Chapter 4: Software Application Fundamentals

What is Software?

• Software enables people to communicate certain types of problems to the computer.
• A set of instructions that tells a computer:
  • What to do
  • How to do it
  • Where to send the results

Types of Software

• Classified into:
  • Application Software
  • System Software
  • Utility Programs

Application Software

• Designed to perform a group of functions or tasks for the benefit of the user.
• Examples of applications:
  • Word processor
  • Spreadsheet program
  • Accounting application
  • Web browser
  • Media player
  • Console game
  • Photo editor

Classification of Application Software

• Classified into:
  • Desktop Applications
  • Web Applications
  • Mobile Applications

Desktop Applications

• Runs stand-alone on a desktop or laptop computer.

Web Applications

• Accessible via web browsers.
• Features:
  • Easy access as long as you have internet
  • Doesn't need to use CPU power from your machine
  • Enables online collaboration
  • Updates usually done on the server side
  • Accessible on a wide range of devices

Mobile Applications

• Developed precisely for a specific mobile operating system.
• Native app developed for iOS won't work on Android devices, and vice-versa.

Smartphones vs Desktop

• Criteria:
  • Processing Power
  • Screen Size
  • Portability
  • Power
  • Storage
  • Sensors
  • Internet Usage

Mobile Applications Sensors

• Accelerometer: measuring speed
• Gyroscope: measuring orientation
• Magnetometer: detecting directions
• Barometer: measuring atmospheric pressure
• Proximity: detecting the presence of nearby objects
• NFC: near field communication

Common Software Issues

• From where to get the software?
• What is the cost of the software?
• Is it compatible with the system?
• How to maintain the software?
• How to fix software errors or problems?
• Understanding privacy and security issues
• Are there any copyrights associated with your software?

Software Distribution

• From where do you get your application?
• Pre-installed in the operating system of your device
• Download and install from digital distribution platforms (e.g. Google Play Store, App Store, Microsoft Store)
• Delivered as web applications using server-side software (Software as a service)

Software Revenue Models

• Free of charge or at a cost
• Freemiums or in-app purchases
• Advertisements
• Subscription-based services

Software Issues

• Compatibility
• Minimum Requirements
• Recommended Requirements

Software Maintenance

• Updating:
  • Free minor enhancements and bug fixes
  • Done frequently
• Upgrading:
  • Significant new features or improvements
  • Usually not free
  • Done every year or two

Performance Issues

• Network Issues
• Smartphone Issues:
  • Poor Battery
  • Low RAM/Storage
  • Multiple apps running in the background

Fixing Software Problems

• Restart the software
• Shut down and restart your computer
• Uninstall the software, then reinstall it
• Free up RAM by closing other open programs
• Use the Internet to find help
• Undo any recent hardware or software changes
• Look for software patches
• Scan for viruses and malware

Application Permissions

• Limiting applications' access to sensitive information
• Possible Risks:
  • Accessing user contacts
  • Accessing user calendar information
  • Determining user's location and tracking movements
  • Passing along information to ad/analytics companies

Security & Privacy

• Ways to protect yourself against harmful apps:
  • Only download apps from official app distributors
  • Check suspicious app permissions
  • Beware of app advertisements
  • Switch off permissions for apps you do not use
  • Update your device firmware

Software Licensing & Copyrights

• License: agreement to use the software
• Single-user/device license
• Volume license for families, schools, and organizations
• Copyright: legal right to copy, distribute, modify, and sell an original work

Software Piracy

• Illegal copying, distribution, or use of software
• Billions of dollars lost
• 1/3 of software is illegally copied

UAE Copyrights Law

• Penalties for using computer programs, smart applications, or databases without permission:
  • Minimum of 30,000 AED
  • Maximum of 100,000 AED