Applictaion Software 6

Question 1

Proprietary Software definition

Answer 1

A software that the user must pay for, as the developers have copyrighted the software. The users must have a specific to use the software. Only the developers can edit the software eg Microsoft

Question 2

Proprietary Software advantage

Answer 2

A good source of revenue for the programmers
Easy to use
Support is available in troubleshooting guides/ menus and official website
It will have more features than open source software although perhaps more than needed

Question 3

Proprietary Software disadvantages

Answer 3

Can be expensive to buy
Companies can be slow to provide updates and bug fixes eg once a year
Software can be generally very genetic and cannot be customised due to copyright

Question 4

Open source software definition

Answer 4

Code that is designed to be publicly accessible
Anyone can see modify and distribute the code
Relies on peer review and community production
An example is firefox browser; this allows programmers to add add features which allows the browser to work to a fuller extent

Question 5

Open source software advantages

Answer 5

Most open source software is free to use although companies may provide some paid for services to enhance or support the software
Support or fixes are usually provided by communities in forums
Usually compatible with proprietary software

Question 6

Open software disadvantages

Answer 6

Support with fast response may not be available when needed as it relies on good will and availability of programmers
There may be indirect costs involved with paying for support and training or to download codes