Computer Software

What is computer Software?

This refers to a set of  instructions which tells a computer how to perform  particular tasks.

Categories of Computer Software

Computer software can be broadly divided into two categories:

  1. System software
  2. Application software

Characteristics of good computer software.

  1. A good software should provide the required functionality.
  2.  A good software must be usable by real (i.e. simple) users.
  3. A good software should be predictable, reliable and dependable.
  4. A good software should function efficiently.
  5. A good software should have a “life-time” (measured in years).
  6. A good software should provide an appropriate user interface.
  7. A good software must be accompanied by complete documentation.
  8. A good software should be easily customized or configured.
  9. A good software easy to   maintain and update.

Factors to consider before obtaining a software program.

  • Correctness — does the software do what it is suppose to do?
    Software correctness refers to the ability of a program or system to behave exactly as intended according to its specifications. 
  • Robustness — how does the software respond to unexpected conditions (wrong input)?
    Software robustness refers to the ability of a program or system to function reliably under various conditions, including unexpected inputs, errors, and stress.
  • User-friendliness — is the software easy to use by users from the intended audience?
    Software friendliness refers to the ease with which users can navigate and utilize a software application    
  • Adaptability — how difficult is it to modify the software to adjust to an ever-changing
    world? 
    Software adaptability refers to the ability of a system, such as a computer program, to efficiently and rapidly adjust itself to changed circumstances. For example can software accommodate new features.
  • Reusability — can parts of the software be easily reused to build other software
    systems?
    Software reusability refers to the practice of utilizing existing software assets like code, designs, and documentation within the software to build new software more efficiently.
  • Interoperability — does the software interface with other software systems?
    Software interoperability refers to the capability of different programs to communicate freely and easily with one another. For example in PowerPoint when adding graphs and Chart MS excel can open up  from PowerPoint.
  • Efficiency — does the software make good use of its resources (memory, disk, CPU,
    network)?
    Software efficiency refers to the ability of software applications to deliver results in a timely manner while consuming the least amount of system resources.
  • Portability — can the software to easily ported (moved) to other operating?
    Software portability refers to the ability of a software  to run smoothly across different computers and computing environments .  This enables flexibility, cost savings, and consistent behavior across diverse computing environments.
  • Security — does the software protect the information it is responsible for?
    Software security refers to a set of practices that help protect software applications and digital solutions from attackers. Eg Is software capable of Preventing attackers from stealing sensitive information (e.g., credit card numbers, trade secrets).

     

    CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD SOFTWARE YOU CAN USE(typing software)

One thought on "Computer Software"

Leave a Reply