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14. The Need for Different Types of Software Systems and their Attributes …
14.
The Need for Different Types of Software Systems and their Attributes
Types of Software
Bespoke
specifically tailored to customer to meet specific requirements
more flexible as a bespoke system can evolve over time to match your changing requirements
you own the system, so you aren't tied to a specific vendor that could potentially disappear at any time
may give you a competitive edge as your competitors may not have the same software
higher initial costs as you have to pay for the development costs
takes much longer to develop, as it may be large and complex
Off-the-Shelf
cheaper than bespoke as development costs are spread across a large number of users
available immediately as the development work has already been done
if the software is popular, it's likely that there are many sources online offering support to help resolve any issues
more functionality as the developers try to meet the requirements of as many users as possible
however, software may include functionality that you don't need, possibly making it more difficult to use
the developers' plans in the future may not always align with your own therefore may not get the features you want implemented as you are just a customer amongst many
Open Source
general public license
no copyright restrictions
built using community co-operation
code is available for all to edit
free from commercial pressures
has several versions
Industrial, Technical and Scientific
The Role of the Computer in Different Scenarios
Computer Aided Design
drawings are easily stored and can be transmitted worldwide
drawings can be edited or manipulated far more easily than on paper
libraries of images and objects are available to add to designs
helps a lot in engineering applications, for e.g can simulate stress and strain in order to test safety of a product
helps with 2D and 3D design, with 3D design allowing rotation
Robotics
Contexts
used in dangerous environments e.g. inspection of radioactive materials
use in manufacturing processes
where humans cannot survive e.g. in space
in healthcare e.g. surgical assistants
Social and Economic Changes
helps with jobs that may be difficult or dangerous for humans
AI can potentially help with technological breakthroughs
don't require a break, so can work for 24/7
they will make fewer mistakes
lacks the human senses
can result in loss of jobs
over reliance can cause workers to be de-skilled
Function
integrates computer science and engineering
involves design, construction and operation
develops machines that can substitute for humans
can replicate human actions
Weather Forecasting
inputs from thousands of weather stations around the worlds
requires processing of a huge amount of data
requires comparison with huge amounts of historical data
requires very complex calculations
processing must be done quickly, as weather forecasts are useless if out-of-date
weather is often hard to predict
The Use of Computer Generated Graphics and Animation
2D Images
create bitmap and vector images
create drawings and digital art
advanced image editing
manipulation of typography
can use a range of brushes and colour blending options
3D Images and Modelling
create 3D objects
texturing materials to achieve lifelike images
realistic illumination
animation of objects
defining physics-based simulations
creation of VR and AR content
Expert Systems
Contexts
medical diagnosis
car fault diagnosis
automatic pilots in aero planes
MYCIN is an expert system for diagnosing and recommending treatment of bacterial infections of blood
PROSPECTOR is an expert system which was designed for decision making problems in mineral exploration
Function
using a knowledge-based system, a user can interrogate a vast knowledge base to find a solution
user enters information they already have, and the knowledge-based system infers an answer
if the system cannot reach a conclusion, it requests more information
this process repeats until the system is confident it has a solution, or having exhausted every line of inquiry, it does not know the solution
Social and Economic Changes
they don't need break and can work 24/7
system can be used over a large distance therefore rural areas have access
some people prefer the privacy of talking to a computer
people may over rely on these systems therefore could be de-skilled over time
lacks the human senses
depends on the information given, therefore if data is wrong, it may mean that wrong advice was given