2.1 - Types of Software Flashcards
What is open source software?
It is written by programmers and users can edit and modify the code.
Example: Python.
What are the uses/justification of open source software?
It is flexible, as it can be changed as required to meet specific needs.
What are the benefits of open source software?
You can make changes - customise it, it is cheap, unwanted features can be removed, and it can be shared in a public domain.
What are the disadvantages of open source software?
Security risks due to malicious code, prone to errors, difficulty in receiving support, and requires technical skills to maintain the code.
What is closed software?
Proprietary software that belongs to someone else and requires you to buy the software.
Examples: Microsoft Office, Fortnite, and Spotify.
What are the uses of closed software?
Used in home/business computers with technical support available and constantly updated to mitigate potential security breaches.
What are the benefits of closed software?
Well tested with secure updates, and the company is held accountable if something goes wrong.
What are the disadvantages of closed software?
Users rely on the company for updates, it can be expensive, and users cannot modify, debug, or improve the code.
What is off the shelf software?
Made for general use with features used in different ways.
Example: Adobe Photoshop.
What are the uses/justification of off the shelf software?
Used in homes/businesses for word processing, desktop publishing, and graphics.
What are the benefits of off the shelf software?
Thoroughly tested with features that work well, regular updates, and cheaper than bespoke as it is not customised.
What are the disadvantages of off the shelf software?
Can be expensive to purchase, additional features may slow performance, and costly yearly licenses for software like antivirus.
What is bespoke software?
Custom made for specific organisations and their needs.
Examples: Cedar for schools/students, MFT for hospitals.
What are the uses/justification of bespoke software?
Offers huge commercial and business benefits giving a competitive advantage.
What are the benefits of bespoke software?
Built for the company’s requirements, unwanted features can be removed for faster performance, and design/layout is customised.
What are the disadvantages of bespoke software?
Expensive to tailor make, training required, and original programmers need to be paid to fix errors.
What are the characteristics of shareware?
Trial version of a program before you pay, giving you the opportunity to try it out.
Example: Netflix.
What are the uses/justification of shareware?
It can be used by businesses so they can try it before they buy it.
What are the characteristics of freeware?
Freely available to download and use.
Examples: Wix, Adobe Reader.
What are the uses of freeware?
Useful for small/new businesses to use without additional expenses for software.
What are the characteristics of embedded software?
Installed within a larger device with a dedicated purpose to control the machine and has small size due to memory/storage restrictions.
Example: Washing machine.
What are the uses of embedded software?
Used in washing machines, GPS, aerospace, cars (anti-lock brakes), and elevators.
