Information Technology Reference
In-Depth Information
Software: Systems
and Application
Software
CHAPTER
•
4
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PRINCIPLES
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Systems and application software are crit-
ical in helping individuals and organiza-
tions achieve their goals.
Identify and briefly describe the functions of the
two basic kinds of software.
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Outline the role of the operating system and
identify the features of several popular operat-
ing systems.
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Organizations should not develop propri-
etary application software unless doing so
will meet a compelling business need that
can provide a competitive advantage.
Discuss how application software can support
personal, workgroup, and enterprise business
objectives.
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Identify three basic approaches to developing
application software and discuss the pros and
cons of each.
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Organizations should choose a program-
ming language whose functional charac-
teristics are appropriate for the task at
hand, considering the skills and experi-
ence of the programming staff.
Outline the overall evolution and importance of
programming languages and clearly differen-
tiate among the generations of programming
languages.
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The software industry continues to under-
go constant change; users need to be
aware of recent trends and issues to be ef-
fective in their business and personal life.
Identify several key software issues and trends
that have an impact on organizations and
individuals.
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