ITF+ Software and Applications Notes

1. Software Usage Requirements

• Definition: Understanding hardware and software requirements for proper installation and usage.
• Key Considerations:
  • System Requirements:
    • OS version compatibility.
    • Minimum memory and disk storage needs.
  • Terms and Conditions:
    • End user agreements and compliance.
  • Licensing Models:
    • Open Source: Free to use, modify, and share (e.g., LibreOffice, GIMP).
    • Proprietary: Paid software requiring licenses (e.g., Adobe Photoshop).
    • Freemium: Basic free features with advanced paid options (e.g., Zoom, Spotify).
  • Subscription Tiers:
    • Basic (Tier 1): Limited features.
    • Advanced (Tier 2): Enhanced tools and options.
    • Premium (Tier 3): Advanced tools and early access features.

2. Types of Software

• System Software:
  • Operating systems, utilities, and drivers.
• Application Software:
  • Productivity, collaboration, and specialized tools.
• Development Software:
  • IDEs, compilers, and text editors.
• Mobile Applications:
  • Apps designed for smartphones and tablets.

3. Business Productivity Software

• Overview: Tools designed to enhance organizational efficiency and individual productivity.
• Examples:
  • Email Clients: Outlook, Gmail.
  • Document Creation: Word, Google Docs.
  • Presentation Software: PowerPoint, Google Slides.
  • Data Management: Excel, Google Sheets.

4. Collaboration Software

• Overview: Enables team communication, file sharing, and project management.
• Examples:
  • Communication Tools: Teams, Slack.
  • Features:
    • Messaging, video calls, and file sharing.
    • Integration with productivity tools for seamless workflows.

5. Web Browsers and Settings

• Overview: Managing browser functions and customization for optimal performance and security.
• Key Topics:
  • Popular browsers: Chrome, Firefox, Edge.
  • Settings:
    • Privacy controls.
    • Cache management.
    • Extensions and add-ons.
  • Security:
    • Avoiding unsafe websites.
    • Enabling two-factor authentication.

6. Software Installation and Maintenance

• Installation Methods:
  • Online installation via downloads.
  • Offline installation using physical media (USB, CD/DVD).
• Maintenance:
  • Applying updates and patches for security and performance.
  • Uninstalling and managing leftover files.
• Web-Based Software vs. Installed Software:
  • Web-Based: Accessible via browsers, no installation required.
  • Installed: Locally installed with higher performance.

7. Compatibility

• Cross-Platform Compatibility:
  • Applications that work across Windows, MacOS, Linux, or mobile platforms.
• File Format Compatibility:
  • Importance of saving/exporting files in widely used formats (e.g., PDF, .docx, .xlsx).
• Legacy Software:
  • Running older applications on modern systems via compatibility modes or emulators.

8. Virtualization and Cloud Computing

• Virtual Applications:
  • Running apps in virtualized environments.
• Cloud-Based Platforms:
  • SaaS (Software as a Service) solutions like Salesforce or Dropbox.

9. Software Security

• Best Practices:
  • Install updates and patches regularly.
  • Recognize and avoid malicious software (e.g., adware, spyware).
  • Safely download and install software from trusted sources.
• Security Features:
  • Encryption, user authentication, and access control.

10. Key Terms and Concepts

• Software Patch: An update to fix bugs or vulnerabilities.
• Virtualization: Running multiple OSs or apps on a single device.
• SaaS: Software hosted in the cloud and accessed online.

11. Questions for Review

• What are the differences between open-source and proprietary software?
• How do software patches improve security?
• What are examples of web-based vs. installed software?