Week 6- Somewhat Clear
In Week 6 of ISM3004, we talked about the various types of software. We use software almost every single
time we sit down at our computers, smart phones, or iPad. I am using a type of
software right now, through Microsoft Word. For example, Microsoft word is a
type of application software (it
helps me accomplish a specific task with a specific purpose) The other type of
software is known as system software,
which enables you to use the hardware. An example of this would be Windows 7 or
McAfee Antivirus.
In this case, the
application software is assisting me in completing my weekly blog through a
word processor. The textbook and video
lectures described the process of communication as a layer cake. Another way to
picture this is a relay race. The baton is passed from runner to runner….
USER--->APPLICATION
SOFTWARE-->OPERATING
SYSTEM (OS)-->HARDWARE
Each individual components communicates with the other one,
allowing a more simplistic approach since each layer is independent. The method
in which each layer communicates with the other is called API’s (Application Programming Interface). The operating system
provides a common set of controls for managing computer hardware. This makes it
easier for users to interact with the computers and for programmers to unite
application software. The consistency of
the OS allows everyone to be on the same page and serves as our gateway to the
hardware. The analogy Mr. Olson used in the lecture related an OS to a traffic
cop.
Furthermore, there are two categories of software: desktop
and enterprise. Desktop software is
like what I am using now to write this entry (Microsoft Word). It is an
application installed on a personal computer that typically supports tasks
performed by a single user. Another example is games or a photo editor. Enterprise software is an application
that addresses the needs of multiple users throughout an organization or work
group. Take for instance, the company of Heinz. “Over 650 million bottles of
Heinz ketchup are sold around the world in more than 150 countries.” This of
course does not take into account the single serve packets of ketchup that are
traditionally found at fast food restaurants. This massive amount of
productions, supplies, and the large numbers of workers and vendors that are
involved in a year’s worth of work is not something that can be kept in an old
fashioned ledger book. They would have to utilize a type of enterprise software
to keep track of sales, shipments, and payrolls.
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