Software Types, Licensing Models, and Development Stages
Software Types, Licensing & Development
Software represents the logical instructions a computer system uses to perform tasks, encompassing programs, applications, and utilities. The physical components (hardware) cannot function without the logic provided by software, and conversely, software coordinates the operations of hardware devices connected to the computer.
Core Software Categories
- Software: The logic of a computer system needed to carry out work, including programs, applications, and utilities. It coordinates the operations of hardware devices.
- Basic Software: A set of essential programs necessary for the computer to be capable of working (e.g., operating systems).
- Application Software: Software packages developed to perform specific tasks and make the computer useful for particular functions (e.g., word processors, games).
- Firmware: Software embedded onto read-only memory chips (like ROM, PROM, EPROM). This software often comes preinstalled by the manufacturer and is used to run specific hardware devices, such as graphics cards.
Distribution and Installation
- Preinstalled or OEM Software: Programs already installed on new computers by manufacturers (Original Equipment Manufacturers) to save time and hassle for the end-user.
- Boxed Software: Software purchased with licenses and physical media (like CDs or DVDs), which can often be installed on one or more computers according to the license terms.
Software Licensing Models
- Proprietary Software (Copyright): Software purchased under a license where typically only the executable program is acquired. The user usually cannot legally modify or redistribute the software.
- Free Software (Copyleft): Similar to copyrighted software regarding ownership, but the license grants users the freedom to run, copy, distribute, study, change, and improve the software. The source code is provided, allowing modification and adaptation.
- Shareware: Software distributed freely that the user can try for a limited time or with limited features. If the user continues using the product after the trial period, they are expected to pay a fee to register, often receiving a full version or an activation code.
- Freeware: Software that is available for use at no monetary cost. However, the creating company or author retains the copyright and rights to future modifications; users typically cannot modify or redistribute it without permission (e.g., Adobe Acrobat Reader). Note: Linux is generally considered Free and Open Source Software, not just Freeware.
- Per-Seat Licensing: A license purchased for use on a single, specific computer or by a single user.
- Volume Licensing: Licenses purchased in bulk for a large group of users or computers, often at a discounted rate per license.
- Rental Licensing: A license rented for a specific period (e.g., annually). This can be cheaper initially and may include updates during the rental term. It must be renewed to continue using the software.
- Educational Licensing: Software licenses offered to students or educational institutions at a reduced price. They may sometimes have limitations compared to commercial versions.
- Concurrent Licensing: Licenses that allow software to be installed on multiple computers but limit the number of simultaneous users to the number of licenses purchased.
Related Software Terminology
- Utilities: Small programs designed to perform very specific tasks, often related to managing, maintaining, or assisting the computer system (e.g., disk cleanup tools, antivirus software).
- Suite or Package: A collection of related software programs sold together as a single unit. These programs often integrate well with each other, providing more power collectively than individually (e.g., Microsoft Office).
- FrontEnd: The user interface or ‘skin’ of an application – the part with which users directly interact.
- BackEnd: The underlying system or server-side components where the core processing and data management happen, hidden from the direct view of the user.
- Malware: Short for malicious software. This includes viruses, worms, trojans, ransomware, spyware, and other software designed to harm or exploit computer systems.
Development Stages & Versioning
Applications and operating systems are constantly evolving. When first released, they may have a core set of features. Over time, products are enhanced, leading to new versions (e.g., moving from version 1.0 to 2.0, then 3.0, etc.). Version numbers often follow a format like “X.YZ”. The “X” represents the major version number, indicating significant changes or milestones. The “YZ” part is the minor version or revision number, indicating smaller updates, bug fixes, or minor feature additions.
- Alpha: The initial phase of software testing, often called an alpha test. This version is typically tested internally by the developers or a dedicated QA team within the company. It’s usually unstable and not released publicly.
- Beta: An advanced stage in development where the software is closer to the final release. It is distributed to a group of external users (beta testers) outside the company for real-world testing. These testers use the software and report bugs or issues they encounter.
- CTP (Community Technology Preview): A pre-release version made available by some companies to a wider audience (often developers or enthusiasts) before the official release candidate or final version. It allows for broader feedback on new features.
- Final Release / Stable Version: The completed, official version of the software released to the general public, containing all intended features and considered stable for production use.
- Demo: Often similar to Shareware (see definition above) or a version showcasing features but with significant limitations (e.g., cannot save work, limited levels).
- Trial: A full version of the software made available for evaluation, but limited by a specific time period (e.g., 15 or 30 days), after which it may stop functioning or revert to a limited mode unless purchased.