SoftwareAPPLICATION SOFTWARE AND LICENSING

Application Software Overview

While Operating System Software acts as the brains of the computer, it is the Application Software that allows the user to perform specific tasks.

You are using Application Software if you are:Creating documents

Managing finances

Editing images and audio

Types of Application SoftwareWord Processing and Desktop

Publishing

Software that is used to create letters, flyers, proposals, etc.

Overall goal is to allow text creation. In many cases, there will be editing and formatting tools as well.

Certain word processors offer mail merge that allows text to be sent to a number of recipients with ease.

Desktop Publishing (DTP) allows for greater control of page layout.

In many cases, text is created via word processing and then converted to DTP.

Types of Application SoftwarePresentation

Presentation software is used to…PRESENT! Presentation software is being used right before your eyes…PowerPoint

This type of software creates a template that is formatted to the computer screen, to be projected to an audience.

User usually has the ability to manipulate template through altered fonts, backgrounds, images.

Types of Application SoftwareSpreadsheet

Spreadsheet software deals with display of and analyzing of calculations. (ex. Microsoft Excel)

The template (or worksheet) is made up of cells that are labeled with numbers and letters. Each cell has a reference label that is used to calculate values.

Such software can be used in the workplace, in a school setting or personally to manage information.

Types of Application SoftwareDatabase

Similar to spreadsheet software, but more comprehensive.

Such software allows the user to create, store, structure and sort data. The goal is to manage all information efficiently. (Ex. Microsoft Access)

The use of such software can be for anything from basic, personal needs to complex, professional needs.

Web Browsers and Web Development Software

Mozilla Firefox, Safari, Internet Explorer and all examples of Web Browsers that are types of software available to allow users to gain access to the internet.

Different browsers offer a variety of services from security protection to search options to advanced privacy settings.

Web Development Software is usually comprised of code editor that allows for the entering and manipulation of code (Hypertext Markup Language or HTML, Cascading Style Sheet or CSS).

Web Development Software allows for compatibility checks to test whether or not a site is compatible with various browsers.

Graphics Software

Graphics Software is used to create or edit digital images. The software works by digitally drawing individual pixels and shapes.

Images can be manipulated to have varying appearances (blurs, crops, etc.)

Various types of graphics software include vector graphics (use of mathematical shapes), 3D rendering (creation of 3D images with colors and shapes) and Computer Aided Design or CAD (product design using 3D graphics.

Audio, Video Editing and Multimedia Software

Audio Software is used to record, edit and mix audio. Software is can be used for professional or personal purposes. (ex. Audacity)

Video Editing Software combines images, sound and video. Data can pulled from various sources and can be manipulated by adding special effects. (ex. Adobe Premiere)

Multimedia Software is used to create interactive graphical presentations. Software can be found in various locations from a particular website to other software programs. (ex. Adobe Flash)

Note-Taking Software

Software available to take and maintain notes in “free-form,” or in a format that is not restricted by line space the way word processors like Microsoft Word are. (ex. Evernote)

Such software usually allows for integration of diagrams, audios, etc. onto the document.

In certain cases, touch input devices are used to enter handwritten documents which, through the use of Optical Character Recognition (OCR), can be edited.

Application Suites

The software that has been discussed are their own unique programs. When programs perform related tasks, they are often sold together.

The packaging, or bundling, of software programs is referred to as application suites.

One of the most popular application suites is Microsoft Office. Adobe also offers various suites that include a number of different software programs. In both cases, applications integrate with one another.

Software Licensing

Licensing Overview

Just like a research paper or book, software is considered intellectual property. Because of this, copyright laws apply to software.

All software is scrutinized over and potentially has different restrictions such as:

How it can be sold and/or copied

Whether or not the Source Code (instructions that make up the software) is available to the public

Whether or not software can be modified

Commercial (Proprietary) Software vs. Public Domain

Commercial software is that which is licensed and sold for profit by the creator. Think of purchasing this software as you purchasing a pass to gain access.

Commercial software usually comes with very strict licenses that limit your ability to copy, alter or resell the software.

Public Domain software is that which is completely available to the public with no limits.

Public Domain software usually occurs when a copyright expire or ownership rights are waived.

Ins and Outs of Commercial Licenses

When using software, you almost always enter into an End User License Agreement (EULA) that map out the terms and conditions of your use of the software.

Software is sold with single user (1-2 users allowed), multi-user (3-5 users) or site licenses (large number of users).

Single user and multi-user licenses are usually those used for personal use and can be store bought. Site licenses are for high-volume, multi-computer use, almost always in the workplace.

Shareware and Freeware

Shareware is software that is available to the public for free for a limited period of time. Usage beyond this time period usually requires payment.

Freeware software is distributed for free, but the creator still owns the copyright. As a result, users are limited in their ability to use and manipulate the software.

Free and Open Source Software (FOSS)

Users have the freedom to use the software as they please. The reason for this is that the source code is available to the public and can be manipulated. (ex. Linux and Firefox)

When alterations are made to FOSS, they are published under the same license, so everyone benefits.

Users are encouraged to share software freely with others.

In certain cases, companies will offer FOSS versions of a product, but then sell a commercial version that has add-ons like user support or other features.

Copy ProtectionPiracy is one of the biggest problems that software companies face. The software piracy industry alone is worth tens of billions of USD. Various methods have been introduced to expose the source of these problems.

Companies use embedded user information and/or use serial numbers to identify users.

Digital Rights Management (DRM) schemes are implemented that can limit the number of copies made or have embedded information that makes copying difficult.

Lobbying organizations try to get the government involved in order to impose harsh consequences onto those who pirate software.

User InterfaceIN-YO-FACE!

What is a interface?

A user interface is the method in which a computer user communicates with the computer itself.

There are a few different types of interfaces available:

Command Line

Graphical

Menu-Driven

Over time, interfaces have adapted to be more user-friendly.

Command Line Interface (CLI)

Early computer systems were very primitive and were mostly Command Line Interface.

Command Line Interface is a system where the user interacts with the computer solely by typing commands and the system provides output by printing text on the computer monitor.

In recent years, Graphical User Interface, which is faster and easier to use, has become the norm. That being said, CLI allows for tasks that will include sending commands to multiple files to be completed quicker and more efficiently.

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Graphical User Interface is the use of visual buttons, menus, windows and icons to represent and communicate with the computer. This type of interface is used in almost all programs.

Input is accepted through devices like keyboards and mice.

GUI has allowed computers to become more user-friendly and available to those without a great deal of computer knowledge.

While GUI is more user-friendly and efficient, it takes up a great deal of memory and can slow a computer down.

Menu-Driven Interface (MDI)

Menu-Driven Interface allows commands to be made based on predetermined options. This tends to vary from a traditional computer interface.

MDIs are located on such devices as Automatic Bank Teller Machines (ATMs).

Major benefit is that the user does not need to remember and type lots of commands because menus contain explanations of the options.

A negative is that users must switch through multiple screens when using.