Information Technology in a Global Society

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Examination Preparation 1

2.2.1 Software Fundamentals

Paper One and Two may require you to evaluate the social and ethical issues involved in the use of software, you should have an understanding of the following related technological concepts:

• software (application),

  • shareware,

  • public domain,

  • freeware,

  • commercial software,

  • integrated software,

• user manual,

• registration card,

• serial number,

• warranty,

• copyright,

• license

  • multi-user,

  • single user,

  • site license,

• compression/decompression,

• back-up,

• back door (trapdoor),

• upload/download,

• wizard,

• template,

• GUI,

• command-line interface,

• voice recognition.

	Do you know the meaning of each of these terms?  If you don't then do some research - find out what they ALL mean.
	When you think you know about databases answer the questions below using a pen/pencil and paper:  Click here for a print version

1. Define application software.

2. Distinguish between shareware and freeware.

3. Explain why commercial software comes with serial numbers and registration cards.

4. Explain what type of license a school would require for all students to use Microsoft Word 2002.

5. Describe a software wizard.

6. Distinguish between a GUI and a command-line interface.

7. Discuss the trend towards software applications being available for download from the Internet

Click here to see some suggested answers

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Example answers

1. Define application software.
   
   To define means to give a clear and precise account
   
   Application software is any computer program or software designed for a particular purpose, such as home finance, education, graphic design, telecommunication, database management, or word-processing.
    

2. Distinguish between shareware and freeware.
   
   To distinguish between means to demonstrate a clear understanding of similar terms
   
   Shareware is software distributed freely, but with certain conditions applying to it. Either the software is released on a trial basis only, and must be registered after a certain period of time, or in other cases no technical support can be offered with the software without registering it. In some cases direct payment to the author is required. 
   
   Freeware on the other hand is a software program that’s available for use without any charge attached to it. This doesn’t mean the program isn’t copyrighted. Usually, the originator retains the copyright. Anyone can use it, but the program can’t be legally sold or distributed without permission.
    

3. Explain why commercial software comes with serial numbers and registration cards.
   
   To explain means to describe clearly, make intelligible and give reasons for a concept, process, relationship or development
   
   Many computer programs come with serial numbers, often called "CD keys," and the software installation program often requires the user to enter a valid serial number to continue.  These numbers help to protect the software from illegal copying.  Without the correct serial number, the software cannot be installed.
   
   Software piracy is all but impossible to stop, although software companies are launching more and more lawsuits against those who break copyright. Originally, software companies tried to stop software piracy by copy-protecting their software. This strategy was not successful, however, because it was inconvenient for users and was not 100 percent foolproof. Most software now requires some sort of registration, where the purchaser of the software is required to send some information about themselves either online or by post to the software maker who records them as a legitimate user of the software.  This may discourage would-be pirates, but doesn't really stop software piracy.
    

4. Explain what type of license a school would require for all students to use Microsoft Word 2002.
   
   To explain means to describe clearly, make intelligible and give reasons for a concept, process, relationship or development
   
   A software license is a type of agreement between the owner of the copyright of a piece of software and a user.  In this case the owner is Microsoft and the user is the school.  There are different types of licenses available for software:
   - a single user license which permits the user to install  software onto his or her computer - this is a common license type for individual use
   - a multi user license which permits the user to install software onto a given number of computers - this is good for companies or institutions who have a number of people wanting the same software, for example an office may have 10 employees all wanting to use MS Office so they could purchase a multi user license for 10 installations.  Usually the more users, the more the license will cost.
   - a site license, this is a license used mainly by educational establishments which allows software to be acquired at a reduced price, on condition that it is only used for academic, non-commercial purposes.  The school or university etc pays for the right to install the software on any number of computers within the school.  Often the cost of a site license is determined by the number of students at the school.
   
   For this question, the school could choose between a multi-user license or a site license whichever was cheaper for them - it would probably depend on the size of the school and how many computers they had.  Most commonly schools would opt for a site license.
    

5. Describe a software wizard.
   
   To describe means to give a portrayal of a given situation.  It is a neutral request to present a detailed picture of a given situation, event, pattern, process or outcome, although it may be followed by a further opportunity for discussion or analysis
   
   A wizard is an interactive computer program which acts as an interface to lead a user through a complex task, using step-by-step instruction or dialogue boxes.
   One example of a wizard is the Microsoft Windows "Internet Connection Wizard", which sets up a computer's network settings by asking the user for information on how the computer is connected to the Internet. Windows makes frequent use of simple wizards to assist with several configuration tasks.

    

6. Distinguish between a GUI and a command-line interface.
   
   To distinguish between means to demonstrate a clear understanding of similar terms
   
   A graphical user interface (or GUI, sometimes pronounced "gooey") is a method of interacting with a computer through the idea of direct manipulation of graphical images and clickable links in addition to text. Usually a GUI has a mouse, touch screen or other type of input device in addition to a keyboard, making it more "human friendly".
   
   A command line interface or CLI is a method of interacting with a computer by giving it lines of text commands usually from keyboard input.
   
   Because GUIs are more intuitive, user friendly and tend to show common actions on the display, users often learn them faster than a Command Line Interface (CLI). However, since the choice of displayed options to choose from has been made for the user and is usually more limited than the full set of options available, full use of the more complicated or less common features of a GUI system often takes considerable time.
   
   Because most GUIs require users to physically manipulate an input device, they are often not easily used by people with physical disabilities.
   
   Even though new users seem to learn GUIs more quickly to perform common operations, well-designed CLIs have several advantages:
    - skilled users are able to use a command line faster than a GUI for many tasks
    - the commands are usually consistent so users can memorize then relatively quickly
    - all options are controlled the same way
    - a keyboard is usually a more accurate input device than a mouse or touch screen.
    

7. Discuss the trend towards software applications being available for download from the Internet
   
   To discuss means to consider a statement or to offer a considered review or balanced discussion of a particular topic.  The question is asking for your opinion; which should be presented clearly and supported with as much empirical evidence and sound argument as possible
   
   Downloading of software applications is becoming more and more prevalent in the world of computing. The increasing spread and speed of the Internet has made it easier for companies and individuals to make software applications available for users to download directly to their computers and install it. The software that is available for downloading may be freeware, shareware or even commercially available software from the large manufacturers like Adobe or Microsoft.
   
   Downloading means receiving files from a remote computer to your computer. These files could be anything -- text files, pictures, music files, videos, or software. If you have surfed the Net even a little bit, you must have discovered that a lot of software can be downloaded from the web. Some of these are upgrades to your existing software, some are plug-ins or patches for your existing software, and others are brand new software that you would like to have.
   
   Why download software from the web, and not buy them at a store or have them shipped to you? There are many reasons, some of which are convenience, if you have an Internet connection then obtaining that latest bit of software might just a mouse click away. No more waiting at a store for the latest application to arrive, downloading can mean instant delivery on any day at any time. Downloading also has no shipping and handling charges, the downloaded version is usually a few dollars cheaper as there is no packaging cost, and as it does not include a printed manual. For a company like Microsoft, offering software for download makes perfect business sense. It allows them to interact with their customers directly, at almost zero cost to them. They don't have to pay for packaging, in store marketing, sales staff, delivery charges and all the other costs involved in running a traditional store.
   
   What are the dangers or problems of downloading software? You shouldn't download software unless you really need it and are 100% certain of the author's trustworthiness. They may contain viruses or spy ware. Sometimes software applications can contain code that does things you weren't expecting it to do. Just because it says it's a game, a screensaver, a picture viewer, a whatever, doesn't mean that's all the program does. You could be downloading spy ware, or you could be downloading a Trojan horse. Don't download software-to any computer you use-from a source you don't trust. Don't install software without being sure of what it will do. Make a backup of your computer before you install shareware or freeware. Downloading commercial software usually requires you to use a credit card to secure payment before you can download anything - in other words you have to pay before you get your purchase. Some people are not comfortable with this. Many people are not comfortable with using their credit on the Internet at all, due to the level of fraud which currently effects the Internet.
   
   Downloading software applications can be a risky business for the users, particularly from sources that are unknown. With the advantages for the supplier however, it seems that despite the risks, many software companies will be expanding the number and variety of applications that they make available for users to download. Customers who make use of this service will always have to take the right steps to minimize the risks involved in downloading software from the Internet.