Embedded Files
LEARNING OBJECTIVES:
The specification states - you should be able to:
Explain what is meant by application software;
Explain the difference between generic software and special purpose software;
Compare the use of custom-built software with off-the-shelf software;
Explain how application software can be delivered on different platforms, for example downloaded to a device or accessed using the web;
Evaluate different methods of obtaining software: proprietary and open source;
Explain what is meant by application software.
Explain what is meant by application software.
Designed for end-users
•… to enable them to perform a specific task
e.g. Word processing
Explain the difference between generic software and special purpose software;
Explain the difference between generic software and special purpose software;
Generic software
Performs general tasks and is not limited to one particular application.
Software may not meet the exact user requirements.
Example: a spreadsheet application.
Special purpose software
Designed for a specific application.
Software will meet the exact user requirements.
Example: payroll software.
Compare the use of custom-built software with off-the-shelf software;
Compare the use of custom-built software with off-the-shelf software;
custom-built
custom-built
Advantages:
The software is coded to meet the exact user requirements so the system e.g. payroll will do exactly what the business needs it to do.
Closer involvement with the developer team as the developers will be in the business to ask for help.
The developers will be onsite to assist with implementation and testing of the new system.
No unnecessary or unwanted additional features will be included in the application.
Disadvantages:
Not available immediately as its developed from scratch so the business will have to wait for the payroll system to be created.
More expensive as the business is designing their own system and the have to pay the whole cost.
Need to employ a specialist team in-house to produce the solution or outsource it to a specialist IT company to develop.
off-the-shelf
off-the-shelf
Advantages:
Immediately available for use can purchase online to download.
Wide range of support resources available on the open market i.e. community support on open forums etc.
Cheaper -Reduced cost as development costs are shared across a wider audience.
It will have been thoroughly tested so there won’t be any serious problems or bug.
More Functionality – Developers try to meet the needs of as many users as possible.
Disadvantages:
May contain a lot of additional features the organisation does not need and may be overly complicated.
Can be costly to customise.
May not contain all the features the organisation needs to carry out tasks. Task may be completed slightly differently and organisation needs to amend their approach to fit the application.
Explain why an off-the-shelf package might be the better choice in the case of e.g. payroll software than Custom built software.
Explain why an off-the-shelf package might be the better choice in the case of e.g. payroll software than Custom built software.
The payroll procedures in a business is standard.
and there would be several different payroll software available to buy off the shelf which are all fully tested and help is available.
Explain how application software can be delivered on different platforms, for example downloaded to a device or accessed using the web;
Explain how application software can be delivered on different platforms, for example downloaded to a device or accessed using the web;
downloaded to a device
downloaded to a device
The software files are downloaded and installed on the user’s device.
The user runs the software by executing the appropriate file.
Web access not required.
Evaluation:
The updated files must be downloaded after each update.
Users may not be using the latest version of the software.
Software version management complicated.
accessed using the web
accessed using the web
The user runs the software by clicking on a link in their browser.
Web access always required.
No software is installed on the user’s device.
Evaluation:
To implement an update, the developer updates the Web link.
Software users will immediately access the updated software.
There is only one version of the software so version management is straightforward.
Evaluate different methods of obtaining software: proprietary and open source;
Evaluate different methods of obtaining software: proprietary and open source;
Definition: proprietary
Definition: proprietary
Software that is sold under a name/patent.
and is copyrighted and limits against use and distribution by the vendor under a license agreement.
Advantages:
Regular updates.
Support should be readily available.
Disadvantages:
Bug fixes may be slow.
Security updates may be slow.
Help only available at specific time (work hours).
Definition: open source
Definition: open source
Refers to a program/software in which the source code is available to the general public,
to use or modify to suit their needs.
Licence terms allow the user to change the code and distribute it to other people.
Usually developed collaboratively.
Advantages:
The source code is available to everyone. so the user has the right to modify it, licence is required.
Licence terms allow the user to change the code and distribute it to other people.
It is free of copyright.
Free support online.
Usually developed collaboratively.
Disadvantages:
Too many versions available and you don’t know which one is the latest and most up to date.
The software may not be fully tested and contain a lot of errors.
Evaluate by comparing proprietary & Open Source
Evaluate by comparing proprietary & Open Source
Cost Comparisons: Proprietary have to pay / Open Source free
Site Licences: Both need licences. Proprietary have to pay for licences / Open Source licences are free.
Training: Proprietary training may be at a cost / Open Source free support online.
File conversion: Proprietary file conversion done for you / Open source done independently.
Past Paper Questions
Past Paper Questions
Application Software Past Paper Questions.pdfPage updated
Report abuse