows people to collaborate
  • Allows hardware to be shared more cost-effectively
  • Helps businesses connect with customers, suppliers, and collaborators
  • Reduces costs through the use of facilities such as email
  • Reduces time for information flow
  • Allows sharing information by accessing a database over a network
• Disadvantages:
  • Cost of installing and ensuring a secure and reliable network service

Characteristics of Valuable Information

• Accurate: error-free, dependent on the reliability of data collection, methods, and data source.