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ComputersTools for an Information Age

Chapter 2Applications Software: Getting the Work Done

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ObjectivesDistinguish between operating systems and applications softwareList the various methods by which individuals and businesses acquire softwareList and briefly describe various types of task-oriented softwareIdentify the kinds of software that are available for both large and small businessesDiscuss ethical issues associated with softwareDescribe the functions of various computer professionals

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Applications SoftwareSoftware used to solve a particular problem or perform a particular task

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Acquiring Software:Traditional Ways

Custom software Written by programmers hired by

organization

Packaged (commercial) software Purchased from a store, catalog, or

Web site

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Acquiring Software:New Ways

FreewarePublic Domain Software

Open-Source SoftwareShareware

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Buying Commercial Software

Individual copies for each computerSite licenseElectronic software distributionApplication Service Provider

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Task-Oriented Software

Often called productivity softwareCommon categories Word processing/Desktop publishing Electronic spreadsheets Database management Graphics Communications Others

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Business Software

Vertical Market softwareSoftware for WorkgroupsSmall Business software

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Ethics and Application Software

Piracy: the acquisition and use of illegal copies of softwareCounterfeiting: copying large numbers of CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs and packaging them to look like the real thingUnauthorized copying of software is stealing

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Software Piracy

Examples of piracy Copying software from a lab or from a

friend Buying 2 or 3 copies of software and

distributing it to dozens or hundreds of employees

Buying 1 copy of software and installing it on several computers at home

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Computers and People

Most organizations have some sort of information technology department Made up of people who are

responsible for the organization’s computer resources

Maintain data and provide services to end users

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Computer PeopleData entry operators prepare data for processingComputer operators monitor systems, keep peripherals running, and make backupsLibrarians catalog processed disks and tapesProgrammers design, write, test, implement, and maintain computer programs

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Computer People

Systems analysts plan and design entire systems Must have knowledge in programming, as

well as knowledge of the business

Network managers implement and maintain organization’s network(s)Chief Information Officer (CIO) makes key technology decisions A key member of the organization’s

strategic decision-making team