2.1 Types of Software

Certain computing projects in education and science are free and maintained by a diverse community of people. Their software is usually distributed as:

• open source
• charity
• off the shelf

Microsoft Office and similar software is an example of:

• off the shelf
• bespoke
• open source

A bank thinks of getting a database package. They have particular needs, such as having their logo on every screen and timing employees performing tasks. The best software in this case would be:

• bespoke
• off the shelf
• open source

A small office is thinking about getting productivity sofware for typing up letters and simple spreadsheet modelling. Their needs and budget are modest. The best software in this case would be:

• off the shelf
• bespoke
• none of the above�

John needs to exchange information with a lot of people, sending documents back forth. He wants to get a data handling software that will keep track of his expenses and revenues. The best software in this case would be:

• off the shelf
• open source
• bespoke

Some software programs develop rapidly, gaining new features and adapting to new uses, very often very specialised and experimental. The best software in this case would be:

• open source
• proprietory
• bespoke

The following is not a good reason to use bespoke software:

• the need to perform a very wide range of tasks
• special features only needed by one company
• low computer skills of employees

A lot of scientific projects run on _____ software.

• open source
• proprietory
• expensive

The following type of software will typically have the biggest number of users:

• off the shelf
• proprietory
• bespoke

Bespoke sofware is otherwise known as custom written software.

• True
• False