Tech Quide 2: Application Software

1. What are the main differences/distinction between systems software an application software?
Systems software is a set of instructions that acts as an intermediary between the applications and hardware of the computer. It provides processing activities and functionality to the users of the program.
Application software provides for specific and accurate instruction for tasks and applies certain needs to that tasks.

2. What are the 2 main types of systems software
The two main types of systems software includes:
i. Systems Control Programs use an operating system that supervises the operations of the computer. Some of the tasks this operating system uses scheduling of input and output processors. Other functions of the operating software include multithreading, multitasking, virtual memory and social interfaces.
ii. System Support Program is software that supports the operations, management and IT components sustain the services of the organisation.

3. what is the difference between proprietary and open source software? What considerations should be made when a business selects either software
Proprietary software is a software application that is developed in-house specific to the organisations structure, employment relations, finance and accounting and general administrative functions that are licensed by a vendor.
Open Source software is available to download for no cost and is able to be developed and added to by the organisation.

The considerations that need to be taken into consideration are in the upkeep and maintenance of the product in relation to the IT of the overall organisation. Although the open source software is at no cost and is capable of being added to, there are not distinct personnel that can monitor the IT department. As a result it will have to subcontract to a third party. In the case of Proprietary software it is developed specifically for the organisation and is supported by the IT department if any errors occur.

4. what are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most businesses and organisations?
Some of the legal implications that are involved in acquiring software in business include:
* issues of inellectual property=copyrights, patents, trademarks, company secrets can all be affected in the acquisition of software
*counterfeit products and not acquiring proper licensing of software
* copyright and piracy of products which is a criminal offence if the organisation does not go about ensuirng that the products are ligitmate . personnel of the organisation could be liable to pay damages, hefty fines or imprisonment.
* legislative and statutory instruments like the Fair Trading Act deal with the rights and obligation of the directors and other members of the organisation to abide by.

5. What is meant by SaaS? Name some examples of software.
Software as a service is a method of delivering software over the internet. This has encouraged many users of the internet to take advantage of software that is not owned by the user and is inexpensive. Some examples of SaaS include:
-facebook
- myspace
-youtube