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Chapter 3

Software

Learning Objectives
Upon successful completion of this chapter, you will
be able to:
• Define the term software
• Describe the two primary categories of software
• Describe the role ERP software plays in an
organization
• Describe cloud computing and its
advantages and disadvantages for
use in an organization
• Define the term open source and
identify its primary characteristics

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Types of Software
Software is the set of instructions that tells the
hardware what to do
Two main types of software:
1. Operating Systems
2. Application Software
1. Productivity software
2. Utility software
3. Programming software
4. Applications for the Enterprise (ERP)

Operating Systems
• All devices have an operating system
• Software which manages the hardware
• Creates the interface between the
hardware and the user
• Functions performed by the
operating systems:
– Managing the hardware resources of the
computer
– Providing the user-interface components
– Providing a platform for software developers
to write applications
• Most popular are Microsoft Windows,
Apple Mac OS, and Linux

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History of Microsoft Windows

Source: YouTube

Application Software
• Software that allows users to accomplish some
goal or purpose
• Categories:
– Productivity software to help employees complete
their job duties such as Microsoft Office
– Utility software allows you to fix or modify your
computer
• For example, antivirus software
– Programming software makes more software
• Programmers can code, test, and convert into a format that
the computer will understand
• CIS students typically use Visual Studio

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Application Software Challenges

• Finding the right software to do what you need
to do
• How to use the right software to do what you
need to do
• Power Point to Death video:

• You only purchase a license for the software

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Enterprise Application Software

• Early applications were often independent from other
applications
• Consequently, information from one application did
not always correlate to information from another
application
• Enterprise Resource Applications (ERP) were developed
to provide a common application that supports
functions across the entire enterprise for the
company’s employees
– For example, an ERP can contain the
general ledger and its subsidiary ledgers
such as accounts payable, accounts
receivables, etc.
– Builds in best business practices for an
enterprise

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Enterprise Application Software

– SAP is the most popular
– Customer Relationship Management (CRM)
• Manages an organization’s customers
• Personalize your relationship with the customer
• An example is Salesforce
– Supply Chain Management (SCM) manages an
organization’s
Manufacturing
Suppliers Distributors
Facilities

Mobile Applications
• Operate on tablets and smartphones
• Each device has its own operating system
(e.g., Android or iOS)
• Each application is developed for the specific
mobile device’s operating system
• Websites are now offering mobile friendly
interfaces to run on mobile devices
– Independent of the mobile devices’
operating system

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Cloud Computing
• Internet-based applications, services,
and data storage
• Advantages:
– No software to install or upgrade
– If you have Internet access, you can always use it
– No restrictions on how much you store and don’t have to
worry about losing it
• Disadvantages:
– Your information is stored on someone else’s computer –
how safe is it?
– Internet access is required
– Relying on someone else to provide these services

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Business Cloud Usage

• Private Cloud
– Still uses cloud concepts but allows the business
to control over that space
– Improves who can access it and how it is secured
• Virtualization
– Using software to simulate a computer or some
other device
– Can create a server without
actually purchasing a server

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Software Creation
• Software is written in a programming language
– Consists of commands organized logically to execute specific
functions
– Written in human-readable format (source code) and converted
to machine-readable format (object code)
– Object code can be interpreted by the computer to allow
interaction with the hardware
• Usually done in pieces so several programmers can work together
• Closed-Source Software – only object code is available for purchase
• Open-Source Software:
– Code is shared with everyone to use and
add features or fix bugs
– Examples are Firefox browser and Linux
operating system

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Open vs. Closed Source Software

• Open-Source Software:
– Software is available for free
– Source code can be reviewed prior to installing
– Large programmer groups can fix bugs and add
feature
– May increase risk of attack as everyone knows how
your software works
• Closed-Source Software:
– Company that developed the software
provides technical support
– Employs large number of programmers
to enhance the product

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Summary
• Defined the term software
• Described the two primary categories of software
• Described the role ERP software plays in an
organization
• Described cloud computing and its advantages
and disadvantages for use in an
organization
• Defined the term open source and
identify its primary characteristics

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