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4.3 SOFTWARE NOTES

Completion requirements
Click on the above link to access this reading material. This module covers two units
  • System software
  • Application software

3. APPLICATION SOFTWARE

3.1. classifications of Softwares

Classifications of Application Software

The common Classifications of application software include:

  • Off-the-shelf (standard) software,
  • Custom (bespoke) software,
  • Shareware, Freeware,
  • Open-source, Public-domain software,
  • Web-based software, copyrighted software,
  • Special Purpose and General purpose.

OFF-SHELF SOFTWARE

This refers to packaged software that is designed to meet the needs of a wide variety of end users. Off-the-shelf software is mass-produced, commercially sold software, and copyrighted. Microsoft Office Word and Adobe Photoshop are examples of Off shelf software. Licensed under the  Creative Commons Attribution Share-Alike License 4.0






CUSTOM (BESPOKE) SOFTWARE

Custom software is tailor-made software, which is developed at a user's request to perform specific functions. Sometimes, when a company cannot find packaged software that meets its unique requirements, it pays computer programmers to write custom software that is specifically tailored to meet the needs of the company. Custom software usually costs more than packaged software

COMPARISON OF THE CHARACTERISTICS OF STANDARD AND CUSTOM SOFTWARE

STANDARD SOFTWARE

CUSTOM SOFTWARE
1. Easy to use, because it is known by many people.1. Unique, and requires extensive training before use.
2. Cheaper because it is massively produced and packaged for commercial purposes.2. Expensive because it requires hiring a programmer.
3. Easy to acquire because it is already made.3. Difficult to acquire due to the time needed for programming it.
4. More reliable because it is tried and well tested by many users.4. It May contain programming errors since it is not tested adequately.
5. Containing online help to guide users in case of any problems in use5. Usually lacking online help services.
6. Cannot be modified or changed to meet unique user requirements6. Meets all user requirements and can be edited if the need arises.

COPYRIGHTED SOFTWARE

Copyrighted software refers to computer programs with restrictions regarding use, modification, and redistribution. You have to pay for copyrighted software and must not copy it without permission from the manufacturer. Copying copyrighted software without paying for it is clearly unethical and illegal.

SHAREWARE

Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period. To use a shareware program beyond that period, you send payment to the program developer. In some cases, a scaled-down version of the software is distributed free, and payment entitles the user to the fully functional product.

FREEWARE

Freeware is copyrighted software provided at no cost by an individual or a company that retains all rights to the software. Therefore, other programmers cannot include freeware in the applications they intend to sell.

OPEN-SOURCE

Open source software is software provided for use, modification, and redistribution. This software has no restrictions from the copyright holder. Open source software usually can be downloaded from the Web at no cost.

WEB-BASED SOFTWARE

Web-based software refers to programs hosted by a Web site. Users access and interact with Web-based software from any computer or device that is connected to the Internet. Many Web sites allow free access to their programs; some charge a fee. Examples of Web-based software include e-mail, Website builders, online games, travel and
mapping software,

SPECIAL PURPOSE (SPECIALIZED) SOFTWARE

This refers to a wide variety of application programs that perform many common tasks. Varieties of General purpose application programs include Word processing programs, Spreadsheet programs, web browsers, Graphics programs,