Computers

Tools for an Information Age

Chapter 2
Applications Software: Getting the Work Done

Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall

 Objectives
Distinguish between operating systems and
applications software
List the various methods by which individuals
and businesses acquire software
List and briefly describe various types of task-
oriented software
Identify the kinds of software that are available
for both large and small businesses
Discuss ethical issues associated with software
Describe the functions of various computer
professionals

Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall 2

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

Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall 3

 Acquiring Software:
Traditional Ways
Custom software
 Written by programmers hired by organization
Packaged (commercial) software
 Purchased from a store, catalog, or Web site

Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall 4

 Acquiring Software:
New Ways
Freeware Open-Source software
Public Domain Shareware

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Buying Commercial Software
Individual copies for each computer
Site license
Electronic software distribution
Application Service Provider

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 Task-Oriented Software
Often called productivity software
Common categories
 Word processing/Desktop publishing
 Electronic spreadsheets
 Database management
 Graphics
 Communications
 Others

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 Business Software
Vertical Market software
Software for Workgroups
Small Business software

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Ethics and Application Software
Piracy: the acquisition and use of illegal
copies of software
Counterfeiting: copying large numbers of
CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs and packaging
them to look like the real thing
Unauthorized copying of software is
stealing

Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall 28

 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 People
Data entry operators prepare data for
processing
Computer operators monitor systems, keep
peripherals running, and make backups
Librarians catalog processed disks and
tapes
Programmers 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

Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall 32