Archive for the ‘Software’ Category

There is a huge list of different type of computer software. Today programmers can create any software you can imagine. Software development companies are increasing in number. You find such companies online based in India, Romania, UK and many other countries. At any single point in time, there are thousands of software jobs posted all over the internet like software engineering jobs, software testing job and software sales jobs.

What is software piracy? There are several kinds of software piracy. The bottom line is when software is pirated, the developer does not receive compensation for their work. Programs presented by Online Software Engineering Schools guide students to better understand the various tasks and specialties that aid in software product development.

Computer software:

The term software is generally used for computer software that is an essential part of the computer system. It stores and process all encoded information or computer instructions on PC.

For example Windows, antivirus, antispyware, Ms Word, Photo shop, FTP software and many more.

Software is the short name given to computer software. Anything, which can be stored automatically, is known as software. Both hardware and software are different from each other. They are responsible for the proper functioning of the PC by making them fit for use. Software is processed by computer systems, programs and other data. Being totally opposite to hardware, which is used to store or execute the software, software is connected with random access memory and then carry out the work in central processing unit.

Computer games can be categorized mainly into PC games that are played in your computer after installation using the CDs that contain the software, downloadable pc games, and the online games. Keeping a diary of your computer can be a valuable asset if something goes wrong. Imagine for a moment the consequences if your hard drive failed or worse, someone stole your computer. Use a backup software. Hackers are diligently at work everyday trying to find the weakness in your system so that they may be able to steal your personal information.

The world online can be a scary place and sometimes it can get downright nasty. From viruses and spyware to internet identity theft, the information stored on your computer is under constant assault and should be protected at all costs. Others would simply like to create trouble and destroy your hard drive. That is why you need antivirus and anti adware and spyware software. Most antivirus protection software protects your computer from known viruses and Trojan horses. If a new virus is detected, your virus software will automatically download the new definition so that your computer will be safe.

It’s a known fact that the majority of personal computers have corrupt files with errors on them. Problems with Windows Registry usually result in Windows crashes. That is why a Registry software was created.

Business software include, ftp software such as Filezilla, mailer (used to send out email), website design software such as Nandu or any other html composer, TomahawkPDF software (Creates pdf documents) and many more.

That sums up what software means and the different types of computer and business software.

Karl Sultana sells popular software NoAdware. Articles related to Internet security are updated regularly on his blog. Download NoAdware to block adware & spyware threats today.

Author: Karl Sultana
Article Source: EzineArticles.com
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The Internet is not safe. You need to stay protected. How? Well, I am going to talk you through right now.

1) Install an anti adware and spyware software. Just ONE.

2) Install an anti virus software. Just ONE.

3) Windows XP users turn on windows firewall. Click on Start, Settings, Control Panel and double click on Windows Firewall and select On (recommended) option.

If you do not have Windows XP install either:

Zone Alarm Freeware which has less features than PRO
Zone Alarm PRO. Pro Version provides more features so it is better

4) Windows XP users turn on automatic updates. Click Start, Settings, Contol Panel. Double click on Security Center, click on Automatic settings and Turn it ON. (That is extra protection for XP users)

Now these are some of the mistakes people make online.

You forget to update the software regularly, at least once every week. You forget to open software any time you connect to the Internet. You forget to scan using software once every month, or more if you use the Internet daily for more than 6 hours.

You are dealing with important issues, your security and privacy first of all. So you need also education. You need to understand certain facts and truth. Luckily you do not need to research to find these facts but simple read them now.

Fact 1: Porn and illegal websites most of the time contain critical objects like adware for example. These also include blogs, forums, message boards and not just websites.

Fact 2: A software that does block ALL spyware, adware, virus etc does not exist.There is no perfect software. You want the software that does not lack the three most important features which are:

1. Real time protection and monitoring to prevent infections.

2. Real time updates to prevent infections from the NEW spyware, adware, virus.

3. Shedule scanning feature, so you do not forget to scan!

FACT 3: You do not need more than one software of each type. There are three different types of Internet security software. You need all 3 of them!

An anti adware and spyware software.

An anti virus software.

A firewall protection software.

Here lies the problem, installing more than one software of each type causes problems. That does not mean better protection but causes the opposite of what the software are supposed to do.

Suppose you have two anti virus software. You scan on the 15th of November your entire PC and delete any infections you find. Next, open up your second anti virus software and you do the same. What happens is that your second software removes the important files (known as quarantined files) and deletes them. It is no ones fault. Just yours. That is just one of the worst problems that can happen when using more than one software of each type (For example two anti virus software instead of one).

Now you know you should only have 1 software of each type for maximum security.

Let me just quickly recap

1) Install one software of each type. An anti adware and spyware software, anti virus software and firewall protection software.

2) Learn by reading and understand the facts.

3) Use the software as they should be, do not forget the 3 important functions. Scanning, opening software for real time protection and updating software.

Adware, spyware, virus, trojan is just a general NAME for the thousands of critical objects. There are many different types of adware, spyware or viruses for example Virus burster, Adware.IEhlpr, MadFinder and on an on. Adware and spyware software AND anti virus software are 2 different types of software.

You need both.There also other security threats that only Firewall software can block. ALL 3 types of software are important as you learn from the article.

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Karl Sultana writes more articles on his blog. You can also download a free trial of a very popular anti adware and spyware software to block adware and spyware. He gives a free unique software everyday from his blog which you normally have to buy. Link to blog located at bottom of his website.

Author: Karl Sultana
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When we need top-notch, speedy web-related software development, especially anything Mambo-related, our go-to guys are Black Sheep Research. They just flat-out get it done. No drama. No excuses. Just speedy results.

Here’s how Black Sheep describes their services.

• Technical: web related software development with PHP and MySQL or other database. Martin Brampton wrote the bulk of the changes to the Mambo content management system for its 4.6 release, and is also the developer of popular components for Mambo or Joomla!. Martin specialises in the creation and customisation of Mambo/Joomla! or add-ons for those systems.

Most software projects fail completely or partial failures because a small number of projects meet all their requirements. These requirements can be the cost, schedule, quality, or requirements objectives. According to many studies, failure rate of software projects is between 50% – 80%. This essay is a compilation of failure causes of software development projects; this essay summarises several areas that play a vital role in software project failure.

So, what really is the reason for software project failure? The sad fact is that software projects fail because we do not recognize that good engineering principles should be applied to software projects just as they are to building office buildings. We try to defend ourselves by saying that software construction is “different”.

One of the most serious complaints against software failure is the inability
to estimate with acceptable accuracy the cost, resources, and schedule necessary
for a software project. Conventional assessment methods have always produced
positive results which contribute to the too well-known cost infested and
schedule slippage.

Over the last 20 years many cost and schedule estimation techniques have been
used with mixed sensation due to restrictions of the assessment models. A major
part of the estimations failure can be due to a lack of understanding of the
software development process and the effect of that method used in the project
plan, schedule and cost estimates.

Failure Case Studies
Below are few of the case studies considered which will be analysed to fetch
the main reasons of failure of the software system.

Northumbria University developed accounting software to manage its day to day
business. The project could not come up with the desired results and failed to
meet the deadlines. Te investigations showed that the basic project management
procedures were not followed. This case study is referenced in this essay at
different points where necessary. [1]

Thai subsidiary (SMTL) of a Hong Kong-based multinational company (SMHK)
engaged in the manufacturing of electronic equipment. They implemented an
integrated software package; which was a failure at the several factors. These
factors were mostly management related. Such as a poor fit between the business
process assumptions inscribed in the software and the business processes in SMTL,
poor leadership at different levels, cultural differences, organizational
environment, and poor human resource management.

St John’s Hospital is a District General Hospital provides medical and
nursing services, which includes both general surgery and medicine.All these
services are supported by diagnostic imaging, laboratory, ambulance, pharmacy
and therapy services, which are all on site. As the major hospital in a tourist
area, it deals with many visitors in the holiday season, generating a large
amount of non-booked admissions work.

Software Management & Leadership
It has been shown repeatedly, that effective leadership is essential for successful IT implementation (Klenke, 1994). A leader must also have cultural sensitivity, communication skills, creativity, ability to delegate, and the ability to develop and retain human resources (Luthans, 1994). The software manager at (SMHK) was a western, where as the lower managers were Eastern. So there was a cultural clash going on always. Jack (Manager) always try to introduce creative thoughts. And most of the time the lower management could not do them. Hence there was a clash going on all the time.

Employees also felt that management hardly ever “listened” to their concerns
or attempted to address them. Consequently, many employees were eager to leave
the company, and did so as soon as they found alternate opportunities in other
companies.

Project Planning & Scheduling
Project planning means creating work breakdown, and then allocate responsibilities to the developers over time. Project planning consists of construction of various tasks, timelines and essential pathways including Gantt charts and PERT charts and different written plans for various situations.

It is quite usual in software development process to work backward from the
project end date which results in complete software project failure. It is
impossible that a project can be completed efficiently from the planning stage
to the implementation stage.

Allocation of roles and responsibilities has to be clearly defined, and it
becomes crucial while hiring the stall from outside. University’s higher
management failed to apply the basic project management rules which laid to the
project failure.

Proper scheduling is also required before the start of the project. It
includes the time scheduling, teams scheduling. Project managers don’t know what
they have to plan and schedule. They just only tell the programmer what to do
and the programmers can come up with a proper solution.

The development was moved to a new office and the office was not fully
equipped with the proper infrastructure. As time is also a big factor in success
or failure of a project. So it delayed the development process and contributed
towards the project failure. Infrastructure was not fully scheduled and
management team didn’t know where and how the project development will be
started.

The top secret of a winning software development project is to control the
quality up and lower the risk. Contingency plan is also the part of planning. In
case things went wrong then this plan can be followed to lower the affect of the
failure of project. Same was the case with university’s accounting software. The
management team had no such a contingency plan nor did they evaluate the risk
involved in the development of the new system. So it caused more trouble without
the backup system or backup plan.

The management just try to follow the methodologies like SDLC or RAD, but don’t know which methodology to use and at which time should apply the right technique.

Cost Estimation
Cost estimation is mainly involved the cost of effort to produce the software project. But it’s not limited to the effort only. It also includes the hardware and software cost, training the employees and customer, travelling to the customer, networking and communication costs. Cost estimation should be done as a part of the software process model.

Cost estimation needs to be done well before the start of the project
development. Failure of the budgeting for the cost of the project results in
complete disaster. As stated above the infrastructure cost, development tools
cost and hardware cost also needs to be estimated first.

Same thing happened to university’s accounting system development. They
purchased the new system well with out any serious estimation of the cost and
the income sources.

Below are the reasons why wrong cost estimation is done.

Inappropriate estimation methodology
Another reason would be the use of an inappropriate cost estimation methodology. Not a single methodology is better than other. Every methodology has its own strong and weak points which should be considered. Dr. Barry Boehm’s book Software Engineering Economics lists seven estimation methodologies. One or more of these methodologies can be used to estimate the cost of a project

“Good suggestion is that more than one software cost estimation methodology
should be used for accurate estimation”.

Cost estimation tools
There are many drawbacks in manual cost estimation. This technique is almost obsolete now. These days successful cost estimation includes the use of appropriate commercial software cost estimating tool.

Good software estimating tools do not always guarantee reliable software
estimates. Wrong input of the software size will result in wrong estimate.
Estimation software also needs to be customised for the specific need of
organization. These customisations require the data from the past projects as
input for the tool to estimate.

There are number of reasons these tools can return the wrong estimate.

Choosing the right estimation tool
Choice of a right estimation tool is necessary for the right estimation. The tool is not capable of handling the input and thus it can come up with the wrong estimate and hence cause the software project to fail.

Ease of customisation
As mentioned above the selected tool must be customisable according to the organisation needs, so that the organization can customise it according to the needs and past project data.

Easy to use and learn
The cost estimation tool should be easy to use and learn. It must include help and examples, simple and straight forward user interface. It must require less training to learn the system and inputs should be well defined.

Accurate Estimation
The estimation tool must have the capability to analyse all the parameters and come up with the accurate estimation for the cost.

Risk Management
Risk management is an important factor towards software project failure if it’s not managed timely and effectively. As nothing can be predicted that what will happen in future so we have to take the necessary steps in the present to take any uncertain situation in the future. Risk management means dealing with a concern before it becomes a crisis.

Risk Identification

According to the Universal risk Project there are two types of conditions which can be a symbol of as risk.

• IF-THEN Statements
  • “IF technology is not available, THEN we will not meet the requirement”
  • “IF we cannot hire sufficient qualified software engineers, THEN we cannot meet the planned development schedule

• CONDITION-CONSEQUENCE Statements
  • Given the “condition”, there is a likelihood that the “consequence” will occur
  • “Given that this specific test fails (the CONDITION), the CONSEQUENCE is that the planned schedule will slip”

Project managers have to identify the areas where the risk can be and how it
can affect the development of the project. Risk can be of technical nature or
non technical. Project managers needs to be aware of both the risks. Most of the
projects managers are not good in either of the side. A good manager with
programming skills can be good in identifying the technical risk but not in non
technical risk.

Risk Analysis
After the risk is identified there is a need to make the categories of that risk. Risk analysis is the process of examining the project results and deliverables after the risk analysis and applying the technique to lower the risk. After risk analysis is complete, the proper risk analysis plan needs to be made to cope with any uncertain situation. First identified risks are categorized and make the hierarchy of those risks. At this point the risk is classified as the positive or negative risks.

Risk Prioritization
After the risk is analyzed, the next step is to priorities the risk. At first focus on the most sever risk first; and les sever later. These risk factors can worked from time to time so that the final project out come is free of risk. So most of the time project management team fails to identify the sever risk and work on the less sever risk. This often results in the form of a crisis.

Risk Avoidance
Dealing with the risk is an art. Some times the management takes the projects with out identifying the proper risk involved in the project. So an experienced manager will take the project after proper risk analysis and avoid any risk involved in the project.

Risk control
Managing the risk to achieve the desired results and deliverables is done through controlling the risk at its best. This is a pure intuitive process and depends on the experience of the project management team, or risk already managed in past projects which were done by the same organization.

Conclusion
This essay has presented three basic factors which can cause the software development project to fail. Planning & Scheduling, cost estimation and risk management. All of these factors are to be considered at the management level and then transferred to the lower management.

Planning & Scheduling comes at first, good planning and scheduling makes the
strong foundation for the software project. Project planning consists of
construction of various tasks, timelines and essential pathways including Gantt
charts and PERT charts and different written plans for various situations. If
these factors are not taken into part then the software may encounter problems
during the development and the final product will be a failure.

Cost estimation depends on the budget of the project, customer type and the
size and effort to be put in the project. Cost estimations are done many times
during the life cycle of a project. It affects the project in many ways, wrong
estimation complete failure, affect the good-will of the organisation if the
costs are not covered, stake holders are affected and waste of resources.

Managing the risk is a practical approach for decreasing the ambiguity and
possible loss related with a software development project. Potential measures
can be considered as opportunity-focused (positive risk) if their consequences
are favourable, or as threat-focused (negative risk) if their consequences are
unfavourable.

[1]. infoNet is an Advisory Service funded by JISC retrieved on November 26 2006 from http://www.jiscinfonet.ac.uk/ Jones, Capers, Patterns of Software Systems Failure and Success, International Thompson Computer Press, Boston, Mass., 1996. Boehm, B.W., Software Risk Management: Principles and Practices, IEEE Software, January 1991 http://sunset.usc.edu/classes/cs510_2003/notes/risk.pdf Software Risk Management: Back to Basics The Top 10 (or so) Software Risks, Software Technology Conference, 2003

Author: Muhammad Saqib
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