Assignment+4

Discussion # 4 Why is an operating system necessary? That is, why can’t an end user just load an application program into a computer and start computing?

An operating system is an integrated system of programs that manages the operations of the CPU, controls the input/output and storage resources and activities of the computer system, and provides various support services as the computer executes the application programs of users (129). An operating system maximizes the productivity of a computer system by operating it in the most efficient manner (129). The operating system has to be loaded and activated before you perform common operations such as accessing a network, entering data, saving and retrieving files and printing or displaying output (129). The five basic functions of the operating system are: providing a user interface, resource management, task management, file management, and utilities and support services (129). The user interface is what allows you to communicate with the operating system so that you can load programs, access files, etc (129). Most of the computers we use today use the graphical user interface which uses icons, bars, buttons, boxes, and other images to initiate a command and also uses mouses and keypads to make selections (129). The operating system is extremely important because it serves as the communication device between end users and the hardware of computers. The Operating system receives the user requests and then takes appropriate action on it. In addition, an end user can’t tap into the computers resources without an operating system. A user doesn’t need to know how the scanner works, they just need to send the request through the computer and the operating system will do the rest.

Discussion# 7

Are software suites, Web browsers, and groupware merging together? What are the implications for a business and its end users?

Software suites, Web browsers, and groupware are merging together. Software suites such as Microsoft Office, Lotus Smart Suite, and Corel Word Perfect are a few of the most popular software suites. Each suite offers packages for word processing, spreadsheets, presentation graphics, database management, and personal information management. Depending on what package you purchase, programs for Internet Access, email, Web publishing, desktop publishing, voice recognition, financial management, electronic encyclopedias, etc (119).

Different web browsers such as internet explorer, Mozilla, and Netscape are now being accessible through some software suites. Groupware is software that helps workgroups and teams accomplish group assignments. Examples of groupware products are lotus Notes, Novell GroupWise, and Microsoft exchange. Again, depending on the software suite you purchase or currently own, it already has the capabilities of group ware products (125).

The merging of the products is not necessarily a bad thing. It would reduce cost to companies. It would be cheaper to buy suites that offer all of the products instead of buying the individually. Implications for businesses and its end users would be the introduction of software suites that offer all or most of these featured programs and abilities. Soon companies will be creating more of these packages that include a buy one get all type of deal.

Discussion #9

Do you think Linux will surpass, in adoption and use, other operating systems for network and Web servers? Why or why not? Linux will surpass, in adoption and use other operating systems for network and Web servers. In the information age, everyone is looking for a low cost and effective product. The service that Linux offers to customers fits this modern area of the information age. [1] Linux is a low-cost, powerful, and reliable UNIX-like operating system that is rapidly gaining Market share from UNIX and Windows servers as a high-performance operating system for network service and Web servers in both small and large networks. Linux was developed as free or low-cost shareware or open-source software of the internet in the 1990’s. Linux has defined their self as a major player in operating systems. I believe Linux has positioned themselves well in their market over some of their Key competitors. For an example Microsoft is one of the most well known names around the world, however Microsoft has many competitors and they have not only defined themselves as just in the operating system market. MS makes everything from videogames, to PCs. By doing this, I believe they are not able to compete fully when creating operating systems. Linux also has had a few breaks from Microsoft because [2] Microsoft’s primary stated objective with Vista, however, has been to improve the state of security in the Windows operating system. One of the most common criticisms of Windows XP and its predecessor’s has been their commonly exploited security vulnerabilities and overall susceptibility to malware, viruses, and buffer overflows. [3] In light of these complaints, then-Microsoft chairman Bill Gates announced in early 2002 a company-wide “trustworthy Computing initiative’ to incorporate security work into every aspect of software development at the company. [4] Microsoft claimed that it prioritized improving the security of Windows XP and Windows Server 2003 rather than finishing Windows Vista, significantly delaying its competition. When they did this, it allowed Linux to gain ground, and become more of a dominant presence with Operating Systems.

Linux has a hopeful future. Having a low cost operating system mixed together with an effective operating system is the ingredients for success. I think the fact that Linux was developed my millions of programmers around the world gives a chance for consumers to get what they are looking for. Everyone has an input on what they would like to see in an operating system, and by doing this; it will give a chance for consumers and Business professionals to be a part of the creative process in IT.

[1] [2] [3] [4] case study 1

Do you agree that webtop software will one day replace suites of desktop applications? Why or why not? Webtop software will one day replace suites of desktop applications. Webtops maybe become more covenant to the consumers, and we know that the updates in software are only for the consumer’s convenience. For example, Professors at university might find this in hand, by allowing students to finish assignments with their webtop software, and constantly checking their work, or their progress. When talking about convenience, when searching for web Based applications it is only through a click of a mouse. But the biggest feature of all this is the price. Being able to do thing on the internet for basic low cost, or virtually free is what brings joy to many consumers. It’s because of the changing ways of the web, and IT that we are able to see a hopeful future. [1] What has changed is the way Today’s Web-based apps can run almost as seamlessly as programs used on the Desktop, with embedded audio, video, and drag-and-drop ease of use. [2] These technologies are giving rise to a new webtop that may one day replace your present suite of desktop applications. This is caused through the intense competition between companies such as Google, Microsoft, and yahoo. For an example [3] Wiki-OS is an open-source user-generated web OS where anyone can contribute right away like a wiki. It allows launching rich-client applications directly inside the web browser without installation. It allows viewing and modifying the source code of any application by clicking the Edit button. [4] Wiki-OS includes an online IDE to collaboratively develop Silverlight/WPF applications based on .NET and written in C#/XAML. The users of an application can contribute directly from its user interface. When someone makes a change to the source code, the application gets instantly updated on everyone's computer, the wiki way. This is something that could have a lot of attention when professors or teachers need to better control their class. In conclusion, I believe that there are dramatics changes that are coming in the world today, and webtops give an opportunity for operating systems to be a buyer’s market, and that is why it will succeed.

[1] [2] [3] [4]

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2. Will Microsoft succeed in dominating the WebTop? Why or why not? Visit the Web sites of Windows Live, Office Live, and Google Apps and review their products and services to support your answer.

I don’t believe Microsoft is likely to dominate the WebTop because there is too much competition from Google and Yahoo. There are also small developers that give Microsoft competition. Larger sites like Google usually buy the innovative products from smaller developers and usually only tweak the product to make it look like their own. In 2005 Bill Gates stated that "grabbing a dominant share of the WebTop is a top priority for Microsoft". This also basically means that it’s Google and Yahoos priority as well. Maybe Microsoft will come out with ideas ahead of their competition but Google and Yahoo won’t be far behind coming out with similar products.

The applications found in Microsoft's Windows Live and Google are very similar. The two both claim to have lightning speed email that is faster than any other. In Google there is the application Google Talk that allows users to instant message and even call friends using the computer. Windows Live has the application, People that is user friendly in regards to the networking ease of use. Microsoft Messenger is the application that allows people to interact over the web, talk, play games or share files. The basic major advantage Google Apps has is the ability to create pages or wikis, unlike Microsoft Messenger. This is one major step ahead of Microsoft because they have no such feature available. In this fast paced time we live in, many websites are created every day and this is important for Google. Because there is no such feature on Windows Live there is less of a chance that Microsoft will dominate the market.

Microsoft tends to prefer utilizing their own innovation unlike Google. Google is willing to buy off developments from small places and then change them a little to make them look like they are originally from Google, on top of this they also create their own stuff too. Google Apps Premier has the potential of being catchy and it contains many features and capabilities. There are far more features in Premier than the free version of Microsoft Office. The major issue with Premier is that it costs $50 per month. In this economy, most people want whatever is free. Companies however get hit hard by having to pay for the licensing for Microsoft Office, so for them, Google Premier is the better option in most cases. When analyzing what brand name is more reputable, they are essentially both equals. Who takes the lead can always change, the domination of the WebTop market can always be taken over by someone else and between Google and Microsoft, one of them will come out victorious.

3. Should a small business invest its time and money in acquiring and learning how to use some of the WebTop applications mentioned in this case? Defend your answer based on your review of the WebTop products from the small developers, Google, Yahoo, and Microsoft.

WebTops are practical desktop interfaces that allow access of applications via suites that exist on a web browser. Looking ahead it is likely that users will not have to lug around laptops to access, exchange and transform information and data because they will only need web appliances. The web is now something that is just there, and not going anywhere. The internet is available 24/7, and it is constantly providing the information that is important to anyone interested and it should be utilized. The reason most people turn to the web so often is to gather information from various sources on essentially any topic you can imagine, and this is often overlooked.

Office productivity tools could and should be eliminated by WebTop solutions. This will eliminate the need for the installation of the tools on every individual workstation and it will also free workers from being bound to their monitor. Sun’s website initiative, as an example could easily be installed or hosted. This gives the business or organization more flexibility. New or changing organizations can cheaply and easily set up their office with virtual desktops and save on the investment that desktop applications would require. Companies are able to access applications free. The only charges that may be incurred are those when companies require more storage or support.

Today, a company or organization cannot survive without the utilization of the web. This includes small businesses. For example, small business can access vital information on Web sites about the products customers write about thus gaining insight on general information, technical support documents and sometimes software updates. Additionally, businesses can use web sites to communicate with customer support, technical support or marketing personnel via email links. Also, businesses and organizations can streamline the customer support processes and increase their efficiency in resolving problems by using forms on Web sites. These forms can be used to report problems, answer problems or answer frequently asked questions.

Discussion 3 Refer to the Real World Case on Wolf Peak International in the chapter. If you were starting a small business, what business application software would you choose for accounting and control of business operations and management reporting? Why?

If I were starting a small business, I would choose to start with simple, user friendly application software such as QuickBooks. This software is ideal for handling accounting and bookkeeping work because it is very user-friendly software that is quickly learned and can produce reports and management decision information very quickly and easily. In the Real World Case study, Wolf Peak also started out with QuickBooks because it is ideal for small companies, especially ones that are just starting out. It is especially desirable to have user-friendly software like QuickBooks if the small company does not have financial employees in-house because the software can do a majority of processes that financial people would do, and therefore potentially reducing wage costs for the employee(s) that are not necessary at the beginning stages of a company.

QuickBooks is also good software for a company that is just starting up because it has the capability of handling many other business aspects besides simply the accounting. Transactions can be conducted through QuickBooks. For example, if a sale is made on the company's website, the information can be instantly transmitted to QuickBooks where converted to an invoice. Then payment is processed through the software, and placed into the appropriate account. Another aspect of business that QuickBooks is able to control is payroll, which includes wages, taxes, vacation time, sick days, commissions and anything else associated with the employees at the company. These extra things that QuickBooks is able to assist managers with are beneficial for small businesses because it saves time so managers can focus on more important business-related things. Also, QuickBooks can save money by reducing the number of employees needed to perform tasks that the software can perform in their stead. This can be really helpful for small businesses because that extra money can be put into the development of the business.

Aside from QuickBooks for accounting purposes, I would choose a suite of low-cost, user-friendly software’s for everyone in the office to use. I would specifically choose Microsoft Office with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook, and Internet Explorer because these applications are generally the most mainstream for offices. This would mean that any files created with these applications are easily transmitted and seen by others including customers, suppliers, and business partners. It is important to have information that is easy to access and read by all parties in order to streamline business and make it more efficient.

Discussion 1 What major trends are occurring in software? What capabilities do you expect to see in future software packages?

Software as an installed application is gradually going away. An application, as we understood them since the early days of software development, was a single instance of a program to be installed on a single platform, be it server or desktop. Originally, applications in the server space were designed to work with users or were components to larger enterprise solutions. Later, as desktop processing power increased, software moved to the desktop, resulting in many individual copies of a program installed for use on each desktop computer.

However, as web programming and interpreted, virtual machine languages such as Java and Flash have grown in functionality and market share, the need for installed applications for many individual (and especially enterprise) tasks has decreased. These tasks can be as effectively carried out back on the server, using client-side processing to parcel out the workload without requiring a permanent installation of a software package, other than that which is required to run the downloaded applets from the web server.

Additionally, another major trend is interoperability, and this is noticed best again on the web and enterprise end. For individuals, many blogs have multiple APIs and tools designed to permit users to transmit one form of data to another form, typically between blogs, CMS sites, and so on. For enterprises, data is frequently transferred using whole-enterprise systems like SAP.

For future software packages, I would expect to see a great emphasis toward real-time web processing, enabling users to transfer the same task or workload seamlessly between the home desktop, the work desktop, any number of laptops, PDAs, smart phones, and browser-based editing. Such fluid capability already exists in limited forms across many disparate platforms; I believe this trend will only continue, unifying one's "workspace" across every platform, with the only difference being the hardware underneath, its only influence on the work performed being its capabilities and minor changes to the interface.