Chapter 4:Processing With Programs

Tools for Users
Consumer Applications

- Many software companies have replaced their printed documentation with:
>Tutorials
>Reference materials
>Help files
>Online help
- Upgrading: Users can upgrade a program to the new version by paying an upgrade fee to the software manufacturer
>Newer releases often have additional features and fewer bugs
- Compatibility
>Allows software to function properly with the hardware, operating system, and peripherals
>Programs written for one type of computer system may not work on another
- Disclaimers
>Software manufacturers limit their liability for software problems by selling software "as is"
- Licensing: Commercial software is copyrighted so it can't be legally duplicated for distribution to others
>Software licenses
>Volcume licenses
- Distribution: Software is distributed via:
>Direct sale
>Retail stores
>Mail-order catalogs
>Websites
>Not all software is copyrighted: Public domain software, shareware

Web Applications

- Web applications fall into several categories
>Some simple Web applications perform simple data-processing tasks that could also be performed by traditional programs running on stand-alone PCs
>Most Web applications take advantage of the Web's connectivity
>Many web applications leverage the Web's strength as a huge repository of information
>Some web applications support online business trnasactions
>News-oriented Web applications provide up-to-the-minute reports on a myriad of subjects
>Other Web applications support a more traditional form of information broadcasting