Computer Software Chapter 4 McGraw-Hill/IrwinCopyright © 2011 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

4-2 Learning Objectives Describe several important trends occurring in computer software. Give examples of several major types of application and system software. Explain the purpose of several popular software packages for end user productivity and collaborative computing.

4-3 Define and describe the functions of an operating system. Describe the main uses of computer programming software, tools, and languages. Describe the issues associated with open-source software. 4-3 Learning Objectives

4-4 Integrated Packages Combine functions of several programs –Examples: Microsoft Works, AppleWorks Advantages –Lower price –Less disk space –Pre-installed on microcomputers Disadvantages –Limited functionality

4-5 Groupware Collaborate on group assignments – , discussion groups, databases, video conferencing Lotus Notes Novell GroupWise Microsoft Exchange –Some allow teams to create websites Windows SharePoint Services, WebSphere

4-6 Software Alternatives Outsourcing –Domestic –Offshore Application service providers (ASPs) –Companies that own, operate, and maintain application software and computer system resources –Use the application for a fee over the Internet –Pay-as-you-go –Use expected to accelerate

4-7 Software Alternatives Cloud computing – services over the internet –Natural step from grid computing (Chapter 3) –Applications –Virtualized hardware resources Vendors of cloud services –SAP Business ByDesign, Salesforce.com, Google Apps, MidlandHR’s “iTrent as a Service” Advantages –Low barrier to entry –Cost Savings –More powerful software

4-8 Categories of Group Software System Management Programs –Manage the resources of a computer system –Examples: Operating systems Network management programs Database management systems System utilities System Development Programs –Helps develop IS programs and procedures and then prepare them for processing Language translators and editors CASE and programming tools

4-9 Operating Systems Integrated system of programs that… –Provides interface between user and computer –Manages the operations of the CPU –Controls the input/output, storage resources, and activities of the computer system –Provides support for application programs Loaded first before other tasks

4-10 Popular Operating Systems Windows –GUI, multitasking, networking, multimedia –Microsoft’s operating system NT, XP, 2003, Vista, Windows 7 –Different versions manage servers Windows Server 2008 –Based on Vista –Release 2 to correct performance and security issues

4-11 Popular Operating Systems Unix –AT&T –Multitasking, multi-user, network-managing –Portable across computer sizes Linux –Low-cost, powerful, reliable –Similar to Unix-like –Open-source –Flexible –Multiple machines

4-12 Open-Source Licensing Characteristics The Program –Must allow distribution of Source code Compiled form The License –Shall not restrict selling or giving away –Must allow modifications –Must allow distribution –May restrict modified source code –Must not discriminate –Must not restrict other software distributed along with the licensed software

4-13 Application virtualization Allows software to run on a different operating system. Advantages –One machine acts like multiple machines Reduces the number of computers needed Energy savings Use software from multiple vendors

4-14 Web Languages HTML –Hypertext documents for the Web XML –Identifying tags or contextual labels –Digital publishing Cheaper, faster Java –Object-oriented –Simple, secure, and platform independent –Java applets on any computer JEE6 – Java Enterprise Edition 6 Microsoft.NET

4-15 Programming Tools Help identify and minimize errors –Graphical programming interfaces –Programming editors –Debuggers CASE Tools –Help in the software development process. Combine many programming tools into a single application with a common interface Used in different stages of the systems development process