Chapter 4 - Lesson 4

Chapter 4 Smart working: 

Chapter 4 Smart working Lesson 4: Software choices Edexcel GCSE ICT © Pearson Education Ltd 2010

Learning objectives 4.4: 

Learning objectives 4.4 By the end of this lesson you will be able to: identify the benefits and drawbacks of web hosted software identify the different software types: locally installed, leased, SaaS explain the different upgrade options available to a business identify the advantages and disadvantages of open source software.

Lesson Introduction: 

Lesson Introduction Kyle uses many different software tools in his work, including specialist games authoring and programming applications. Most of the software packages he uses are installed on the desktop PC in his home office, which means he can’t use them when he’s out and about. With this in mind he’s keen to explore the potential of web hosted applications as an alternative.

Starter – class discussion: 

Starter – class discussion Discuss the advantages of using an online application such as Google docs? Can you think of any drawbacks?

Types of software: 

Types of software Kyle uses two types of application software for his business: general-purpose (generic) software – this is often referred to as off-the-shelf software, and includes standard applications such as word processing, spreadsheets, desktop publishing and presentation software specialist software – this is software that can be customised by the company or organisation using it, e.g. a stock control system for a supermarket or a database system for a school. Kyle uses specialist games development software. Specialist software is more expensive than general-purpose software.

Buying and upgrading software: 

Buying and upgrading software Kyle has three options for buying and upgrading his software. LOCALLY INSTALLED SOFTWARE He can buy the software in one go (either from a shop or by downloading it) and save it on to his own computer system. He will pay a one-off fee and he will own the software, so he can use it for as long as he wants. LEASING THE SOFTWARE He can lease (rent) the software from a company, save it on to his computer and pay for it each month instead of all in one go. SOFTWARE AS A SERVICE He can use a system called software as a service ( SaaS ) where he pays for software as he uses it – similar to ‘pay as you go’ on mobile phones. The software stays on the system of the company selling it (this is called hosted software). Sometimes the software can be saved on to Kyle’s computer, but it will stop working once the period that has been paid for comes to an end.

Advantages and Disadvantages: 

Advantages and Disadvantages Kyle has drawn up a table to help him decide which method to choose. You can see his list on Software types 4.4.

Class Task: 

Class Task Teacher – open etasks 4.7a and 4.7b With your class, check your understanding of the differences between the three types of software.

Task 4.8 (Page 99): 

Task 4.8 (Page 99) Use the Internet to find two examples of each of the three types of software: locally installed software leased software software as a service ( SaaS )

Open source software: 

Open source software Kyle does not have to pay for software at all if he does not want to. Open source software is available to download free of charge. It is available freely because the ‘source code’ is created by anybody who is able to and not by a single company. A well-known example of open source software is OpenOffice.org, a suite of office applications for word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and creating databases – see Figure 4.3.

Open source software (2): 

Open source software (2) Here are some advantages identified by OpenOffice.org for its software: No licensing fees. You can distribute and copy the software as much as you wish, in accordance with either of the Open Source licences. File compatibility – OpenOffice.org allows you to open and save files in many common formats, including Microsoft Office, HTML, XML, WordPerfect and Lotus 123. Upgrades, fixes and modi fi cations are created by the ‘user community’ as and when they see the need. You can find out more about OpenOffice.org by going to Website 4.7.

Class discussion – Task 4.9 (Page 100): 

Class discussion – Task 4.9 (Page 100) Some of the advantages of using open source software are listed on the previous slide. Discuss the possible disadvantages of using open source software.

Homework – Knowledge check (Page 100): 

Homework – Knowledge check (Page 100) What are the advantages of locally installed software? What are the advantages of software as a service ( SaaS )? How can you legally use software for free? What is the purpose of a software licence?

Plenary – Exam question (Page 100): 

Plenary – Exam question (Page 100) Explain the term ‘open source software’.

ResultsPlus – Maximise your marks: 

ResultsPlus – Maximise your marks If you are asked to Explain , you need linked points for full marks. Both the answers below would achieve top marks: Possible answer 1: Open source software code is in the public domain which means that anyone can use it. Possible answer 2: Open source software code is in the public domain so that the software can be developed collaboratively.