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Lecturer 04 - Information Systems Software

• Reference:
• Bidgoli, MIS – Chapter 2
• O’Brien & Marakas, Introduction to Information System – Chapter 4
• Section II: System Software: Computer System Management
• Vermaat, Sebok, Freund, Campbell & Frydenberg, Discovering Computer 2016 –
Chapter 4 & 9

Information Systems
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Information Systems Software

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4.1 What is Software 4.1 What is Software
• All the programs that run a computer system • Software usage:
• A program, or software, consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a • Helps businesses to produce more competent activities
common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform • Allows users to develop interesting projects related to multimedia and graphics
them • Supports users of different ages, background and categories
• An application, or app, sometimes called application software, consists of programs • Facilitates communication between users and their computers
designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks • Is the easiest and fastest way to connect users and the hardware
• An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among • Allows user to interact wisely with the hardware and the other parts of the
computer or mobile device hardware computer

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4.1 What is Software 4.2 Operating System Software
• Classified broadly as: • Operating system (OS)
• System software – works in the background and take care of the housekeeping • Set of programs for controlling and managing computer hardware and software
tasks, and server as an intermediary between hardware and application software. • Provides an interface between a computer and the user
• Operating System – Program to control the computer operation • Increases computer efficiency by helping users share computer resources and
• Utilities – Program to manage computer resources, e.g. system maintenance performing repetitive tasks for users
• Device drivers – Program tells OS on how to communicate with devices • Operating system categories:
• Language translator – Program to translate application written by programmer • Microcomputer standalone operating system: MS Windows, Mac OS, Linux
which computer can understand • Network operating system for server: MS Window Server, Linux, Unix
• Application software – Program to perform specialized tasks, process data to • Embedded operating system such as handheld devices: Android, IOS, Symbian
generate information under various application.
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4.2 Operating System Software 4.2 Operating System Software
• Types of operating system: • Operating system functions:
• Real-time operating system
• Used mostly in industrial systems • Enable the computer to boot
Mac OS Linux Windows
• Manages resources of the computer so that • User Interface
certain processes are performed precisely within • Resource management
the specified time, every time
• E.g.: RTLinux, TRON • Configuring device
• Single-user, single-task operating system • Monitoring performance
• Designed for individuals to perform one task at a
time • Controlling a network
• E.g.: Palm OS • Administering security
• Single-user, multitasking operating system
• Designed for individuals to run several programs
at the same time
• E.g.: Mac OS, Windows
• Multi-user operating system IOS Android BSD/OS
• Enables multiple users to run several programs
simultaneously
• E.g.: Unix

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4.2 Operating System Software 4.2 Operating System Software
• Enable the computer to boot • User Interface
• Booting is the start and restart a computer. • The combination of hardware and software
• It can be divided into warm boot and cold boot that helps people and computers
• Warm boot is the process of switching on the communicate with each other
computer through restart • A user interface (UI) controls how you enter
• Cold boot is the process of switching on the data and instructions and how information is
computer that has been turned off displayed on the screen
• With a graphical user interface (GUI), you
interact with menus and visual images
• In a command-line interface, a user types
commands represented by short keywords
or abbreviations or presses special keys on
the keyboard to enter data and instructions

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4.2 Operating System Software 4.2 Operating System Software
• Resource management • Coordinating tasks
• Memory management optimizes • The operating system determines the
the use of the computer or order in which tasks are processed
device’s internal memory (control and prioritize tasks).
• Tasks include receiving data from an
• The operating system allocates, or input device, processing instructions,
assigns, data and instructions to sending information to an output
an area of memory while they are device, and transferring items from
being processed. storage to memory and from
• When computer running low memory to storage.
memory, the OS will deallocate the • For example, if a printer is printing a
memory from unused processes document when the operating
and provide the memory to other system sends it a request to print
another document, the printer must
running processes. store the second document in
memory until the first document has
completed printing.
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4.2 Operating System Software 4.2 Operating System Software
• Managing programs • Monitoring performance
• When a computer is running multiple programs concurrently, one program is in the • A performance monitor is a program
foreground and the others are in the background. that assesses and reports information
• A multitasking operating system’s user interface easily allows you to switch about various computer resources and
between foreground and background programs. devices.
• It manages other programs and applications to support the computer, programs • The performance monitor may
and hardware. determine that the computer’s devices
and resources are being used to its
• Configuring device maximum.
• A driver tells the operating system how to communicate with a specific device. • The information in performance
•When a computer started, the operating system loads the device’s driver. reports helps users and administrators
•Drivers must be installed for each connected device in order for the device to identify a problem with resources so
function properly. that they can try to resolve any issues.

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4.2 Operating System Software 4.2 Operating System Software
• Controlling a network • Administering security
•Some operating systems are designed to work with a server on a network. •Network administrator defines
•Multiuser operating systems allow multiple users to share resources such as a user account setting who can
printer, Internet access, files, and programs. access certain resources and
• When connected to the network, the operating system on the network may when they can access those
assume some of the operating system functions on the client computers or mobile resources.
devices. •A user account enables a user to
sign in to, or access resources
on, a network or computer.

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4.2 Operating System Software 4.3 Utilities
• How does an OS works? • Utilities is a small program which performs particular tasks related to managing
• Once data are entered into a computer, the OS will be loaded from the hard disk computer resources.
into the computer memory • E.g.:
• This is where data are stored temporarily • Antivirus program which protects and removes viruses
• The OS will ensure that all activities in the computer runs smoothly • Troubleshoots to check and fix problems
• Includes identifying new devices, starting new application software and • Uninstalls and removes programs safely from the hard disk
transferring data between devices • Backup programs to make a copy of files for future use (to prevent loss, corruption
or deletion)
• File compression programs which reduces the size of files and enables it to be sent
more rapidly through a network.
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4.5 Device drivers 4.6 Computer Languages
• Device drivers • Language translators
• Special programs which enable certain input or output devices to communicate • Computers understand machine language which consists of binary numbers, 0s and
with the computer 1s.
• Before a device is used for the computer, for e.g. mouse or keyboard, the particular • As all the programs are written in human language, it needs to be translated.
device needs to be installed by the users. • The function of language translators is to translate programs written by
• Most devices nowadays are ‘plug and play’. This feature replaces the installation programmers to the language the computer understands.
process as the OS will automatically install the device using the device drivers. • Machine language
• 0s and 1s
• Code written for one type of computer does not work on another
• Assembly language
• Higher level than machine but still machine dependent

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4.7 Application Software 4.7 Application Software
• Application software also known as end-user software • Software types:
• Application software consists of programs designed to make users more productive • Word processing- allows users to create and manipulate documents
and/or assist with personal tasks • Spreadsheet - allows users to organize data in rows and columns and perform
calculations
To make business activities more efficient • Database – collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval,
and use of that data (Microsoft Access )
• Presentation- allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate
To assist with graphics and multimedia projects ideas, messages, and other information to a group
• Desktop publishing - application that enables designers to
To support home, personal, and educational tasks create sophisticated publications that contain text, graphics, and many colors.
• Financial planning and accounting - accounting application that helps home users
To facilitate communications and small/home office users balance their checkbooks, pay bills, track personal
income and expenses, verify account balances, transfer funds, track investments,
and evaluate financial plans

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4.7 Application Software 4.7 Application Software
• Software types (cont.) Application software can be categorised into:
• Project management - application that allows a user to plan, schedule, track, and • Retails software
analyze the events, resources, and costs of a project
• Public domain software
• Website authoring software – designing and maintaining the website (example –
Dreamweaver, Microsoft FrontPage) • Custom software
• Multimedia authoring software allows users to combine text, graphics, audio, • Shareware
video, and animation in an interactive application • Freeware
• Image Editing software - to capture and edit the photos to be uploaded to the
website (Photoshop) • Open Source
• Video Editing Software – to create and edit video clips to be posted at the website. • Web Application
(Media Player) • Mobile Apps
• Accounting software – application that helps businesses of all sizes record and
report their financial transactions (UBS Accounting)
• Email software – to receive and sending email with customers
• Web browser – to access and view the website
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4.7 Application Software 4.7 Application Software
• Retails software • Public domain software • Custom software • Shareware
• Mass produced, copyrighted retail • Donated for public use • Perform functions specific to a • Copyrighted software that is
software that meets the needs of a • Has no copyright restrictions / business or industry distributed at no cost for a trial
wide variety of users, not just a expired • Programmers to develop unique period
single user or company. • Anyone can copy or distribute at no software • Payment will be sent to the program
• Example: cost • Cost-more than the packaged developer
• Microsoft Office • Available for anyone to use for any software • Scaled down version (free)
• Adobe purpose, private and commercial • Accommodate that customer's • Example:
• Can serve as the foundation for new particular preferences and • Adobe Acrobat 8 Professional
creative works expectations. • Internet Download Accelerator
• Works that were created before • Example: 4.1
copyright laws were passed • content management, • WinAVI Video Converter 7.1
• E.g.: SQLite (2000) • inventory management,
• customer management,

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4.7 Application Software 4.7 Application Software
• Freeware • Open Source • Open Source (cont.)
• Copyrighted software provided at • Software provided for use, • Advantage:
no cost by an individual or modification and redistribution • It’s continually evolving, supported by large community developers.
organisation • No restrictions from copyright • Source code is opened, allow modification.
• Programmer cannot incorporate • Can be downloaded from the • Stability and security – community developer check and test the code.
freeware in applications that intend Internet for free
to sell • Interoperability – use open standard ease integration.
• Example: • Disadvantages:
• Example: • Mozilla FireFox
• Google Chrome • Developers develop software base on their wishes.
• OpenOffice • Less user friendly interface.
• Adobe Flash Player • LINUX
• Apache web server • Less support.
• Additional cost when need external support.
• Malicious users can potentially exploit any vulnerabilities.
• Hard to use and required training.

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4.7 Application Software 4.8 Software acquisition
• Web Application • Mobile Apps • Software acquisition - Set of processes such as methods, tools, techniques and
• Website that allows users to access • An application you download from a procedures to purchase software
and interact with software from mobile device’s app store, a • Software acquisition procedure is carried out to ensure appropriate management of
internet browsers marketplace to a smartphone or information systems and their use is legitimate.
• Free or fee other mobile device. • This procedure also allows for many academic disciplines, administrative functions
• Example: • Some mobile apps are preinstalled and athletic activities to utilize proper software tools
• e-mail on a new mobile computer or
device. • Three ways in managing software acquisition:
• Google Docs • Request for a built-in software from software developers in order to suit the
• Free or with a minimal cost — often
• Social Media tools less than a few dollars. company’s needs/activities
• Example: • Acquiring software as commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) product
• games, news apps, social media • Purchasing open source software online
apps
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4.9 Cloud computing 4.9 Cloud computing
• Cloud computing is a general term for the delivery of hosted services over the internet. • 3 models of cloud computing that deliver application on
• Cloud computing enables companies to consume a compute resource, such as a virtual the Internet:
machine (VM), storage or an application, as a utility - just like electricity - rather than having • Infrastructure-as-a-service (IaaS)
to build and maintain computing infrastructures in house. • IaaS supplies a virtual server instance and storage,
• Cloud computing boasts several attractive benefits for businesses and end users. as well as APIs that enable users to migrate
• Self-service provisioning: End users can spin up compute resources for almost any type of workloads to a virtual machine (VM).
workload on demand. This eliminates the traditional need for IT administrators to • Platform-as-a-service (PaaS)
provision and manage compute resources. • Cloud providers host development tools on their
• Elasticity: Companies can scale up as computing needs increase and scale down again as infrastructures.
demands decrease. This eliminates the need for massive investments in local
infrastructure, which may or may not remain active. • Users access these tools over the internet using
APIs, web portals or gateway software.
• Pay per use: Compute resources are measured at a granular level, enabling users to pay
only for the resources and workloads they use. • Software-as-a-service (SaaS)
• Workload resilience: Cloud service providers often implement redundant resources to • SaaS is a distribution model that delivers software
ensure resilient storage and to keep users' important workloads running -- often across applications over the internet; these applications
multiple global regions. are often called web services.
• Migration flexibility: Organizations can move certain workloads to or from the cloud -- or • One common example of a SaaS application is
to different cloud platforms -- as desired or automatically for better cost savings or to use Microsoft Office 365 for productivity and email
new services as they emerge. services.

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Review Questions Past Year Questions
The CEO of Sharpo suggested the idea to create innovation through open source • Sep 2016, Sec B, Q3 (a)
collaboration as well as generating revenues for those who contributed to the idea for Three accountants at the company where you work want to branch off independently
their next project. and open a small accounting office with approximately 20 employees. They have hired
a) What do you understand about open source software? (2 marks) you as their consultant to help with the setup of their office. The goal is to determine the
b) Discuss the one advantage and disadvantage of using open source software. (4 type of output devices they will need within the office Based on the nature of their work,
marks) they have to produce financial reports and budgeting papers for their potential
customers. Sometimes, they also need to deliver presentations to sponsors and
investors. Some of their potential customers are operating in neighboring countries in
which communication is vital between the two parties. They also deal with one or two
physically challenged customers that need special devices.
(i) Recommend four (4) suitable application software needed by the firm and state each
of their purpose respectively. (8 marks)

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Past Year Question
• May 2018, Sec B, Q2 (b)
In line with the expansion, the owner would also like to automate the ordering system
and kitchen inventory in order to save time and to eliminate errors. At the same time,
the owner wants to ensure the freshness of the raw materials used in the kitchen.
Advise the owner on the IS acquisition methods and suggest an appropriate acquisition
method for Sedap Corner. (9 marks)