Transcript What is a Software Program?

Lesson 7: Looking at Software
• What software programs are
• How software programs are developed
• What the operating system is
• Which software programs are designed for specific tasks
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What is a Software Program?
• Refers to everything that makes computer run
• Only functions when loaded into computer’s RAM
• Software applications
− Created using programming languages to create software code
− Algorithms are set of rules designed to complete specific tasks in
specific sequences
− Specifies how software program identifies input type, and then proper
format for output
• Software choice should be based on
− What you need to accomplish
− Degree of detail and features you need
− What is most cost-effective
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Obtaining Software
• All retail software programs go through thorough process before being
released to public
− Perform quality controls on software based on most commonly used tasks
• When purchase software program, actually purchasing license to
install and use that program on one computer only
− On CDs in package that includes booklet with instructions
− Download software online where you pay with credit card, and then
receive separate e-mails from vendor confirming purchase and providing
license number
• Organization with large number of users usually purchase network
license
− One media set contains software and options copied to network folder, and
then installed to individual computers
− Cost-effective
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Obtaining Software
• Software as a Service (SaaS) or Application Service Provider (ASP) licensing
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Access and use software program from your system via network, organization intranet, or
Internet using valid ID and password
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Once SaaS contract expires, you can no longer access software until you renew
• Other methods of distributing or obtaining software include
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Shareware are trial version software you download for free, but usually have limited functionality
or provide limited amount of time to access program
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Freeware programs do not charge fees and are shared with others at no charge
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Software can also be “bundled” with computer purchase
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Open Source is where programming code available to anyone
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Modify program to your needs and then share your version with others but cannot charge for it
• Your responsibility to ensure you observe whatever licensing rules apply
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Upgrading Your Software
• Updates or upgrades could be created to address:
− Problems with software
− Changes in government regulations or other external factors
• Known issues should not prevent users from purchasing software
• When you register your software license, become entitled to receive
notification about updates or upgrades
• Users can perform software upgrades, regardless of stand-alone or network
computer
• Web applications may be upgraded more often to address security issues
• Number of organizations, groups, and newsgroups share information about
updates, why being provided, and whether you should install them
• Can check software vendor’s Web site to find specific updates
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Choosing an Application Program
• Must have operating system installed before application programs can perform
specific function
• Important to use appropriate software program to complete tasks
• Choose one that best suits your needs; look closely at what you want to
accomplish
• Many programs offer same features of another type of program
− Look closely at what each program does and is it flexible for all you want to do
• Consider that your needs may change as time passes
• With dedicated programs, should have some fundamental knowledge to use
program to its full advantage
• May also need software programs that share data with other types of programs
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Word Processing
• Can create, edit, and save documents, change
appearance or position of text or pictures, review changes
made by others, or remove items no longer needed.
• Standard for letters, memos, invoices, faxes, basic Web
pages, newsletters, forms, brochures, or flyers
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Spreadsheets
• Perform mathematical calculations, produce “what-if”
analyses, and display graphs, charts, and diagrams
• File called workbook that can have any number of
worksheets or reports
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Presentations
• Create slides with any type of content for presentations
• Special effects include animation, slide transitions, and
theme designs
• Can be broadcast over Internet, to live audience, or as
self-running slide show
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Database Management
• Organized collection of related information with following structure:
− Fields contain individual pieces of data
− Collection of related fields make up record
− Collection of records make up table
− Multiple tables of related records make up database
• Use queries to extract data, generate
reports, use forms to access fields
within table, set up key fields, and
link tables to each other
• Can be “behind the scenes” to help
find and purchase items on Web site
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Graphics
• Can obtain graphics from different sources, create your own, or customize
picture files
• Can be grouped with multimedia software programs to create or edit sounds or
video
• Files must be in specific file formats
• Include basic set of tools for
drawing shapes, text, painting fill
colors or patterns, changing line
styles, width, color, or filling in
arrowhead styles
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Multimedia
• Add elements such as video, music, or animation
• Need to save multimedia files in correct file format
• “Multimedia” encompasses any software programs that incorporate
graphics, music, or video
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Education or Entertainment
• Programs now designed to entertain and educate people of all ages
• Integrate simulation and interaction
• Computer-Based Training (CBT) or eLearning
− Self-paced learning offered though
vendor’s Web site
− May have measures built into program
to track progress or assess skills
− Also available in form of audio or video
file that can be downloaded from Web
site for use in another media or location
• Virtual environments teach crucial skills for dealing with
real-life scenarios
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Utility Tools
Antivirus
Protection
Protects system from viruses that may corrupt
files
Adware/Spyware
Protection
Finds and blocks unwanted items from the
Internet
Disk Compression
Frees space to store more files in most accessible
area
Disk Cleanup
Reduces number of temporary files
Backup Protection
Schedule backups or copies of specific data
should computer fail
File Compression
Reduce size of file for storage purposes or to
transfer file from one location to another
Widgets/Gadgets
Mini-programs that provide quick access to
information, services and tools from Internet
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Accounting or Financial
• Accounting programs
− Automates tasks performed by bookkeepers and accountants
− Need accounting fundamentals to understand all features available
in accounting software program
• Financial programs
− Focus on specialized areas such as small business management,
investments, or personal finances
• Financial investment programs
− Can get from financial institution where you do your banking
− Manage financial portfolio on your own or with help of investment
advisor
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Electronic Mail
• Referred to as e-mail
• Process of sending e-mail similar to manual process for
addressing, writing, and mailing hard copy letter
• E-mail requires you have e-mail program, correct e-mail
address, and Internet connection
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Web Browsers
• Enables you to view Web sites placed online by different
companies, organizations, or individuals
• Must have Internet connection, and Web browser to enter
address of site to visit
− Click links on Web site to
navigate to different areas
of same Web site, another
Web site, or enter new Web
address to go to new site
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Messaging
• Instant Messaging (IM)
− Send text messages using cellular telephone or Internet
− Limited - only one “line” of communication can display text
submitted by one person at time
− Very useful when quick response required
− Can include emoticons
• Chat room
− Need to subscribe to particular group with chat room
− Can be included in instant messaging programs or search for Web
sites of interest and join their chat rooms
− Will be numerous conversations happening at same time although
only one line of communication displays at a time
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Web Page Authoring
• Create and design pages for Web site with focus on
options important to consider
• Do need some fundamentals about Web site design and
maintenance
• Work in combination with
multimedia programs to
include entertainment
items such as video or
pictures
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Web Conferencing
• Similar to traditional conferencing
• All participants attend one physical location or are
connected via telephone service
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Computer Aided Design
• Use to design objects, or create plans or drafts
• Can be used to animate special effects
• Designs can be set up in two or three dimensions
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Project Management
• Plan and track tasks for small and large projects using many people or
resources
• Can then accurately estimate and track start and end dates and
important milestones in between
• As things change, can make changes to see how timeline or resources
affected
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Group Collaboration
• Enables people to share information or coordinate
activities, usually within organization although can include
external people
• Group members go to central spot to view or find
information about activities in organization
− Can add or modify items for own department or for themselves
• Includes tools network administrator can set up to look and
feel like company Web site
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Integrated Suites
• Group of programs packaged together for purchase
• Programs all integrated or compatible with each other
− Data from one program can be used in any other program without
difficulty
• More cost-effective than purchasing programs individually
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Specialized or Custom
• Any program that targets specific market for certain tasks
• Custom programs developed for specific companies with
company’s needs as main purpose
− May also be used for many tasks in other industries
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Specialized or Customize
Types of Programs
Examples of Tasks
Schools
Taking registration and attendance, completing report cards
Sales people/contact
management
Recording sales calls, contacts, purchases, notes
Restaurants
Processing food orders, bills, inventory/stock
retail stores
Purchasing at point of sale, reading bar code
financial institutions
Processing debit or credit card transactions
Internet shopping sites
Shopping through eBay, browsing through Yahoo!
Manufacturing
Producing automobile, specifying lumber sizes
Transportation
Accessing airline reservation from travel agency, online, or
airline counter
Scientific, medical, or
engineering
Doing inspections, tracking patient progress
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