Chapter 3 - CS 3 - Software Flashcards
What is software?
Set of instructions that tell hardware what to do
What are the two main types of software?
Operating systems & application software
What are the functions of the operating system? What are some OS examples?
Managing the hardware, providing a UI, and providing a platform for software developers to write applications
Windows, OS X, Linux, Unix, Android, iOS
Which of the following are operating systems and which are applications: Microsoft Excel, Google Chrome, iTunes, Windows, Android, Angry Birds?
Operating systems - Windows, Android
Applications - Excel, Chrome, iTunes, Angry Birds
What is a “killer” app? What was the killer app for the PC?
A killer app is application software that is so useful that people will purchase the hardware just so they can run it. The killer app for the PC was the spreadsheet (Visicalc - Apple II).
Explain what an ERP system does.
An ERP (enterprise resource planning) system is a centralized database (software) that is used to run a company’s entire business - it has applications for accounting, finance, human resources
What is application software? How does it relate to programs?
A program is just software - set of instructions that tell hardware what to do
An application is a program that helps the end user perform a task
What’s the difference between a program and an application?
A program is just software - set of instructions that tell hardware what to do
An application is a program that helps the end user perform a task
How did the Y2K (year 2000) problem affect the sales of ERP systems?
Applications were developed to save space so they used two digits for years (e.g., ‘96 instead of 1996). This became a problem in 2000 b/c date calculations would FAIL. To update each line to four digits is a massive undertaking so companies were inclined to install ERP systems b/c they were “Y2k compliant”
What is a CRM system?
Customer relationship management - software application that manages relationship w/ customer. Example: Salesforce
What is “the cloud”?
Data storage on the internet - there are massive server farms & storage devices that are connected via Internet protocol
