Week 4 (Tech 2)

1. What are main differences/distinction between system software and application software?

The difference between a system software and application software is that system software is designed for general use of the computer and contributes to the functioning of the computer, while application software is designed for specific tasks.

2. What are the two main types of system software? Provide some examples of their functions.

The two main types of system software are control programs (includes operating systems) and support programs. Control programs are specifically used to create a functioning relationship between the computer hardware and the virtual software. Control programs include operating systems like Windows XP, vista, Mac OS X and Linux and the programing software such as control, terminal and python. The support programs are softwares that assist in the support of the operating of the computer system. The support programs are separated into three categories: system utilities, system performance monitors and system security monitors. System utilities include programs such as file manager, disk defragmenter, disk scanner and boot camp, parallel systems etc. System performance examples include task manager, performance information and device manager. Examples of system security monitors include programs such as Norton Anti-virus software, AVG and windows fire wall.

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 licensed software that must be bought for legal use. Open source software is software that is available on the internet and is free to use, modify and download. When businesses consider using either proprietary or open source they consider the cost of purchasing proprietary software, the level of support the software offers, easy of use and training of the software and the stability of the software.

4. What are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most businesses/organizations?

The legal issues involved in using software in most businesses and organizations is that the software license only applies to one computer and can not be modified and owned. The copyright and licensing laws surrounding proprietary softwares in businesses is that the business does not own the software but is only allowed to use it. The software can only be used with a specific computer meaning that the company must buy licenses for each computer causing a large cost.

5. Choose an Operating System, provide some details on it's developer, it license type and key benefits.

The Linux kernel operating system found its roots in the GNU project in 1984 founded by Richard Stallman, which aimed for a general public license softwares. Linus Torvalds was the creator of the operating system Linux kernel. Linux is very beneficial as it is a free open source software and its basic design and simplicity enables easy of use. As it is an open source software it alllows independent modifications and programing from users.