Types of software

Question 1

what’s open source?

Answer 1

• software with a source code that anyone can inspect, adjust and enhance
• produced by volunteer programmers
• can’t be sold if modified

Question 2

what’s closed source?

Answer 2

• computer programs with a source code that is not shared with computer users
• distributed under a licensing agreement

Question 3

what’s off the shelf?

Answer 3

• type of software that you can use at home or school (spreadsheets, databases, and etc)
• provides several features that users desire

Question 4

what’s bespoke?

Answer 4

software tailor made for a client

Question 5

what’s shareware?

Answer 5

• software provided free of charge for users

- distributed on a free trial basis (certain features may be restricted)

Question 6

what’s freeware?

Answer 6

• software for free of charge for unlimited time

- copyrighted

Question 7

what’s embedded?

Answer 7

• written to control either machines or devices that aren’t commonly thought of as computers
• mangages device functions

Question 8

open source + and -

Answer 8

• free to use, simple to learn, able to view many files made by branded software
• not as much bug fixing support and security as closed source, may not have as many features as alike apps

Question 9

closed source + and -

Answer 9

• developers have total control over software development, higher chance of earning profit through sales
• longer development times, users need to work around the limitations of software instead of having the choice to extend or control softwares source code to make improvements

Question 10

off the shelf + and -

Answer 10

• development costs spread across a large number of users, if commonly used - IT technicians and users don’t have to be trained
• software may have functions you don’t need as it’s trying to reach the needs of a large number of users (hard to use), have to compromise on your needs as it’s hard to find software which does everything you need

Question 11

bespoke + and -

Answer 11

• business will receive the exact software that they need, software will operate just the way they want it to and will only have functions that the business needs
• long development time, company may need to employ a team of people (analysts, programmers, testers and etc)

Question 12

shareware + and -

Answer 12

• free to use, can be copied, not copyright protected and you can test the software to see whether you like it or not
• can’t be altered, no customer support, no updates and may be a shortened version

Question 13

freeware + and -

Answer 13

• free for public users, copyright protected

- can’t be sold, modified software has to be freeware