Chapter 3: Summary book Flashcards
What is software?
Software is the set of instructions that tell the hardware what to do and it’s created through the process of programming. Without it, the hardware would not be functional. It’s divided into two categories:
Where is an operating system responsible for?
Operating systems manage the hardware and create the interface between the hardware and the user. It provides essential functions, including:
- managing the hardware resources
- providing the user-interface components
- providing a platform for software developers to write applications.
What is application software and which two subcategories has application software?
Application software is the category of programs that do something useful for the user, it
is designed to meet a specific goal e.g. if you have to write a paper, you use the application Word. Application software has two subcategories:
- utility software allows you to fix or modify your computer in some way, e.g. antivirus software.
- programming software exists to make more software. They provide programmers with an environment in which they can write the code, test it, and convert it to different formats.
What is a killer application
A killer application is one that becomes so essential that large numbers of people will buy a device just to run that application (first killer app was the spreadsheet). Common business applications:
Which business applications are killer applications?
Productivity software, Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM)
What is productivity software
Productivity software are the applications that allow employees to complete their daily work > standard tools for the workplace, e.g. Microsoft Office.
What is Enterprise Resource Planning?
Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) was developed to bring together an entire organisation in one software application and is therefore a software application that utilizes a central database (all users can edit and save information) that is implemented throughout the entire organisation. (e.g. SAP, Microsoft) Why implement ERP? An ERP system can bring an organisation a good return on their investment. By consolidating information systems in the organisation and using software to enforce best practices, most organisations see an overall improvement after implementing an ERP system.
What is Customer Relationship Management?
Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system is a software application designed to manage an organisation’s customers.
What is Supply Chain Management?
Supply Chain Management (SCM) system manages the interconnection between links with suppliers, manufactures and distributors as well as the inventory of the products during various stages of development. The full definition provided by the Association for Operations Management is: “The design, planning, execution, control and monitoring of supply chain activities with the objective of creating net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging worldwide logistics, synchronizing supply with demand, and measuring performance globally.”
What is “The Cloud”?
“The cloud” refers to applications, services, and data storage on the Internet. These service providers rely on giant server farms and massive storage devices that are connected via Internet protocols.
What is Cloud Computing?
Cloud computing is the use of these services by individuals and organisations. In other words, cloud computing is a method of software delivery that runs on any computer that has a web browser and access to the Internet. E.g. Salesforce, a CRM application that works via the cloud.
What is private cloud?
The basic idea for a private cloud is that the cloud service provider sections off a web server space for a specific organisation. The organisation has full control over that server space while still gaining some of the benefits of cloud computing.
What are the advantages and disadvantages of The Cloud?
Advantages:
No software to install or upgrades to maintain yourself, this is done by the provider.
Available from any computer that has access to the Internet.
Can scale to a large number of users easily.
New applications can be up and running very quickly.
Services can be leased for a limited time on an as-needed basis.
Your information is not lost if your hard disk crashes or your laptop is stolen.
You are not limited by the available memory or disk space on your computer.
Disadvantages:
Your information is stored on someone else’s computer – how safe is it?
You must have Internet access to use it.
You are relying on a third-party to provide these services.
What is virtualization
Virtualization is the process of using software to stimulate a computer or some other device. For example VMware.
What is a programming language
A programming language consists of a set of commands and syntax that can be organized logically to execute specific functions. This language generally consists of a set of readable words combined with symbols. Using this language, a programmer writes a program (called the source code) that can then be compiled into machine-readable form, the ones and zeroes necessary to be executed by the CPU. Examples of program languages: Java, PHP, Various types of C (C++, C#, or Visual C), HTML, JavasScript, CSS
