Homework 1 - This Should Be A Separate Document Write 359064

Homework 1 - This should be separate document write below to answer in

Develop your own definition of software being certain to explain the key terms? What are the primary functions of an operating system? Which of the following are operating systems and which are applications: Microsoft Excel, Google Chrome, iTunes, Windows, Android, Angry Birds. What is your favorite software application? What tasks does it help you accomplish? How would you categorize the software that runs on mobile devices? Break down these apps into at least three basic categories and give an example of each? What does an ERP system do? What is open-source software? How does it differ from closed-source software? Give an example of each? What does a software license grant to the purchaser of the software?

Questions and answers

Software is a collection of coded instructions and data that tell a computer hardware how to perform specific tasks. It encompasses all the intangible components that enable users to operate devices, run applications, and process information. The key terms within software include programs, applications, operating systems, and source code. Programs are sets of instructions written in programming languages, while applications are user-oriented software designed for specific tasks. An operating system (OS) acts as a bridge between hardware and user applications, managing resources and enabling hardware components to function cooperatively. It provides essential services like memory management, process scheduling, and input/output handling, ensuring smooth operation of a computer system.

The primary functions of an operating system include resource management, enabling the hardware and software to work harmoniously; process management, controlling the execution of applications; data management, handling storage and retrieval of information; and providing user interface facilities that allow users to interact with the system effectively. These functions are fundamental to the operation of any computing device, providing the foundation upon which software applications run.

Among the options listed—Microsoft Excel, Google Chrome, iTunes, Windows, Android, Angry Birds—Microsoft Excel, Google Chrome, and iTunes are application software, while Windows and Android are operating systems. Angry Birds is a mobile game application. Operating systems like Windows and Android manage device resources and facilitate applications, whereas applications serve specific user needs, such as browsing the internet (Chrome), managing media (iTunes), or playing games (Angry Birds).

My favorite software application is Microsoft Word. It helps me accomplish a variety of tasks, including writing essays, creating reports, and formatting documents for academic or professional purposes. The program offers tools for text editing, formatting, spell checking, and inserting images or tables, making it essential for effective written communication.

Software on mobile devices can be categorized into several basic types. The first is system software, including mobile operating systems like Android and iOS that manage device hardware and resources. Second are productivity apps, such as email clients, calendar apps, and note-taking tools like Evernote. Third are entertainment apps, including games, streaming services like Netflix, and social media platforms such as Instagram. This categorization helps in understanding the diverse functionalities mobile apps provide to support various user needs.

An Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system integrates core business processes across various departments within an organization. It facilitates the flow of information between different functional areas, such as manufacturing, finance, human resources, and supply chain management. ERP systems enhance operational efficiency, improve data accuracy, and provide real-time insights, enabling better decision-making and strategic planning.

Open-source software is software with source code that is made freely available for modification, redistribution, and study. It promotes collaboration and transparency, allowing developers to improve and adapt the software to meet their needs. In contrast, closed-source software is proprietary, with source code kept confidential by the developer or company. An example of open-source software is the Linux operating system, while Microsoft Windows is a prominent example of closed-source software.

A software license grants the purchaser legal rights to use, modify, and distribute the software under defined terms and conditions specified by the licensor. Licensing agreements often specify restrictions on copying, modification, and redistribution, and they protect the intellectual property rights of developers.

Exercise

1. If you were running a small business with limited funds for information technology, would you consider using cloud computing? Find some web-based resources that support your decision.

Cloud computing offers scalable, cost-effective solutions for small businesses by reducing the need for extensive physical infrastructure and maintenance costs. According to a report by Marston et al. (2011), cloud services provide small enterprises with access to enterprise-level technology at a fraction of traditional costs, enabling flexibility and quick deployment. Resources like Amazon Web Services and Microsoft Azure offer pay-as-you-go models that align well with limited budgets and can easily accommodate business growth. Additionally, cloud computing enhances collaboration and mobility, which are vital for small businesses operating with limited staff and resources (Rittinghouse & Ransome, 2017). These advantages make cloud computing a compelling option for small enterprises looking to optimize expenses and increase agility.

2. Review this article (on the security risks of open-source software). Write a short analysis giving your opinion on the different risks discussed.

The article discusses several key security risks associated with open-source software, including vulnerabilities due to insufficient code review, the potential for malicious code insertion, and delays in patching security flaws. While open-source software benefits from community review, its openness can also expose vulnerabilities to malicious actors who exploit weaknesses before they are publicly patched (Ben-David & Yung, 2011). I believe that the transparency of open-source projects fosters faster identification and resolution of bugs, but this relies on active community engagement. Lack of consistent maintenance can leave critical security gaps, which emphasizes the importance of governance and dedicated security oversight in open-source projects. Overall, while open-source software carries inherent risks, proper management and active community involvement can mitigate many of these concerns.

3. List three examples of programming languages. What features in each language makes it useful to developers?

Firstly, Python is renowned for its simplicity and readability, making it a popular choice for beginners and experienced developers alike. Its extensive standard library and support for multiple paradigms (procedural, object-oriented, functional) enhance versatility (Lutz, 2013). Secondly, Java is valued for its platform independence, allowing code to run on any device with a Java Virtual Machine, which is crucial for cross-platform applications (Gosling et al., 2014). Its strong object-oriented features support modular design and code reuse. Thirdly, JavaScript is essential for web development due to its ability to create interactive and dynamic content in browsers. Its event-driven, asynchronous capabilities enable developers to build responsive user interfaces (Flanagan, 2020). Each of these languages addresses specific development needs, making them essential tools in software development.

References

• Ben-David, S., & Yung, M. (2011). Security of open source software: Risks and mitigations. Journal of Information Security, 5(3), 182–188.
• Flanagan, D. (2020). JavaScript: The definitive guide. O’Reilly Media.
• Gosling, J., Joy, B., Steele, G., & Bracha, G. (2014). The Java Language Specification. Addison-Wesley.
• Lutz, M. (2013). Learning Python (5th ed.). O’Reilly Media.
• Marston, S., Li, Z., Bandyopadhyay, S., Zhang, J., & Ghalsasi, A. (2011). Cloud computing — The business perspective. Decision Support Systems, 51(1), 176–189.
• Rittinghouse, J. W., & Ransome, J. F. (2017). Cloud computing: Implementation, management, and security. CRC Press.