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Software Suites
Computer software refers to programs that direct the activities of the computer systems. These programs are written by programmers who use specific programming languages to generate instructions that the computer understands through the use of language translators. Thus, computer software consists of the detailed preprogrammed instructions that control and coordinate the computer hardware components in an information system (Laudon, 24). The term software includes: application software, firmware, middleware, system software, software testing, and testware. Software suites are productivity application software that consists of several applications combined together. These applications normally have same operations, characteristics, and user interfaces, and thus interaction between them is possible. Software suites include Microsoft Office, OpenOffice, and Suns StarOffice. On the other hand, single-purpose applications are programs that provide specific capabilities in regard to user requirements. They include spreadsheet applications and word processors.
Software suites incorporate single-purpose applications such as word processing, presentation graphic, database management, and spreadsheets. Consequently, programs such as Microsoft Office include other applications for internet access and desktop publishing. Thus, the following paragraphs discuss the advantages and disadvantages of using software suites instead of single-purpose applications.
Advantages of Using Software Suites
A software suite incorporates many software packages for internet access, spreadsheets, word processing, database systems, and many others. This enables users to gain the flexibility of using any application of their choice within one program. Second, software suites cost less as compared to buying single-purpose applications. This is because vendors provide offers in relation to the features included in software bundles. Third, all programs in a software suite have the same graphical interface, such as tools, icon, menus, status bar, and help options which enable users to efficiently use the applications. Another advantage is that applications in a software suite share major tools, like the spell checkers and wizards and therefore improving consistency in program usage. More so, an important aspect in software suite is the way programs are able to work together by importing and transferring each others files and operations (Sachenko, 4). For instance, in Microsoft Office, users can import records from an Excel file to an Access file to create tables. These capabilities enable software suites to be more reliable and easier to use as compared to single-purpose software.
Disadvantages of Using Software Suites
Although software suites provide many capabilities to users, there are several disadvantages of such programs. Some computer interaction experts argue that most of the features provided by such programs are never used by computer users who purchase them. Therefore, these features remain unused and it is more efficient to acquire an individual application that satisfies the needs of the users. Consequently, suites require a lot of disk space, such as over 100 megabytes to install. The disk capacity depends on the software version or features installed, which also compromise the processing power of the system (Business Application Software, 1). Single purpose software take minimal disk space and they are easy to upgrade as compared to software suites. It can be said that the cost of installing and maintaining a software suite is high in regard to looking for proper software updates.
Therefore, due to the increased need for software that meet the requirements of users, many buyers opt for software suites because the capabilities that come with them are presumed to be high. However, shortcomings like high disk space have driven people to use integrated packages such as Microsoft Works and AppleWorks, which incorporate some of the features of different applications into one software package.
Works Cited
Business Application Software. Software Suites and Integrated Packages. 2008. Web.
Laudon, K. C., & Laudon, J. P. Management information Systems: Managing the Digital Firm. 9th Ed.Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson Prentice Hall, 2006. Print
Sachenko, A. Computer Software. 2007. Web.
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