Summary

This document provides an overview of computer software, categorizing it into commercial, freeware, and open-source types. The text also touches on the differences between local and cloud-based software distribution. It's likely part of a computer science module or lecture notes.

Full Transcript

Module 1 – Lecture 2 Computer Software Computer Software is essentially a collection of computer programs. A computer program is a set of commands executable by a computer processor. It is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. Application Sof...

Module 1 – Lecture 2 Computer Software Computer Software is essentially a collection of computer programs. A computer program is a set of commands executable by a computer processor. It is a set of instructions or programs instructing a computer to do specific tasks. Application Software -​ Are computer programs that computer users directly interact with for accomplishing the various task. -​ It serves as an interface between the user and the computer. System software: Google Android and Apple iOS mobile operating system Application software: Web browsers, notepads, social media apps 2.​ Cost, Scope, and Limitations in usage a.​ Commercial Software b.​ Freeware Software c.​ Open-Source Software Commercial Software -​ Are developed and sold by software development companies through physical and online shops. -​ Software typically comes with support from vendors so users can ask assistance if they will encounter problems -​ They usually comes with regular updates, so that software will stay up-to-date with the least features -​ Before bought on physical stores in CD or DVD, now via the web in online shops ‘ ​ The source code is protected on several levels from illegal use. A source code of computer software is the collection of human-readable instructions written by a computer programmer using a programming language which when executed by a computer translates to actual functional software. ​ Closed-source software – computer software with non-publicly available and protected source code. ​ End-user license agreement (EULA) – owners define the scope and limitations of its usage. Some known vendors are: ​ Microsoft – it develops and sells the Microsoft Windows OS and Microsoft Office productivity suite. ​ Blizzard – which is the marker of the famous computer games Warcraft and Overwatch. ​ Adobe – it is the developer of the popular photo editing tool, Photoshop. Freeware Software -​ Is copyrighted software that is available at no cost for unlimited usage. The developer retains all rights to the program and controls distribution. Users can sometimes purchase additional services or options. -​ A term coined by Andrew Fluegleman in the 1980s, who wanted to sell PC-Talk, the communications application he had created, outside of commercial distribution channels. Fluegelman distributed the program via a process now termed shareware. -​ In the 1980s and 1990s, the term freeware was often applied to software released without source code. Shareware Software -​ Shareware is software that is distributed free on a trial basis with the understanding that the user may need or want to pay for it later. -​ Other shareware (sometimes called liteware) is offered with certain capabilities disabled as an enticement to buy the complete version of the program. -​ users are encouraged to share the limited version of the software to promote larger distribution and sales. ​ The most common type of shareware programs are trial programs, which are also called "trialware" or "demoware." These programs are provided as demos that you can try for a limited time, such as two weeks or one month. Open-source Software -​ is a type of computer software in which source code is released under a license in which the copyright holder grants users the rights to use, study, change, and distribute the software to anyone and for any purpose. -​ A software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance. -​ legally available to end-users. List of Open-source Software ​ Operating System - Ubuntu, Linux, Debian ​ Web Browsing – Google Chromium, Mozilla Firefox ​ Ebook Management – Calibre, Data Crow 3.​ Mode of Distribution a.​ Local Computer b.​ In the Cloud Local Computer -​ Traditionally installed by downloading a copy of the software’s installer and running it on the user’s computer. -​ Installed computer software will use up physical resources of the user’s computer like memory, disk space, and processing power In the Cloud -​ Users will go to the software’s provider’s website and log in using their user account. The data gathered by the user when using the software is stored in remote data centers. It can be accessed through smartphones or tablets as long as they have Internet. -​ Software-as- a- Service (SaaS) is said to run on the cloud due to the fact that they are hosted on top of and serviced from remote utility information technology infrastructure defined as cloud computing.

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