Unlike general-purpose optimization software packages, it does not require many analysis calls when a large. Advantages of general-purpose optimization. The Advantages Of Owning Pim Software. In the world we live in today everything moves at the speed of technology.
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- List Advantages Of General Purpose Software
9_Types of Software.pptx
- Количество слайдов: 22
Types of Software (Application, System)
Lesson Objectives • summarise the selection of generic application software for a range of tasks e. g. word processor, spreadsheet, desktop publisher (DTP), presentation software, graphics packages (bit mapped and vector graphics), and justify the choices • assess the advantages and disadvantages of a range of generic application software
Software Types Application software General Purpose software System software Special Purpose software Bespoke software
System software A set of programs designed to control and manage the operations of the computer hardware. The software allows application programs to execute properly Operating System - make the computer hardware conveniently available to the user and also hide the complexities of the computer's operation Library programs are a compiled collection of subroutines System software Application software general purpose software Translator software Assembler Compiler Interpreter Utility programs that include file management, copy, paste, delete, file searching, disk defragmenter, disk cleanup. special purpose software bespoke software
Application software • Includes programs that do real work for the user. They are created to perform specific tasks for a user. categories of Application software System software Application software general purpose software special purpose software bespoke software
General Purpose software This software is also called off the shelf. You can buy it at a shop or download it on line. The software is written for a wide audience and not all of the features are used. The software is relatively cheap and usually well tested. When giving examples NEVER use brand company names Word processing Microsoft Word System software Application software general purpose software special purpose software bespoke software
Special Purpose software • Special purpose application software is a type of software created to execute one specific task. For example Movie editor, sound editor, photo editor, web page design and development. Tax calculating system for accountants Computer aided design for graphic designers or architects System software Application software general purpose software special purpose software bespoke software
Bespoke software • Bespoke application software is tailor made for a specific user and purpose. For example a factory may require software to run a robot to make cars, however, it is the only factory making that car in the world, so the software required would have to be specially built for the task. Advantage Disadvantages Software is built for and will meet your precise needs Software will be expensive as you have to cover all of the production costs It may take some time to develop the software The software is more likely to be buggy as it probably won't have thousands of clients using and testing it System software Application software general purpose software special purpose software bespoke software
EXAM STYLE QUESTION. Fill in the gaps with the correct terms Library programs translators Application software bespoke interpreter
Operating Systems Lesson Objectives describe the purpose and main functions of operating systems
An OS is a program that controls the execution of application programs and acts as an interface between applications and the computer hardware.
More recently, operating systems have started to pop up in smaller computers as well. If you like to tinker with electronic devices, you're probably pleased that operating systems can now be found on many of the devices we use every day, from cell phones to wireless access points. The purpose of an operating system is to organize and control hardware and software so that the device it lives in behaves in a flexible but predictable way.
The operating system's tasks, in the most general sense, fall into six categories: 1) Processor management 2) Memory management 3) Device management 4) Storage management 5) Application interface 6) User interface
1. Processor Management The heart of managing the processor comes down to two related issues: • Ensuring that each process and application receives enough of the processor's time to function properly • Using as many processor cycles as possible for real work The basic unit of software that the operating system deals with in scheduling the work done by the processoris either a process or a thread, depending on the operating system.
2. Process Control Block All of the information needed to keep track of a process when switching is kept in a data package called a process control block. The process control block typically contains: • An ID number that identifies the process • Pointers to the locations in the program and its data where processing last occurred • Register contents • States of various flags and switches • Pointers to the upper and lower bounds of the memory required for the process • A list of files opened by the process • The priority of the process • The status of all I/O devices needed by the process
3. Memory Storage and Management When an operating system manages the computer's memory, there are two broad tasks to be accomplished: 1. Each process must have enough memory in which to execute, and it can neither run into the memory space of another process nor be run into by another process. 2. The different types of memory in the system must be used properly so that each process can run most effectively. The first task requires the operating system to set up memory boundaries for types of software and for individual applications.
4. Device management The path between the operating system and virtually all hardware not on the computer's motherboard goes through a special program called a driver. Much of a driver's function is to be the translator between the electrical signals of the hardware subsystems and the high-level programming languages of the operating system and application programs. Drivers take data that the operating system has defined as a file and translate them into streams of bits placed in specific locations on storage devices, or a series of laser pulses in a printer.
5. Application Program Interfaces Just as drivers provide a way for applications to make use of hardware subsystems without having to know every detail of the hardware's operation, application program interfaces (APIs) let application programmers use functions of the computer and operating system without having to directly keep track of all the details in the CPU's operation. Let's look at the example of creating a hard disk file for holding data to see why this can be important.
6. User Interface Just as the API provides a consistent way for applications to use the resources of the computer system, a user interface (UI) brings structure to the interaction between a user and the computer. In the last decade, almost all development in user interfaces has been in the area of the graphical user interface (GUI), with two models, Apple's Macintosh and Microsoft's Windows, receiving most of the attention and gaining most of the market share. The popular open-source Linux operating system also supports a graphical user interface.
What happens if the operating system does not have one of the 6 functions? 1) Processor management 2) Memory management 3) Device management 4) Storage management 5) Application interface 6) User interface
Software TrendsSeveral major software trends. First, there has been a major trend away from custom-designed programs developed by the professional programmers of an organization. Instead, the trends is toward the use of off-the-shelf software packages acquired by end users from software vendors. This trend dramatically in creased with the development of relatively inexpensive and easy-to-use application software packages and multipurpose software suites for microcomputers. The trend has accelerated recently, as software packages are designed with networking capabilities and collaboration features that optimize their usefulness for end users and work grounds on the Internet and corporate intranets and extranets.Second, there has been a steady trend away from (1) technical, machine-specific programming language using binary-based or symbolic codes, or (2) procedural languages, which use brief statements and mathematical expressions to specify the sequence of instructions a computer must perform. Instead, the trend is toward the use of a visual graphic interface for object-oriented programming, or toward non procedure natural languages for programming that are closer to human conversation. This trend accelerated with the creation of easy-to-use, non procedural forth-generation languages (4GLs). It continues to grow as developments in object technology, graphics, and artificial intelligence produce natural language and graphical user interfaces that make both programming tools and software packages easier to use.In addition, artificial intelligence features are now being built into a new generation of expert-assisted software packages. For example, many software suites provide intelligent help features called wizards that help you perform common software functions like graphing parts of a spreadsheet or generating reports from a database, Other software packages use capabilities called intelligent agents to perform activities based on instructions from a user. For example, some electronic mail packages can use an intelligent agent capability to organize, send, and screen E-mail messages fro your.These major trends seem to be converging to produce a fifth generation of powerful, multipurpose, expert-assisted, and network enabled software package with natural language and graphical interfaces to support the productivity and collaboration of both end users IS professionals.Application Software for End UsersApplication software includes a variety of programs that can be subdivided into general-purpose and application-specific categories. Thousands of application-specific software package are available to support specific applications of end users in business and other fields. For example, application-specific packages in business support managerial, professional, and business uses such as transaction processing, decision support, accounting, sales management, investment analysis, and electronic commerce. Application-specific software for science and engineering plays a major role in the research and development programs of industry and the design of efficient production processes for high-quality product. Other software packages help end users with personal fiance and home management, provide a wide variety of entertainment and educational products.General-purpose application programs are programs that perform common information processing jobs for end users. For example, word processing programs, spreadsheet programs, database management programs, and graphics programs are popular with microcomputer users for home, education, business, scientific, and many other purposes. Because they significantly increase the productivity of end users, they are sometimes known as productivity packages. Other examples include Web browsers, electronic mail, and groupware, which help support communication and collaboration among workgroups and teams.Software Suites and Integrated PackagesLet’s begin our discussion of popular general-purpose application software by looking at software suites. That’s because the most widely used productivity package come bundled together as software suites such as Microsoft Office, Lotus SmartSuite, and Corel WordPerfect Office. Examining their components gives us an overview of the important software tools that you can use to increase your productivity, collaborate with your colleagues, and access intranets, extranets, and the Internet.Compares the component programs that make up the tope three software suites. Notice that each suite integrates software packages for Web browsing, word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, database management, personal in formation management, and more. These packages can be purchased as separate stand-alone products. However, a software suite costs a lot less than the total cost of buying its individual package separately.
Another advantage of software suites is that all programs use a similar graphical user interface (GUI) of icons, tool and status bars, menus, and so on, which gives them the same look and feel, and makes them easier to learn and use. Software suites also share common tools, such as spell checkers and help wizards to increase their efficiency. Another big advantage of suites is that their programs are designed to work together seamlessly, and import each other’s files easily, no matter which program you are using at the time. These capabilities make them more efficient and easier to use than using a variety of individual package versions.Of course, putting so many programs and features together in one super-size package does have some disadvantages. Industry critics argue that many software suite features are never used by most end users. The suites take up a lot of disk space, from over 100 megabytes to over 150 megabytes, depending on which version or functions you install. So such software is sometimes derisively called bloatware by its critics. The cost of suites can vary from as low as $100 for a competitive upgrade to over $700 for a full version of some editions of the suites.These drawbacks are one reason for the continued use of integrated packages like Microsoft Works, Lotus Works, Claris Works, and so on. Integrated packages combine some of the functions of several programs word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, database management, and so on into one software package.Because Works programs leave out many features and functions that are in individual packages and software suites, they cannot do as much as those packages do. However, they use a lot less disk space (less than 10 megabytes), and cost less than a hundred dollars. So integrated packages have proven that they offer enough functions and features for many computer users, while providing some of the advantages of software suites in a smaller package.Web Browsers and MoreThe most important software component for many computer users today is the once simple and limited, but now powerful and feature rich, Web browser. A browser like Netscape Navigator or Microsoft Explorer is the key software interface you use to point and click your way through the hyperlinked resources of the World Wide Web and the rest of the Internet, as well as corporate intranets and extranets. Once limited to surfing the Web, browsers are becoming the universal software platform on which end users launch into information searches, E-mail, multimedia file transfer, discussion groups, and many other Internet, intranet, and extranet applications.Industry experts are predicting that the Web browser wil be the model for how most people will use networked computers into the next century. So now, whether you want to watch a video, make a phone call, download some software, hold a video conference, check your E-mail, or work on a spreadsheet of your team’s business plan, you can use your browser to launch and host such applications. That’s why browsers are being called the universal client, that is, the software component installed on the workstations of all the clients (users) in client/server networks throughout an enterprise.The web browser has also become only one component of a new suite of communications and collaboration software that Netscape and other vendors are assembling in a variety of configurations.Electronic MailThe first thing many people do at work all over the world is check their E-mail. Electronic mail has changed the way people work and communicate. Millions of end users now depend on E-mail software to communicate with each other by sending and receiving electronic messages via the Internet or their organizations’ intranets or extranets. E-mail is stored on network servers until you are ready. Whenever you want to your can read your E-mail by displaying it on your workstations. So, with only a few minutes of effort (and a few microseconds or minutes of transmission time), a message tone or many individuals can be composed, sent, and received.As we mentioned earlier, E-mail software is now a component of top software suites and some Web browsers. E-mail packages like Eudora and Pine are typically provided to Internet users by Internet service providers and educational institutions. Full-featured E-mail software like Microsoft change E-mail or Netscape Messenger can route messages to multiple end users based on predefined mailing lists and provide password security, automatic message forwarding, and remote user access. They also allow you to store messages in folders with provisions for adding attachments to messages files. E-mail packages may also enable you to edit and send graphics and multimedia as well as text, and provide bulletin board and computer conferencing capabilities. Finally, your E-mail software may automatically filter and sort incoming messages (even news items from online services) and route them to appropriate user mailboxes and folders.Word Processing and Desktop Publishing2 Advantages Of General Purpose Software
Software for work processing has transformed the process of writing. Word processing packages computerize the creation, editing, revision, and printing of documents (such as letters, memos. And reports) by electronically processing your text data (words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs). Top word processing packages like Microsoft Word, Lotus WordPro, and Corel WordPerfect can privide a wide variety of attractively printed documents with their desktop publishing capabilities. These packages can also convert all documents to HTML format for publication as Web pages on corporate intranets or the World Wide Web.Word processing packages also provide advanced features. For example, a spelling checker capability can identify and correct spelling errors, and a thesaurus feature helps you find a better choice of words to express ideas. Or you can identify and correct grammar and punctuation errors, as well as suggest possible improvements in your writing style, with grammar and style checker functions. Another text productivity tool is an idea processor or outliner function. It helps you organize and outline your thoughts before you prepare a document or develop a presentation. Besides converting documents to HTML format, you can also use the top packages to design and create Web pages from scratch for an Internet or intranet Web site.
End users and organizations can use desktop publishing (DTP) software to produce their own printed materials that look professionally published. That is, they can design and print their own newsletters, brochures, manuals, and books with several type styles, graphics, photos, and colors on each page. Word processing packages and desktop publishing packages like Adobe PageMaker and QuarkXPress are used to do desktop publishing. Typically, text material and graphics can be generated by word processing and graphics packages and imported as text and graphics files. Optical scanners may be used to input tex and graphics from printed material. You can be also use files of clip art.jpg "Advantages Of General Purpose Software")
, which are predrawn graphic illustrations provided by the software package or available from other sources.The heart of desktop publishing is page design process called page makeup or page composition. Your video screen becomes an electronic pastcup board with rulers, column guides, and other page design aids. Text material and illustrations are then merged into the page format your design. The software will automatically move excess text to another column or page and help size and place illustrations and headings. Most DTP packages provide WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) displays so you can see exactly what the finished document will look like before it is printed.Electronic SpreadsheetsElectronic spreadsheet packages like Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel, and Corel QuattroPro are used for business analysis, planning, and modeling. They help you develop an electronic spreadsheet, which is a worksheet of rows and columns that can be stored on your PC or a network server, or converted to HTML format and stored as a Web page or websheet on the World Wide Web. Developing a spreadsheet involves designing its format and developing the relationships (formulas) that will be used in the worksheet. In response to your input, the computer performs necessary calculations based on the relationships (formulas) you defined in the spreadsheet, and displays results immediately, whether at your workstation or Web site. Most packages also help you develop graphic displays of spreadsheet results.For example, you could develop a spreadsheet to record and analyze past and present advertising performance for a business. Your could also develop hyperlinks to a similar websheet at your marketing team’s intranet Web site. Now you have a decision support tool to help you answer what-if questions you may have about advertising. For example, “What would happen to market share if advertising expense increased by 10 percent?” To answer this question, you would imply change the advertising expense formula on the advertising performance worksheet your developed. The computer would recalculate the affected figures, producing new market share figures and graphics. You would then have a better insight on the effect of advertising decisions on market share. Then you could share this insight with a note on the websheet at your team’s intranet Web site.Database ManagementMicrocomputer versions of database management programs have become so popular that they are now viewed as general-purpose application software packages like work processing and spreadsheet packages. Database management packages such as Microsoft Access, Lotus Approach, or Corel Paradox allow you to set up and manage databases on your PC, network server, or the World Wide Web. Most database managers can perform four primary tasks, which we will discuss further in Chapter 7.