Types of Application Software

Lesson Objective:

Understanding the terminology behind the different types of application software

Learning Outcome:

Answer some basic questions on the merits of the different types of apps

Open source, proprietary, off-the-shelf, custom (bespoke)

Name your favourite apps!

Summary for apps:

The reason why you buy a smartphone / tablet or computer is usually for the APPS

Operating Systems, Utilities and Application software

What’s the difference between them all?

Your tablet, phone & pc…

Each have an operating system …

In order for the Apps to work

To communicate with the device’s hardware…

Your tablet, phone & pc…

Use system utilities …

In order for the Apps to work

To make sure the system is functioning properly …

It’s all about the apps, dummy!

It’s why we get the devices in the first place.

Apps can be either

Open source

Proprietary

Or

Open source software Anyone can use it, no charge for the

licence (usually free!)

The ‘source code’ (the written software) is also shared so anyone can change an modify it

Anything made with it must also be open to be shared.

Why? Many programmers so this software as a service to the community

Examples of open source software …

Proprietary Software

You are not given the source code, so you cannot change or modify it

There are usually restrictions on who can use it … typically if only those who pay for it.

Examples of proprietary software…

Most may be free … but the software companies don’t want to share the source code because others might start making money from it.

Open source Vs Proprietary

Can be adapted for your needs

Usually FREE!! Or costs little

Modified code must be freely available… including your competitors

If the software fails it can be difficult to get it fixed

Cannot change the software

maintained by a dedicated team of professional developers

Learn it and it is the same for the other versions.

Apps can be …

Off the shelf

Custom made

Or

Examples of Off the Shelf software

Off the shelf Vs Custom made

Lots of support , books, forums etc.

Buy it straight away

May not do exactly what you want

Complicated, useless features which you will never use

Have to wait for it to be written

The software goes exactly what you want

Can give you an advantage over competitors

Costs gazillions £££££