Software: Systems and Application Software

[jerry george]

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Principles of Information Systems Eighth Edition
Software:
Systems and Application Software
Categories of Computer Software
An Overview of Software
Computer programs: sequences of instructions for the computer
Software system software and application software
Systems Software
Systems software: coordinates the activities and functions of hardware and programs
Computer system platform: combination of a hardware configuration and systems software
Systems Software
Systems software
Controls operations of computer hardware
Supports application programs problem-solving capabilities
Types of systems software
Operating systems
Utility programs
Operating Systems
Operating system (OS): set of programs that controls the computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs.
Operating Systems (continued)
Activities performed by the operating system
Perform common computer hardware functions
Provide a user interface and input/output management
Provide a degree of hardware independence
Manage system memory
Manage processing tasks
Provide networking capability
Control access to system resources
Manage files
Operating Systems (continued)
Operating Systems (continued)
OS acts as an intermediary between application and hardware
OS converts basic request into a set of details instruction that the hardware requires
Common hardware functions (e.g.)
Get input from keyboard or some other input device
Retrieve data from disks
Store data on disks
Display information on a monitor or printer
Operating Systems Functions
User interface and input/output management
User interface: allows individuals to access and command the computer system
Command-based user interface: requires that text commands be given to the computer to perform basic activities
Graphical user interface (GUI): uses icons and menus displayed on screen to send commands to the computer system
Operating Systems Functions (continued)
Hardware independence
Application program interface (API): allows applications to make use of the operating system
Memory management
Control how memory is accessed and maximize available memory and storage
Operating Systems Functions (continued)
Networking capability
Features and capabilities of the OS that aid users in connecting to a computer network.
Operating Systems (continued)
Access to system resources and security
Protection against unauthorized access
Logins and passwords
File management
Ensures that files in secondary storage are available when needed and that they are protected from access by unauthorized users
Current Operating Systems
Current Operating Systems (continued)
Apple operating systems
Often provide cutting edge tools in graphics and music not available from Microsoft
Mac OS X
Jaguar (OS X.2)
Panther (OS X.3)
Tiger (OS X.4): support for 64-bit computing, Dashboard, Spotlight, etc.
Current Operating Systems (continued)
Linux
Developed by Linus Torvalds in 1991
Open-source product
Only the kernel of an OS
Several distributions available with capabilities/applications that form a complete OS
Examples: Red Hat Linux, Caldera OpenLinux
Application Software
Primary function is to apply the power of the computer to give individuals, workgroups, and the entire enterprise the ability to solve problems and perform specific tasks
Application programs interact with systems software; systems software then directs computer hardware to perform the necessary tasks
Personal Application Software
Serves the needs of an individual user
Includes personal productivity software
Enables users to improve their personal effectiveness
Personal Application Software (continued)
Personal Application Software (continued)
Software suite: collection of single application programs packaged in a bundle
Microsoft Office: most popular general-purpose software suite
Integrated application packages: offer a range of capabilities for less money than software suites
Example: Microsoft Works
Personal Application Software (continued)
The Evolution of Programming Languages
Software Issues and Trends
Because software is such an important part of today s computer systems, software issues have received increased attention
Major software issues and trends discussed in the text
Software bugs, copyright, software licensing, open-source software, shareware and public domain software, multiorganizational software development, software upgrades, and global software support
Software Bugs
Software bug: defect in a computer program that keeps it from performing as it is designed to perform
Tips for reducing impact of software bugs
Register all software so that you can receive bug alerts, fixes, and patches
Check the manual or read-me files for work-arounds
Access support area of the manufacturer s Web site for patches
Install the latest software updates
Copyrights and Licenses
Most software products are protected by law using copyright or licensing provisions
In some cases, you are given unlimited use of software on one or two computers
In other cases, you pay for your usage if you use the software more, you pay more
Some software now requires that you register or activate it before it can be fully used
Open-Source Software
Open-source software: software freely available to anyone in a form that can be easily modified
Some widely used open-source software packages: Linux OS, Free BSD, Apache, Sendmail, Perl
Open-source software is often more reliable and secure than commercial software
Open-source systems can contain hidden costs, particularly for user support or solving problems with the software
Open-Source Software (continued)
Summary
Computer programs: sequences of instructions for the computer
Systems software: coordinates the activities of hardware and programs
Applications software: helps users solve particular problems
Operating system (OS): set of computer programs that controls the computer hardware and acts as an interface with application programs