CAT module 1.4 software:
Choosing the right software:
Factors to consider when choosing application software.
1. The purpose of the software:
There are many applications that can perform the tasks you want to perform.
You therefore need to think very carefully about the task you want to perform
before choosing a software for the task or purpose.
2. Web-based applications vs installed applications:
Software and apps used to download onto the disk drive on a computer.
Today apps can be web or cloud based and be installed and run entirely over the
internet.
Advantages of web-based applications:
-You can use the software from any computing device that has an internet
connection.
-Software is always up to date.
-You don’t have to install the software which saves storage space.
-The hardware requirements of the computer you are using to run and access the
software is often not as high.
-Compatibility issues are not really a problem.
-Many online apps also offer free online storage for example OneDrive for office
365.
Disadvantages of web-based applications:
-you cannot use the software if you do not have an internet connection.
-Performance of the software depends on the speed and quality of the internet.
-web-based applications may have slower performances than desktop
applications.
-the software might not include all features and capabilities that are on the
desktop version of the software.
Examples of web-based applications: google calendar, google hangouts, google
drive, google forms, google maps, office 365 and google docs etc.
Subscription software: the user pays a monthly or yearly subscription to use the
software. E.g. Office 365.
3. Compatibility:
Compatibility refers to the ability of your software to work with your hardware and
software of your computer or device.
Compatibility with operating system: when installing an app on your computer or
device you must ensure that it can work with your operating system. It might need
a specific minimum version of the operating system.
Compatibility between versions of the same application: Most software
applications are backward or downward compatible. Meaning they open or use a
file created in an older or previous version of the software.
4. System requirements:
Before you buy software it is important that you check the hardware and software
specifications needed to run the software.
Application software:
Choosing the right software:
Factors to consider when choosing application software.
1. The purpose of the software:
There are many applications that can perform the tasks you want to perform.
You therefore need to think very carefully about the task you want to perform
before choosing a software for the task or purpose.
2. Web-based applications vs installed applications:
Software and apps used to download onto the disk drive on a computer.
Today apps can be web or cloud based and be installed and run entirely over the
internet.
Advantages of web-based applications:
-You can use the software from any computing device that has an internet
connection.
-Software is always up to date.
-You don’t have to install the software which saves storage space.
-The hardware requirements of the computer you are using to run and access the
software is often not as high.
-Compatibility issues are not really a problem.
-Many online apps also offer free online storage for example OneDrive for office
365.
Disadvantages of web-based applications:
-you cannot use the software if you do not have an internet connection.
-Performance of the software depends on the speed and quality of the internet.
-web-based applications may have slower performances than desktop
applications.
-the software might not include all features and capabilities that are on the
desktop version of the software.
Examples of web-based applications: google calendar, google hangouts, google
drive, google forms, google maps, office 365 and google docs etc.
Subscription software: the user pays a monthly or yearly subscription to use the
software. E.g. Office 365.
3. Compatibility:
Compatibility refers to the ability of your software to work with your hardware and
software of your computer or device.
Compatibility with operating system: when installing an app on your computer or
device you must ensure that it can work with your operating system. It might need
a specific minimum version of the operating system.
Compatibility between versions of the same application: Most software
applications are backward or downward compatible. Meaning they open or use a
file created in an older or previous version of the software.
4. System requirements:
Before you buy software it is important that you check the hardware and software
specifications needed to run the software.
Application software:
