Ian Ramsey C of E School GCSE ICT Smart working Software choices

Starter: What is Google Apps? Find at least 3 facts and list them below. Google Apps Created by Rajen Sheth. $5 a month. $50 a year. Primarily made for businesses.

Lesson Objectives: By the end of this lesson you will be able to: identify the benefits and drawbacks of web hosted software identify the different software types: locally installed, leased, SaaS explain the different upgrade options available to a business identify the advantages and disadvantages of open source software

Online Apps: What are the advantages and disadvantages for a business of using online apps such as Google apps? Advantages Disadvantages Access your data and work from anywhere you have internet access. No internet access- Can’t access anything at all. Helps you work collaboratively. If something goes wrong with Google’s computers, you lose all your documents. Everyone is using the same software. Cheap solution for businesses.

Buying and upgrading software: A business has 3 options for buying and upgrading software: Locally installed software This involves buying the software in one go (either from a shop or by downloading it) and saving it on the computer system. There will be a one-off fee and the business will own the software so they can use it for as long as they want. Leasing the software This involves leasing (renting) the software from a company, saving it on the computer system and paying a monthly fee. Software as a Service (SaaS) This involves only paying for software when the business actually uses it – similar to ‘pay as you go’ on mobile phones. The software stays on the system of the company selling it (this is called hosted software). Use the Software choices information sheet to help you complete the next 3 slides. Remember you are considering this from the viewpoint of a business rather than an individual user.

Pros and cons of locally installed software: -One off fee. -Can choose to buy the new version or continue using the old version. -Help is available online. Cons: -Takes up a large amount of space on owner’s computer. -Can only be accessed on the computer installed, unless on a server. -Support is not provided automatically but can be bought.

Pros and cons of leased software: -The newest version is provided at no extra charge. -Patches will be provided by the leasing company to install. -Ongoing monthly payments that stop when the software is no longer required. Cons: -Takes up a large amount of space on user’s computer. -Can only be accessed on the computer installed, unless on a server. -The cost of the lease will depend on how many computers the software will be installed on.

Pros and cons of software as a service (SaaS): -You only pay when you actually use the software. -Newest version always available. -Doesn’t take up any space as it is hosted. Cons: -Work can be lost if the Internet connection is lost and the work has not been saved. -. Data protection is important as files can be accessed by the host company. -The cost of the service depends on how many times the software is accessed.

Software licenses: When you buy software you must accept the terms and conditions of the software license before you can use it. Software licensing normally makes it illegal for users to: Copy software to sell or distribute Adapt software, changing the way it works Users need to buy an appropriate license for how they intend to use the software: Multi-user license – the software can be installed on a fixed number of machines. License by use – software can be installed on many machines but only used by a fixed number of people at any one time. This is useful for businesses that use hot desking. Site license – software can be used on all computers on one site although there may be a limit on the number of machines on which the software can be installed.

Open source software: This is software that is available to download free of charge. A good example is OpenOffice.org The source code is made available and anyone is allowed to study, change and distribute the software to anyone for any purpose. Open source software is very often developed in a public, collaborative manner. Homework: Research the pros and cons of using OpenOffice.org rather than Microsoft Office. Present these however you choose (e.g. hand written report, word document, PowerPoint presentation). You should spend 30 – 40 minutes on this work

Knowledge check What are the advantages of locally installed software? Answer: One off payment. Help is available online. How can you legally use software for free? Answer: Openoffice.org What is the purpose of a software license? Answer: To make sure people don’t copy software to sell or distribute, or adapt software to change the way it works.