Unit-3

COMPUTER SOFTWARE

INTRODUCTION TO SOFTWARE:
• Software is the detailed instructions that control the operation of a
computer system.
• It can be defined as a set of instructions that tell the hardware how to
work.
• Software is a collection of programs that control the working of the
computer hardware.
• A program is a set of instruction arranged in a logical way that a
computer can run.
 FUNCTIONS OF SOFTWARE
 Manage the computer resources of the organizations.
 Provide tools for people to take advantage of these resources.
 Act as an intermediary between organizations and stored data and
information.
Computer software is mainly based on purpose the software serves. This
can be broadly classified into two categories i.e. Systems and
Application software
• System software refers to programs that control the operations of a
computer and its devices.
• System software also serves as the interface between the user, the
application software and hardware.
Operating System:
 An operating system (OS) is a set of programs containing
instructions that co-ordinate all the activities among computer
hardware devices.
 The operating system so much relies on the device driver to
communicate with each hardware device.
 A device driver is a small program that tells the OS how to
communicate with the device.
UTILITY PROGRAMS
 Utility programs are special programs are used to enhance
performance of the computer system.
 They help to manage, maintain and control computer resources. These
programs include: File viewers, File compression utility, backup
utilities, antivirus, screen savers, etc.
 APPLICATION SOFTWARE
 These are programs designed to meet user specific needs.
 The primary function of application software is to apply the computer
to users solve problems and accomplish specific tasks.
 Application software, such as word processing, spreadsheets, e-mail,
database, and Web browser, can help you perform tasks such as
creating documents, analyzing finances, sending messages,
organizing data, and viewing pages on theWorldWideWeb
respectively.
CLASSIFICATION OF APPLICATION
SOFTWARE
 : can be classified into 2, that is Off- the shelf
Application software
software and Custom written/Bespoke/In-house developed software.
1. Off- the shelf software This is software designed and packaged for sale. A
user will find it readily available in shops for sale. Off-the -shelf is further
subdivided into 2:-
i. General purpose software
ii. Special purpose software
General purpose application software
 General purpose application software is a type of software that can be
used for a variety of tasks.
 It is not limited to one particular function. For example a word processor could be
classed as general purpose software as it would allow a user to write a novel, create a
restaurant menu or even make a poster.
 Special purpose application software:
 Special purpose application software is a type of software created to
execute one specific task. For example a camera application on your
phone will only allow you to take and share pictures.
 Mobile Applications
 A mobile app (or mobile application) is a software application
developed specifically for use on small, wireless computing
devices, such as smartphones and tablets, rather than desktop
or laptop computers.

Mobile apps are sometimes categorized according to whether

they are web-based or native apps, which are created
specifically for a given platform. A third category, hybrid apps,
combines elements of both native and web apps.
 In today's digital age, mobile apps are an essential part of
most people's daily lives. From social networking and
entertainment to productivity and business, mobile apps play
a vital role in how we interact with technology.
Advantages of mobile apps
There are numerous advantages to using mobile apps, namely:
 Convenience. Mobile apps can be downloaded and installed on a device, allowing
users to access the app's functions and services at any time, from anywhere.
 Personalization. Mobile apps can be customized to meet the specific needs of
individual users, providing a personalized experience.
 Offline access. Many mobile apps can be used offline, providing access to important
information and features even when an internet connection is not available.
 Push notifications. Mobile apps can send push notifications to users, providing real-
time updates on important information and events.
Disadvantages of mobile apps
 Limited functionality. Mobile apps are designed to provide specific functions and
services, and they might not be able to provide the same level of functionality as a
desktop application.
 Limited compatibility. Mobile apps are designed to run on specific mobile operating
systems, and they might not be compatible with all devices.
 Security concerns. Mobile apps can access sensitive information on a device, and
they might not have the same level of security as a desktop application.
 Limited updating capability. Some mobile apps might not be easily updated, and
users might need to download a new version of the app to access the latest features
and bug fixes.
Introduction To Android
Android is an open source and Linux-based Operating System for mobile devices
such as smartphones and tablet computers. Android was developed by the Open
Handset Alliance, led by Google, and other companies. Android offers a unified
approach to application development for mobile devices which means developers
need only develop for Android , and their applications should be able to run on
different devices powered by Android.

Android Applications
Android applications are usually developed in the Java language using the Android
Software Development Kit. Once developed, Android applications can be packaged
easily and sold out either through a store such as Google Play or the Amazon
Appstore.
Android powers hundreds of millions of mobile devices in more than 190
countries around the world. It's the largest installed base of any mobile
platform and is growing fast. Every day more than 1 million new Android
devices are activated worldwide.
iOS
iOS is the mobile operating system developed by
Apple Inc. designed specifically for its mobile devices
such as the iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch. First released
in 2007 along with the original iPhone, iOS has
evolved to become one of the world’s most popular
and advanced operating systems, known for its
intuitive interface, robust security and integrated
ecosystem.
Advantages of iOS
 Easy to use:
iOS has a simple interface that helps its users to use the mobile device
easily. If you have an old iPhone and you want to move to a new iPhone
device then you will not feel any major change in the UI (user interface).
 Ideal for app developers:
Android has a vast range of devices will different screen sizes and it
becomes very difficult for app developers to make the app for different
screen sizes. But iOS has few devices and developers can make apps
easily.
 Heat generation:
Apple iPhone generates less heat while you are using the phone. The apps
in iPhone use the battery more efficiently and thus generates less heat.
 Google maps:
Apple users say that they have good experience using Google maps and
android lacks some features of Google maps.
 Gaming:
iPhone users have great experience in playing games. The games are
built by top-notch companies and all games have to go through app
approval teams. Only those games are approved which have no
problem in their code and which can run smoothly in the device.
 Used for business:
There are various apps available in the app store that can help in
running your business. You can store your important documents on
the iPhone/iPad. You can edit/view your documents by using Office365
app.
 Performance:
The overall performance of iOS is good. Whether you are playing
games or using any other app, your device will not hang. New iOS
versions are getting better than before and their performance is
improving.
 Security:
As apps in the Apple app store have to go through a strict approval
process so only apps with better security are approved.
 Disadvantages of iOS
 Same icons:
iPhone has similar icons on the home screen and these icons have the
same design as previous versions. The home screen looks the same
when you upgrade iOS to new version i.e you will see the same style
of icons on the home screen.
 Very simple:
iOS devices are very simple in look and you cannot use as your
computer. But if you compare this with android devices then you can
perform your computer work in devices also.
 Apps are costly:
The apps are costly in price and there is no widget support for the
apps. If you compare apps with android then most of the android apps
are free to use.
 Limited devices:
iOS only runs on Apple devices and users have to keep stick with
similar look and feel of the UI. As you know android has a vast
range of devices and each device has its custom UI due to
customization of android.
 Not open source:
iOS is not open-source that mean you cannot customize and
cannot use iOS on devices other than Apple devices.
Difference between custom and off-the-
shelf software
Enterprise software:

Enterprise software, or enterprise application

software, is computer software used by organizations
rather than individual users. Common types of
enterprise software include contact center software,
business intelligence, enterprise communication,
inventory management, marketing tools, online
payments, and enterprise resource planning.
Organizations use enterprise software to run, scale,
and optimize their day-to-day operations and
processes, as well as build their own unique
applications.
ERP system:
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) is a software system that is used by
organizations to manage and integrate the important parts of the
businesses. It is
the practice of consolidating an enterprise’s planning, manufacturing,
sales, and
marketing efforts into one management system.
1. It can integrate all the processes that are needed to run a company.
2. It helps to improve efficiency, better reporting, and enhanced data
security.
3. These systems can be customized according to the specific needs of
the
different industries.
4. ERP systems are crucial for large organizations.
Benefits of ERPs:
Here are the key benefits of implementing the ERP systems:
1. Improved Efficiency: ERP systems reduce the manual effort and risk
of errors by automating repetitive processes.
2. Integrated Business Processes: ERP systems streamline operations
by integrating various business processes and enable seamless data
flow across the departments.
3. Reduced Redundancy: ERP systems eliminate duplicate data entries
and improve data integrity.
4. Timely Data Access: ERP systems provide real-time data access,
thus helping
in making timely and informed decisions.
5. Reduced IT Costs: ERP systems consolidate IT systems, thus
lowering the infrastructure and maintenance costs.
6. Enhances Customer Service: ERP systems helps to improve service
delivery
by providing quick access to customer information and data.
Customer relationship management
 Enterprises use customer relationship management (CRM) and contact
center software to:
 Better manage customer relationships
 Develop insights into customer needs through data
 Deliver better experiences to existing customers
 Make informed decisions about new prospects
With information about existing and potential clients in one place,
businesses can personalize their communications and build deeper
relationships. They can also bring together data from different departments
to build out their sales pipelines and make financial forecasts.
Supply chain management
Today's supply chains are highly complex global networks of
manufacturers, suppliers, logistics, and retailers that work together
to deliver goods and services. Every organization requires efficient
digital infrastructure to co-ordinate and manage supply chain tasks
such as:
 Goods tracking
 Production updates
 Supplier invoicing
 Supplier auditing
 Effective supply chain management tools, such as Amazon
Managed Block chain and Amazon Forecast, give organizations
complete visibility over their supply chains to improve
forecasting, reduce inventory costs, and improve capacity
utilization.
Software License :
A software license is a legal instrument that
governs how the software can be used and
distributed. When you download or install software,
you are asked to agree to the terms of a license
before you proceed with the installation.
 A license does not mean you have to pay for the
software because even free software is licensed.
Types of software licenses:

1. Public domain license:

A public domain license is the most open form of
license software may have. A public domain license
places no restrictions on use, allowing users to create
personal and professional products using the software
without financial compensation for its designer.
2. GNU Lesser General Public License (LPGL):
The GNU Lesser General Public License (LPGL) is a
software license the Free Software
Foundation released. The LPGL is an offshoot of
the GNU General Public License (GPL) that allows
developers to use open-source libraries within the
code of their software without releasing the source
code they used to create their components.
3. Permissive license
A permissive license offers users an agreement with few
requirements about how they can modify, redistribute and
use the software. This type of license is similar to public
domain licenses but is more restrictive because it may
have certain conditions for intellectual property protection.
4. Copyleft license
Copyleft licenses are reciprocal or restrictive licenses, and
although they're similar to an LGPL, a copyleft license has
more condition to follow. For example, it allows a user to
modify and use proprietary code with the requirement that
you release any resulting software under the same
guidelines.
5. Proprietary license
Proprietary licenses are the most restrictive type of
software license available. Most proprietary licenses
reserve all rights of a developer or publisher upon the
release of the software, dominant that users may not
change or redistribute software or its code and require
end users to accept a proprietary-licensed
software's end-user license agreement (EULA) if they
want to use the software. This protects the interests of
the developer more than any other license type.