"Chapter Four "Software Programs

Chapter Four
Software Programs
1
4-1 What is software
What is a Software Program? Programs are called software because they only
function when loaded into the computer’s RAM memory. Because RAM is
volatile, software must be permanently stored on a hard disk. Software programs
are created using programming languages that contain commands to perform
specific tasks.
It is these commands that users will activate in order to complete the task. The
commands can be available in a menu, toolbar button, shortcut keystroke, shortcut
menu, or a combination of these options. The commands are based on a set of rules
(referred to as algorithms) created in the software program to complete the specific
tasks. For example, when you select text in Word to add bullets, after you click on
the button in the appropriate toolbar, the Word program actually runs the rule to
check that the bullet feature is available, looks to see what format was last chosen
(if any), and then applies the feature to the text. Accordingly, these algorithms set
the guidelines for how data is inputted into the software program, and the format
for the output.
All retail software programs go through a thorough process before they are
released for sale.
The software vendors always perform quality controls on their program based on
the most commonly used tasks to ensure the minimal amount of problems that
could occur once the program is installed on a computer. In most cases, a software
vendor generally follows this process:
1 - The software program is created or updated based on new technology, request
for new features, etc. by programmers who set up the algorithms for the program
features. These designers are called programmers as they use programming
language (software) to create the codes or rules in the software program for
specific tasks. Some popular programming languages include C++, Visual Basic,
Fortran, or Pascal.
2 - Once developed, copies of the program are sent to designated people outside
the software company who agree to test the beta of this program. These testers are
selected by the software company based on specific criteria for the software type,
e.g., different operating systems, technical users versus beginners, etc.
3 - Testing usually occurs for a specific amount of time, wherein feedback is
required from the testers back to the software company.
4 - The programmers then revise and modify the program as needed based on the
feedback, and produce another beta copy. This step may be repeated as many times
as needed, depending on the size and type of software program.