DQs for wk 2

Week 2 - Discussion Question #1 · What does the statement mean: “Hardware is useless without software”? · What are differences between systems software and applications software? Give an example. · What are some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most business organizations?

In my opinion, I think this statement means that hardware is useless without software to run on it because software gives instructions that tell computer hardware what to do. Hardware consist of physical equipments that are used for processing information in various ways, and software consists of the instructions or programs that determine tasks be performed by the hardware and the way these tasks are performed.The differences between systems software and applications software are systems software is a set of programs to control all components of computer and to manage overall operations of computer system. System software is used as a base to install and run all application and the systems software makes the computer work for example operating systems, such as Windows XP and Norton Antivirus. Applications software is the software that you install onto the operating system, for example processing programs, spread sheets, web browser and games. Some of the legal issues involved in acquiring and using software in most business and organizations include software licensing. That is, copying software is illegal and individuals must stop people from copying software and distributing them, others are are infringement, piracy and ownership.

Discussion Question #2 · What are some of the criteria used for evaluating software when planning a purchase? · What is open source software and what are its advantages and disadvantages? · Research and give a short summary of an open source application. How would you use this application?

Some of the criteria that I look for when planning to purchase software is the maturity of the software. I don't care how a certain piece of software is constructed. I just want to be sure that I'm not a kind of test case, a field study to see how "this cool stuff actually works". Having a new system is difficult as it is, using some technology that doesn't work quite yet, doesn't make it easier. Another one for me is what I call fit for purpose which means least possible changes to the standard software as possible. Changes to software are always a concern, thats very important, you have to look for the software that comes close enough to what you actually want, fit for purpose. Everyone know what information system they want to purchase, and even more important, why they need it. Open source software is software that has less restrictions on how it can be used, some of its advantages are redistribution rights which allows many different users to work on a single project, polishing and editing the original copy. The right of creative use gives programmers the right to practice on and customize open source software, which attracts more users and makes the software more popular. If you see your projects dying in open source software, you may be bugged and disappointed, however the problem with the open source development being free is that people may sometimes bypass responsibility, leaving the software prone to security bugs and because open source software is based on a collaborative functioning, the entire code base is not always properly audited. Infringement of the code becomes a potential threat to the licensees. In which they may also suffer because of a lack of warranties or indemnities for intellectual property representations. These are some disadvantages of open source software. One of the most famous examples of open source software is the popular operating system known as Linux. Anyone can freely download and install Linux and also edit the Linux code to make their own custom edition of Linux. I would you use this application because of the security. Viruses are less of a threat on Linux. The very way a Linux system is designed makes it very difficult for a virus to function as it does in Windows. This also applies to spyware, malware, etc. The fact that almost no viruses are written for Linux also adds a nicer sense of warmth.