Nabeel Yayale Ahmed                                                                                       M00027576

Software basics

Software provides the communication link between humans and their computers. Software may be divided into two distinct types: system software and application software, but most software falls into one of the three broad categories: compilers and other translator programs, software application, and system software.

Compilers and other translator programs

Computers use a language not English and so have to be translated into its language such as visual basic, C++. A compiler is therefore a tool used in translating English language into computer language.

Software application

Application software is the name given to software that allows the computer to be applied to a particular problem. Such software is therefore used for a specific purpose or application. It gives the opportunity to people who are not deep into programming to manage and control computers without thinking like programmers.

There is a variety of issues a customer should consider before deciding which option to choose when a software solution is required.

A clear documentation: printed documentation is usually enclosed when software is bought. It includes instructions on how to install the software on the computer hard disk. This is now replaced by tutorials and help files which can be updated online. Support tends to be better because suppliers are able to cope with higher support costs. Small software may go out of business or be taken over by larger companies who may decide not to support the existing software.

Join now!

Upgrade paths: software frequently needs to be upgraded, sometimes because of necessity and to iron out bugs or include some new features. An upgrade depends on the original supplier still being in business, so any outside supplier of software should be carefully chosen.

Compatibility: new software may have to be compatible with existing software so that files and data can be transferred between packages. Compatibility not only matters with existing software but also with existing hardware. New software places greater demands on the hardware running it, so it is necessary to add extra memory, faster processor chips, etc. ...

This is a preview of the whole essay