Computer Software: Types And Ways Of Acquiring

1.1 Software

What Is Software?

A collection of instructions or programs that allows computers to perform tasks and facilitate the interaction of user, computer software with the computer hardware. i.e. “MICROSOFT SUITE OF PRODUCTS” it primarily directs all the peripheral devices on the complete computer system, it instructs the computer how to perform a task or job exactly. It has an essential role as a mediator between computer hardware and the user. If software is absent a user certainly cannot perform tasks on the computer. It helps in performing a well-defined function. There are further two types or categories of it in upcoming pagesFigure 1.1

What is Hardware?

Hardware is so-called as they are physical devices of the computer systems. They allow the processing of data from software since both are interdependent. It is manufactured, unlike software that is developed or engineered. It is mainly like software programs are required for operation and getting results on the computer software

The program can be called to be a sequence of instructions written in a computer language that can be understood by the computer.

A software package is a group of programs to solve and perform specific problems and specific jobs.

1.1.1 Relationship Between Hardware and Software

Hardware and software must work mutually for computers to produce useful output. They complement each other. Moreover, varying software can be loaded to the same hardware so that different jobs can be performed by the computer i.e. MS EXCEL, MS WORD, MS POWERPOINT, FIREFOX and etc. are loaded on the same computer.

1.2 Types Of Software

Most of the software may be divided in two main categories:

System Software

Application Software

Are designed for operation controlling & extension of the processing ability of the computer

Are designed mainly for `specificity’ -to solve specific problems and to do a specific task

1.3 System Software

It is a computer program type which is to runs application programs and computer hardware. It permits the operation efficient and effective, helps in working together of hardware components and supports in the development and execution of the application software. Moreover, inclusive programs in software packages are called system programs and programmers-preparing them are known as programmers. Few examples of system programs are:

• Utility programs
• Operating systems
• Programming language translators
• Communication software

1.3.1 Logical System Of Architecture Users

• Application Software
• Hardware
• Physical devices
• System software
• Operating and programming environment of the computer sys.

Ways Of Acquiring A Software

CHP#2 Solve specific problems and do specific jobs. Interact with the system via user interface by A.S

2.1 Acquisition Of Software

There are many ways to acquire software i.e. The following:

• Purchasing prewritten software
• To order a customized software
• To develop customized software
• Downloading a public domain software

2.2 Advantages And Limitations Of Buying Prewritten Software

Advantage

• Cost very less
• And planned activity is seen immediately
• It is easy to carry out changes in the software if development takes place in house

Limitation

• Operating efficiency and user needs capability are not met
• In house development of software pertains to time commitment, money and resources
• It needs team maintenance and management

2.3 Advantages & Limitations Of Downloading Public Domain Software

Advantages:

1. There is no cost required
2. Permission is not required for use
3. Other’s work is accessible by people from all over the world
4. Can be immediately downloaded and used

Disadvantages:

1. Verification of the authentic info available in the domain
2. Too much information can be leading to confusion
3. They are not usually tested properly before use

2.4 Advantages And Limitations Of Ordering A Customized Software

Advantages:

User does not need to own a software development team there by the emancipating from an expensive fact

Limitation

User is always dependent on the vendor to carry out any changes and the vendor charges separately for any demand in change

Software Development Steps

3.1 Stages Of Software Development

There are a number of steps pertaining to the development of software. Below is the enumeration and elicitation of the steps.

1. Planning: a perfect plan and reckoning weaknesses, strengths, and feasibility of the project permits a practical and effective starting approach
2. Analysis: it is to analyze the various stages involved in the performance of software and determine the additional requirements
3. Design: it is basically to build an architecture of a project- preventing flaws and complying to set standards
4. Coding: this step involves the programming phase, the implementation of software design is in terms of writing program code in a suitable language of programming & developing of error-free efficiently executable programs
5. Testing: it is the assessment of any errors in the software
6. Maintenance: it only occurs once the product is in full operation, it may include up-gradation, repairment, fixation of the software in case of breaks and errors.

References:

1. https://sfhickman.weebly.com/uploads/2/6/4/1/26411827/108861_orig.jpg
2. https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/4/41/Personal_computer%2C_exploded_5.svg/1200px-Personal_computer%2C_exploded_5.svg.png
3. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRcdLDF403EokC-399ueeyr090RKmPuq6r1ug&usqp=CAU
4. https://encrypted-tbn0.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn%3AANd9GcRcdLDF403EokC-399ueeyr090RKmPuq6r1ug&usqp=CAU
5. https://whatis.techtarget.com/definition/system-software?amp=1
6. https://www.synapseindia.com/6-stages-of-software-development-process/141
7. https://www.softwaretestinghelp.com/software-development-life-cycle-sdlc/amp/