1. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World2
COIS P/O WEEK 4
Technology Briefing
Information Systems Software
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

2. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
Learning Objectives
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

3. Key IS Software Components
Programs
Sets of instructions
Allow the hardware components in the computer system to communicate
Two basic types:
Systems Software/Operating System
Application Software
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

4. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
Systems Software
Controls the basic operations of computer hardware
Common functions:
Booting
Reading programs into memory
Managing program and file storage
Maintaining the structure of directories
Formatting disks
Controlling the computer monitor
Sending documents to the printer
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

5. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
Operating System
Coordinates:
peripherals
application software
users
Also used in embedded devices
Written in assembly language
Performs day-to-day operations
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

6. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
The OS Acts as a Manager
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

7. Interfaces: Command vs. GUI
Provided by operating system
Interface Types:
Command-based interface
Menu interface
list of options
Graphical user interface (GUI)
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

8. Graphical User Interface
Examples:
Windows Vista
Mac OS X
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

9. Common Operating Systems
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

10. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
Utility Programs
Manage computer resources and files
Examples:
Backup
Data compression
Antivirus
Media players
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

11. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
Learning Objectives
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

12. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
Application Software
For performing specific user tasks
Writing a business letter
Processing payroll
Two Types
Customized (proprietary) software
Developed specifically by or for a particular organization
Commercial software
Purchased off the shelf
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

13. Customized Application Software
Software developed “in-house”
Advantages:
Customizability
A kiosk in a retail store to help shoppers
Problem specificity – the company pays only for specific features
Unique types of required reports
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

14. Off-the-Shelf Application Software
A.K.A. packaged software
Support common business processes
Advantages:
Less costly
Faster to produce
Higher quality
Less risky
Customized and off-the-shelf applications can be combined
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

15. Examples of IS Application Software
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

16. Productivity Software
Word Processor
MS Word, OpenOffice Writer
Spreadsheet
MS Excel, OpenOffice Calc
Database management
MS Access, OpenOffice BASE
Presentation Software
MS PowerPoint, OpenOffice Impress
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

17. Productivity Software (II)
MS Outlook, Mozilla Thunderbird
Web browser
MS Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox
Chat
MS Live Messenger, Yahoo! Messenger
Calendar and contact management
Lotus Notes, MS Outlook
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

18. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
Open-Source Software
Source code is freely available for
use and/or
modification
Examples:
Operating systems – Linux
Web browsers – Firefox
Secure connection standard – OpenSSL
Personal productivity software – OpenOffice
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World

19. Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World
OSI Certification
Author of source code cannot collect royalties
Source code accessible to users
Modifications under original name allowed
No one denied access to program
Rights attached to program must not depend on it being part of a particular software distribution
Software cannot place restrictions on other software that is distributed with it
Information Systems Today: Managing in the Digital World