Software: System Software Basics

Software Basics

• Software is essential for all organizations.
• Software comprises computer programs that manage computer hardware operations.
• A computer program is a set of instructions for the computer.
• System software and application software are the two types of software.

System Software

• System software (Operating Systems or OS) controls computer hardware.
• It acts as an interface with applications.
• Operating systems, utility programs, and middleware are examples of systems software.

System Software Tasks

• System software handles common hardware functions - input, data retrieval, storage, and info display.
• System software provides hardware independence, manages memory, processing, networking, and security.
• System software manages files and offers a user interface.
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) such as Windows and Command-Based Interface are two common types of user interfaces.
• In Command-Based Interface commands are typed at a prompt

Common Operating Systems

• Microsoft Windows runs approximately 90% of all PCs.
• Apple Computer Operating Systems are popular in publishing, education, graphic arts, music, movies, and media.
• Linux (or 'GNU Linux') is open-source, free, and has accessible program code, used to cut costs and prevent Microsoft OS security flaws.

Workgroup Operating Systems

• Workgroup operating systems support high-end network usage, data storage, and processing speeds.
• Windows Server from Microsoft is essential for websites and corporate web applications.
• UNIX is a powerful OS designed for minicomputers.
• NetWare is a network OS.
• Red Hat Linux is a Linux network.
• Mac OS X Server is a server OS from Apple Computer.

Enterprise Operating Systems

• Mainframe computers provide computing and storage for massive data processing.
• Mainframes offer high performance, availability, security, and scalability.
• Enterprise operating systems are designed for these mainframes.
• z/OS from IBM makes running large mainframe computers easier and less expensive.
• MPE/iX, HP-UX, and Linux comprise other enterprise operating systems.

Mobile Operating Systems

• Mobile Operating Systems are also called embedded operating systems.
• These are embedded within devices like phones, digital cameras, and TVs.
• Palm OS, Windows Embedded & Windows Mobile and Android are Mobile Operating Systems

Utility Programs

• Utility programs help with computer system maintenance or solving problems.
• Hardware Utilities, Virus-Detection and Recovery Utilities and File-Compression Utilities are example types of utility programs.
• Spam and Pop-Up Blocker Utilities are other examples of utility programs.
• Network and Internet Utilities monitor hardware/network performance, alerting when a web server crashes or there is a network problem.
• Server and Mainframe Utilities exist as well

Middleware

• Middleware allows different systems to communicate and exchange data.
• An interface between the Internet and older legacy systems can be created using Middleware.
• Middleware transfers information requests from a corporate website to a mainframe database and returns results to the customer on the Internet.

Application Software

• Application software solves problems and performs specific tasks for individuals, workgroups, and enterprises.
• Application programs are used when a computer needs to do something.
• Users are typically more concerned about application software than system software.

Application Software - Proprietary/Bespoke vs Retail

• Proprietary/Bespoke software is custom-made for a specific company and is not available to buy in stores.
• Off-the-shelf or retail software can be purchased in a shop.

Proprietary Software Development - Advantages

• Software closely matches organization needs
• Development results are more controllable
• Has more flexibility in making changes

Proprietary Software Development - Disadvantages

• Development takes longer
• Difficult for system development staff to provide maintenance
• Greater risk of performance problems

Off-the-Shelf Software - Advantages

• Lower costs
• Lower risks
• Higher quality

Off-the-Shelf Software - Disadvantages

• Pays for unneeded features
• May lack important features
• Changing work processes to match software

Common Applications

• Common applications include Word Processing, Spreadsheets and Database Applications
• Common applications include Graphics Programs and Software Suites and Integrated Software Packages
• Sun Microsystems’s StarOffice, MS Office, Google Productivity suite, CorelDraw and Open Office suite are examples of Integrated Software Packages

Programs and Apps

• Technologies for creating apps depend on whether they are installed on a device or accessed via a network
• Native Apps are installed through an app store like Google Play as well as can take full advantage of all device features such as camera etc.
• Native Apps are developed specifically for one platform.
• Cloud-based Apps need Internet access, e.g., Google Docs or Office 365.
• Web apps are stored on a remote server and delivered through a browser interface.
• Mobile web apps are designed for mobile devices and have limited functionality.

Programming Languages

• Both OS and application software are written in programming languages.
• A programming language gives instructions to the computer system for processing activities.
• Visual Basic is useful for creating Windows applications.
• Java allows to write very portable programs that can be used on many different computers
• C and C++ are powerful languages used to create commercial software like Windows.

Software Issues and Trends

• Software Bugs are defects in a program that prevent tasks from being performed correctly.
• Copyrights and Licenses provide steady income and protect intellectual property by preventing software piracy.
• Open-Source Software is software with source code that, with a license, anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance.
• Shareware is trial software, usually for 30 days, after which payment is required.
• Freeware is available for free download.
• Public Domain Software like shareware and freeware is unprotected by copyright laws, and can be freely copied and used.
• Public domain software may not include source code.