Week 6 - Clear - Understanding Software

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When you think of layers the first thing that comes to mind is probably cake! However, when trying to understand how software functions...were're not talking in cake, but we will use the layered cake as a model. There are four main 'layers' of software.  The top layer is the user.  This would be you the operator. The second layer is the application.  This would be things like presentation products, spreadsheet products or word processor products, that are designed to help the user accomplish a specific task. The third layer is the operating system (OS for short).  The OS enables the user to use the software, it controls the hardware and other programs, as well as, allows users to interact with the hardware. The forth and bottom layer is the hardware.  This would be your PC, laptop, printer, etc.  Now you may be asking yourself, "How do these layers interact with each other?" Well we know that it's not icing that holds these layers together! The layers are independent of each other and interact through API's. What is an API? The API or application programmer interface is how the components communicate with each other.  Click here to find out more on API's.

So, now that we know a little about how software works, lets talk about the different types of software: Desktop software and Enterprise software. Desktop software is usually installed on a single computer and is used to meet the needs of a single user.  Enterprise software is designed to address the needs of multiple users simultaneously and had different types of software within the structure.  Theses include SCM, supply chain management, CRM, customer relationship management and ERP, enterprise resource planning. Examples of each type of software are found below:

Desktop Software

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Enterprise Software
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Now to go along with the software there is a license.  What type of software you choose to buy will depend on what type of license you will need. Here are a brief overview of types of licenses and how they are used. Shrink wrap licensing is when you implicitly agree to the terms within the packaging once you have broken the shrink wrap. EULA, or end user license agreement, means that you are the final client to use the software and, therefore, agree to the terms. Perpetual license is for single user applications that allow you to use the product as long as you want once you buy it. Full retail license allows you to use the product anywhere. OEM allows you to use on specific device(s). Volume licensing allows you to either license per number of users, license per seat or license per server. Term license is a license that is renewed on an annual basis. Trial license is for a limited time and can be set to a limited or full feature setting during trial use. Freeware or shareware license allows the user to use the product for a trial period and then buy the product. So just a brief overview of what software is, how it works, and the licenses that accompany software that you buy!