Types of Software Overview

Types of Software

• Open systems use the same platform for all applications, avoiding the need for different operating systems.
• Application software provides specific functionalities to users, directing computer system activities and providing user functionality. Packages or suites include programs like spreadsheets, word processing, and data management tools. Examples include Microsoft Office.
• Open-source software is free for everyone to use and modify. It is often developed by a community.
• Proprietary software requires licenses for use. Companies often buy licenses to use existing applications instead of creating their own.
• System software acts as an intermediary between hardware and application programs, controlling the system and managing resources. Examples include operating systems (like Windows, Android, Linux), as well as speech recognition and voice recognition software.
• Graphical User Interfaces make software more user-friendly. This includes aspects like visual cues and easy-to-understand instructions.

Open-Source Software

• Open-source software is free to use and modify.
• It is often developed by a community.

Cloud Computing

• Cloud computing runs applications on shared data centers.
• This reduces costs and provides faster access to resources.
• Cloud computing is more scalable, secure, and reliable.
• It delivers computer power, storage, and applications over the internet.
• Cloud characteristics include elasticity (adapting to changing resource needs).

Different Types of Clouds

• Private clouds are for a single organization and manage their own infrastructure and security.
• Public clouds are shared by multiple organizations and managed by a third-party provider. These are typically easier to scale quickly and reduce up-front IT infrastructure costs.
• Hybrid clouds combine public and private clouds, allowing organizations to move data and applications between these environments. A hybrid cloud configuration provides organizations with greater flexibility and customization in how they manage their IT infrastructure.

Cloud Computing Services

• SaaS (Software as a Service) provides access to software applications over the internet without needing to install or manage them.
• PaaS (Platform as a Service) enables developers to build, deploy, and run applications without managing underlying infrastructure. It is a good fit for handling more complex applications and tasks.
• IaaS (Infrastructure as a Service) lets users rent computing resources( servers, storage, networks, VMs) from a cloud provider. They are responsible for OS, middleware, applications, and data. The user has greater control over the infrastructure that is used for their specific application or data storage needs.

Motion Control Gaming Consoles

• Xbox 360 Kinect, PS3 Playstation Move, and Nintendo Wii are examples.
• These control gaming consoles use motion control as the interface.

Private Clouds

• Single organization is responsible for security.
• Can be hosted on premises or by a third-party provider.
• Users access resources through a private network or internet.

Cloud Computing Advantages

• Cost-effective since companies pay only for resources used.
• Scalable and agile, easily increasing or decreasing computing resources as needed.
• Available globally, enabling businesses and organizations to function across geographic boundaries.

Al Applications

• Narrow Al is designed for specific tasks, like facial recognition and spam filters.
• General AI is theoretical and aims to perform like humans.
• Al can be classified by task, like prediction or optimization; and by degree of autonomy, such as reactive, limited memory, or self-aware.

Communication Controls

• Firewalls protect networks.
• Anti-malware systems safeguard computers against malware.
• Whitelisting and blacklisting, for example, allow only approved programs to run.
• Encryption protects data in transit.
• VPN provides a secure connection across a network.
• TLS or Transport Layer Security provides secure communication between applications and clients.
• Employee monitoring systems track activity but must be used cautiously due to privacy concerns.

Business-to-Consumer (B2C)

• This model involves businesses selling goods and services directly to individual consumers.

Business-to-Business (B2B)

• Involves businesses selling to other businesses.

Consumer-to-Consumer (C2C)

• Buyers and sellers are individuals.

Business-to-Employee (B2E)

• Organizations internally provide information and service to their employees.

E-Government

This involves interactions, including government-to-citizen or government-to-government interactions.

Radio Communication

• Radio communication is a type of communication that uses radio waves to transmit signals.
• Radio signals can pass through walls and are comparatively inexpensive and easy to install.

Wireless Media

• Wireless devices are small and easy to carry.
• Wireless systems can perform productive tasks.