Chapter 4 -Software Applications: Tools for Users

Consumer Applications
--> Many software companies have replaced their printed documents with:

• Tutorials (ex: how to make your own blog)
• Refrence materials
• Help files
• On-line help

Users can upgrade a program to the new version by paying an upgrade fee to the software manufacturer.
-->Newer releases often have additional features and fewer faults

Compatibility

• Let's software function properly with hardware, operating system, and peripherals
• A program written for one type of computer system may not work with another.

Disclaimers: when software developers limit their liability for software problems by selling the software as it is. (ex: before you install a computer, you must read the disclaimer and then agree to the terms and conditions)

Licensing: Commercial Software is copyrighted so it can't be legally duplicaed for distribution to others (Ex: Software License and olume License)

Distribution: Software is distributed bye  retail stores and email order catalogs. Not all software is copyrighted

Web applications fall into several categories:

• applications that perform simple data- processing tasks that are also done on stand-alone PCs
• applications that take advantage of the web's connectivity
• applications that support online business transactions
• new- oriented web applications provide up to minute reports on a several subjects
• applications that support a more traditional form of information broadcast