Software Evolution

by: scott morris

What is Open Source Software?

Open Source Software (OSS) is software that is available under a special license that allows everyone to access the program code as well as the executable program. This means that anyone is able to edit the program code and therefore customise the software for their own needs.

This ability to access the source code is protected by the license under which the software is released. There is a great many Open Source licenses, but they all have one thing in common, they protect the right of the user of the software to access and modify it in any way they desire.

This ability to modify applications is in direct contrast to the Closed Source Software model. In Closed Source only the creator of the application has access to the source code, and therefore, only the creator is able to modify the application.

Being able to change the way an Open Source Software application operates is critical in many business environments. No two businesses are identical and therefore it is unlikely that any one piece of software will satisfy the needs of all potential users. Without the ability to modify their software a company is restricted in its operations by that software.

While it is true that no two businesses are identical, it is also true that there are a great many common business practices that are repeated across organisations. These common practices can be well served by “standard” software. The remaining practices, those that are different from competitors are, typically, the ones that give a business an advantage in the marketplace.

Since these non-standard practices are key to the organisations success it is critical that any software solutions adopted by the company also support these non-standard processes. It is in this need to adapt software to a companies specific needs that makes Open Source Software attractive. Since the company has access to the source, the application can be freely adapted to suit the unique requirements of each user.

Who Pays for Open Source Development?

The ability to customise software is critical to allow an organisation to continue to improve their business processes, but how does a company afford to pay for such customisations?

One of the side effects of allowing any user access to the source code is that the cost of acquiring the software in the first instance is massively reduced. In most cases the source code is available for no cost. This enables the user to divert resources normally allocated to pay software license fees into enhancing the software.

A successful Open Source Software project has a large community of software developers. Many of these developers work as independent contractors and can be employed to customise the software, alternatively, if a company has internal developer resources, they can leverage those skills to perform the customisations.

Does it Really Work?

This all sounds fantastic, but does it really work? Are there Open Source Applications in use in the real world?

Here are a few facts to convince you that it most certainly does work:

- Around 70% of web sites are served by the Open Source Apache HTTPD server.

- In a 2002 survey it was found over 31% of UK and nearly 42% of German companies were using or planning to use OSS.

- In 2001, Debian (an Open Source Operating System), contained over 55 million lines of code and was estimated to have consumed over 14,000 person years in development time. That is a development cost of around 1.89 Billion Dollars (US) yet it is still available with no license fees.

About the author:
Scott Morris manages his personal site on americancoder and coder for hire http://americancoder.com
for more information, you can visit http://americancoder.com

by:Larry Andrew

Do you want to get quality software at a reasonable price? Whether you work at home or just need good software for your personal computer, you are faced with an almost endless selection of computer software. Sorting through the options can sometimes be a major task. However, if you want to get good, quality software there are several things that you can do that will save you money and headaches.

With the arrival of online marketing, you have more choices than ever. There are a large number of reputable software companies that sell software at significant savings. With a little homework and thought on your part, you can get good quality software that will accomplish your specific task.

In order to save both time and money on computer software, here is a list of twelve things you should do.

1. First, make sure you know as closely as possible the exact task you want your software to accomplish. The more specific you are the better. For example, do you want a very general word processing program to write occasional letters or a more sophisticated word processing software program to run the marketing for your business?
2. Check out the minimum requirements necessary to run the software. You want to make sure it will run on your computer equipment. You should find out how much memory the program takes, what operating systems it will run on and how much disk space is required. Is there any other computer accessory required to use the software?
3. Talk to friends and associates that have used the specific type of software you’re searching for. Ask them where they got the software, how much they paid, how long they’ve used the program, what type of guarantee came with the program, etc. If you have a task, which involves a deadline, like a payroll program, ask them how they were able to get answers to their questions and how long did it take.
4. Search the Internet for reviews on the software. Look at user groups or bulletin boards to see what users are saying about the software. For example, if you’re looking at the QuickBooks business program, type in “QuickBooks Software Review” to locate review information about the program.
5. You should always test the software program before you purchase it. Many reputable companies will allow you to download their software and test it out before you buy. Take advantage of the opportunity to test the program. Enter some data, print some reports, and give the program a real workout. Try as many options as possible. Don’t always follow set procedures. Try to experiment on your own. You want to know what the software does in a real world setting. You want to know what happens when you make a mistake.
6. If the software provides support, you should think of a question about the program that may not be too obvious and ask support for help. You’re much better off to try out support before you truly need help than to wait until you’re in a “must have help” situation. See how long it takes to get an answer. Check out how clear the response is. Ask yourself, “Did this completely resolve the problem for me?”
7. Check out the software warranty and company guarantees. A software company that stands behind their program will usually guarantee their products for a specific period of time. You should get at least a 30-day money back guarantee after purchasing the product. A 90-180 day guarantee is better. Usually, the longer the product warranty, the better the software.
8. Find out how often the company provides updates to their software. Check out the cost for getting the updates. For example, many companies will include updates for a specific period of time with the purchase price of the software. Companies that actively listen to their users update their software. If a computer program has not been updated for a long time, you probably won’t get further updates.
9. If you get a “Freeware” software program, you need to know four things:
First, freeware is a software program that does not cost you any money. That means you will not be able to receive support from the author. You are basically on your own. Sometimes that is good. However, if you have a time sensitive task and run into a software problem, free software may not be your best option. If you miss a deadline and have to pay a penalty of some type, that free software isn’t so cheap after all.
Second, many times freeware is an “introductory” version of a program. That means you may still have to pay for the “complete” program or the ability to use all the program options.
Third, if there is no charge for a program, the program may include software options that gather information about you, your computer, your surfing habits, etc. and then return this information to the company via the Internet. This is sometimes referred to as “Spyware” and can cause some real problems with your computer. When you use a program to eliminate the spyware on your computer, your “free” software program may no longer work.
Finally, if you are fairly computer literate, have no specific deadlines and know that a freeware program does not contain spyware, then, a freeware computer program can be a great bargain.
10. If you get a “Shareware” software program you need to know three things:
First, shareware is a software program that lets you try it out before you buy it. The author is “sharing” the program with you. If the computer shareware program does what you want it to do, then the author expects you to pay for it.
Many shareware programs allow you to use the program for a set period of time. After that period of time, the program (or at least some of the program options) will not continue to work. Don’t make the mistake of entering a lot of important data and then decide you “don’t want to pay” for the program. You could be left high and dry.
Finally, some shareware programs will continue to operate regardless of how long you use them. If you come to rely on a shareware computer program, it is wise to pay the author the nominal fee they usually request. This will help the author continue to develop and enhance the program. Besides, you’ll probably get support and help from the author if you need it.
11. Beware of companies that send you unsolicited emails offering “name brand” computer software at huge discounts. These are often overseas companies selling “illegal” software. You will not get support, but you could get a letter from the company’s lawyer telling you that you’re using a pirated copy of their software. Some people have even reported giving their credit card information to purchase these “great bargains” only to learn weeks later, they had paid for software they never got.
12. Last but not least, always order your computer software from a reputable online company. You’ll experience the best service, the best warranty and the best computer products available.

About the author:
Larry Andrew is an educational consultant, author and publisher of www.ez-software-review.comLearn how to purchase cheap, reliable and quality software for your home, school and business.

There are some fantastic landscaping software programs that will help you to design the backyard of your dreams but there are also some landscaping software programs that are a complete waste of money. The trick is to find out which landscaping software programs are good before you purchase them.

Many of the landscaping software programs that are on the market for the regular consumer are not really very good. Some of them are just plain awful and to buy them is to throw your money down the drain. They will have terrible cartoonish drawings that are not clear and that will not do you any good at all. On the other hand there are some of the more expensive commercial grade landscaping software programs that will blow you away with their capabilities.

What you need to remember when you are using a landscaping software program is that it is not going to do anything for you, it is only a tool for you to use to make your ideas a reality. So if you are wanting to buy some landscaping software so that you can have your yard designed for you then do not even bother. If on the other hand you have some great ideas and you want to get them laid out so that you can see if they are really as good as they seem then a good landscaping software program might be for you after all.

Before you commit to buying any landscaping software try to get a demo. This will let you try out the program to see if it can even help you in what you want to achieve. You should try to choose a landscaping software program that has good graphics. The better the graphics are on your landscaping software the easier it will be fore you to visualize the end result of all your hard work. Remember that this is the goal of any landscaping software program. If the landscaping software is crap then you might be better off using the drawing programs that are already on your computer.

By getting a demo you will also be able to directly compare the different programs in terms of price. Lets face it, if there are two landscaping software programs and they look the same and they both have the tools that you need but one is cheaper, which one are you going to chose? The cheaper one of course. So check out the prices.

The problem with most people these days is that they get so comfortable with their expenses through the aid of credit cards. They become so indulged with cashless shopping that more and more people are spending more than what they can afford.

For this reason, experts contend that budgeting can definitely alleviate the consumers from inancial strain?by managing their expenses and income instead of falling into the pit of liabilities.

However, some people just contend that they cannot simply do budgeting alone. They insist that they need some help in order to come up with a reliable and workable budget.

That why some financial experts have created some money budgeting software that will facilitate the creation of a good budget in order to promote wise money-saving strategies.

Basically, money budgeting software assists an individual in his or her expenditures and uses the money sensibly. These new technologies will help distribute the money into various aspects and areas and will also help add to savings.

So, if you still don know what the money budgeting software can do for you, here is a list of its advantages:

1. It helps you keep track of your expenses

Money budgeting software can definitely allow you to keep track of your expenses. With this kind of technology, you get to understand your cash flow and allow you to be aware of how much money you spend and earn.

2. It helps you to create some probable projections of the future

While some people are comfortable with the usual type of budgeting on paper, utilizing a money budgeting software can give you more than what you expect.  You can even make some possible projections using your integrated money budgeting software. And if you are really into hard copies, you can even print them out for record keeping.

3. It gives you control

The problem with most people who do not have a budget to guide them is that they tend to overspend with what they have.

With this kind of help, you can gain control of your expenditures. You will be able to know when you are already overspending or not. Plus, you become attentive of the blow of every money decision that you make.

The bottom line is that money budgeting software can definitely give you the kind of assurance and control that you need to keep track of your expenses. In this way, you can be surer that all of your spending activities are based on reason and plan and not just sheer indulgences.

Backing up your data with almost any electrical device is crucial to keep things intact.  No computer or other electronic device is crash proof, problems can occur at any time.  All computers can crash at any given time, which normally results in the loss of all data that was stored on the hard drive.

The potential for less is the ideal reason to create a backup of your software and data.  How often or how much you need to backup things however, all depends on how you use your computer.  If your data is very important or if you use your computer for work, you may need to create a backup of your software on a daily basis, possibly even hourly for some people.

You can use various devices and equipment to backup your data, such as DVD and CD burners, tapes, external hard drives, servers on the Internet, and so on and so forth.  Although each one has pros and cons, you should always use more than one backup method if your data is extremely important to you, just to be on the safe side.

When it comes to backing up your data using software, there are five different methods you can use:
1.  Full backup - A full backup will create a mirror of your hard drive, every file and folder that you currently have on your computer.
2.  Differential backup - A differential backup creates the backup only for files that have been changed or upgraded.
3.  Disk image - This will give you the choice of backing up your entire hard drive or just the files that you select.
4.  Unattended backup - Using this method, you can set the software that will create the backup to do all of the work, even if you aren around.
5.  Snapshot backup - A snapshot backup will mirror your hard drive, backing up the images of your files.

When you decide to get a software program to assist you with backing up your files, you should always get a program that best fits your needs.  Price is also an important factor, although ease of use and overall reliability should always be the most important factors when it comes to your data.

Most programs are easy to use, so even if you have never backed up your data before, youl be able to do it without any problems.  All youl need to do is load the software then follow the instructions that come up on the screen.

All in all, software backup is the best way to keep your data preserved and ready.  Something can happen to your computer at any given time, which is why you should always be on the safe side and back up your data every chance you get.

It is a common coin collecting problem: too many coins, not enough information on what kinds of coins to collect, or a disorganized group of collectibles.

The solution?

There are programs that are especially created for computer use, commonly known as software. Coin collecting software packages are created by professionals to help those who are having a hard time organizing and tracking their coin collections.

These systems keep classifying, organizing, and cataloging coins at your fingertips while trying to find other coins that a collector might want to add to his personal collection.

Other advantages of these software packages for coin collecting are:

1. Organizer buddy

It is a coin collector best friend. Coin collecting software packages are exclusively created to help the hobbyist organize, manage, and track their coins fast and without difficulty. With almost 300 billion coins that were manufactured by the U.S. Mint alone, who could sort through all of these coins to find the ones they would like to own?

2. Statistical reports provider

With these coin collecting software programs the collector to easily record statistical reports about coin collecting for quick references in the future.

3. Provides numerous ways to interpret, view, and access coin collecting data

With software packages, every coin collector can easily view his data in many ways. He can either choose to view the data in tabular form or in virtual form or can modify these tables and generate reports with just one click.

4. Provides easy-to-use templates

Coin collecting software packages are perfect even for the ewbies?in information technology. This is because there are templates that are available at any time for the recording and organization of data. The collector can then just enter the data he needs to log without having to use complicated formulas.

5. Saves more time

With these software packages, the coin collector will be able to save time organizing his coin records, leaving ample time for other activities. This means spending less time organizing and managing coins and more time for enjoying the hobby.

The tedious job of keeping a systematic record is sometimes the main reason some coin collectors give up the hobby, and why employing such tools will make coin collecting more enjoyable.

Using computer technology is the better way to make coin collecting easier.

Coin collecting is one hobby that has been going on for ages. Some of the most popular collectors in the world were Louis XIV and the Sun King. To keep track of the coins in the collection or to monitor the value of rare coins in the market, it pays to have coin collecting software.

There are many reasons why coins are collectible. Some are valued because of the artwork and others because of certain events in history such as the Great Depression or war .Whatever the reason, coin collecting software can update a person about these varieties before taking any action.

Some inventory programs contain a comprehensive database of more than 10,000 coins worldwide. The software allows the user to scan pictures in one collection and programmed in the database.

Others only have a database of every coin that the United States ever minted.  The program allows the user to select the coin and generate various reports about it.

Coin collecting software is there to help a person organize and catalog the coins in one possession. Some websites charge a fee to purchase the software but most can be downloaded for free from the internet. The program will work as long as the computer being used is compatible with the software.

There are more coin collectors that collect coins that are still in circulation than those who look only for the rare ones. The study of it is fascinating since a person can learn the history of a nation based on a few coins. Of course, this can only happen if a person has the time to do it.

Coin collecting software has given people an easier way to keep track of coins that they own. Instead of opening countless folders that have different coins in them, a person can just type a few words and the information can be seen on the monitor.  This makes it easier for the collector to show his collection a potential buyer in with the hope of exchanging it for another coin of equal or greater value.

The ideal coin collection software program should have good search capability, unlimited number of entries and other special features. By checking the various programs and trying some, the person will find the right one needed for the job. Before downloading it, the person should first have it scanned since software may contain a virus that could harm the computer.

CD ripper software will open up an entirely new way of how you listen to music.  With the use of CD ripping software, you can take audio tracks from a CD and them into audio files for use on your computer.  You can save them as WAV, MP3, OGG, or WMA audio files.  The term “ripping” is the  term used to describe this very process.

There are advanced CD ripper software as well,  which allows you to convert back and forth between these formats.  You can also get software that  can record vinyl LPs and cassettes to create those same audio files for your computer.

You can get a variety of ripper software programs online by searching the internet.  Most software is user friendly and offers you a variety of options.  You should however, do some searching and comparing before you decide which CD ripper program is best for your needs.

Each type of CD ripper software will offer it’s own style and interface.  You should always make sure the CD ripper software you choose is easy to use and easy to understand.  It doesn’t matter how good the software is - if you can’t use it.

When you explore the options of CD ripper software, make sure you also check the software’s editing abilities.  With most programs, you can select the output format for the music.  This will include the bitrate, channels, and even the frequency.

Quality ripper programs will also tag the encoded audio files with medadata, which will contain information about the artist, song title, track number, and even the album title.  This will automatically be input for the file.

Another great feature with some ripper programs is the ability to delete the silence at the beginning or end of song tracks.  Some programs will even give you the ability to edit the songs themselves, giving you full control of the sound provided by your files.

For those who enjoy to listen to their music  from a CD, a CD ripper can aso be used to select your favorite songs and create a mixed CD.  Some rippers will even let you rip audio tracks directly from a CD then burn them to a new CD - without having to save them as a new audio file.

With millions of people ripping CDs these days, CD ripping is the wave of the future.  You no longer have to keep your music on your computer, as you can rip them to a CD or even put them in your favorite MP3 player and take the music with you - wherever you go.

by:Joel Walsh

Bundling software applications together is a practice much abused by purveyors of adware. The potential for sneaking unwanted software into a bundle of desirable software is obvious. The benefits of bundling software aren’t so obvious. Isn’t it time to consider dumping the practice of bundling software altogether?

Bundled Software: When Is It Not Adware?

If a user wants a piece of software, why can’t he or she be allowed to install it separately? If the bundled software were essential to the functioning of the original software (excluding generic functions such as install, un-uninstall, and documentation), why wouldn’t the developer build its functions directly into the original software?

Sure, sometimes there’s a software application that clearly complements another application. But for users who do not want the complementary software, having it just means a bloated install file and a needlessly long installation process.

Does the chance that users will want the bundled software ever outweigh the risk of the bundled software being installed without the user noticing? In the case of adware, the technology community is increasingly willing to put the burden of proof on the adware bundlers:

* Cnet’s download.com website recently removed any and all software that comes bundled with another piece of software that shows advertising, regardless of how well informed the user is of the bundled software.

* Affiliate networks such as Commission Junction and Kolimbo have either cautioned advertisers against accepting adware distributors into their affiliate programs or kicked them out altogether.

* Many technology law experts are saying that the click-wrap license agreements that supposedly legitimate adware are not proof of informed consent. Some experts even say that such agreements amount to unconscionable contracts: the burden imposed by adware is so great and the benefit offered so negligible.

Adware and Bundled Software: A Modest Proposal

If the spam arms race is any indication, we may soon face even more aggressive attempts to get adware on our computers. There will be even more tortured arguments that bundled adware is installed with users’ informed consent. Why not head off any of those arguments right now? Let’s push for an industry standard that reputable developers do not bundle software (with a few highly specific exceptions such as documentation, installation, and error reporting).

In the end, by getting rid of bundled software, what do we have to lose except adware?

About the author:
Read more of Joel Walsh’s articles on spyware and adware: http://www.spyware-refuge.com

by:Philippa Smith

Spyware elimination software is designed to detect and
eliminate spyware. A large number of spyware elimination
software products are available. Some of them are available
as freeware and some as shareware. Shareware can be used
for a specified period, usually 30 days.

One must evaluate and compare the features of different
spyware elimination software products before selecting one.
Some of the features of an effective spyware elimination
software product are:

* It should give a list of detected spyware, to enable
users to allow them to decide, about which ones they want
to delete.
* Auto update ensures that the software automatically
downloads the latest spyware definition file.
* Auto scheduling means that the system is scanned for
spyware at defined intervals automatically.
* The “undo” facility allows the user to remedy accidental
deletion of useful files.
* The product should provide real-time protection. It
should prevent installation of spyware, instead of just
deleting it when it is detected.
* The software should be effective in detecting and
deleting, the different types of spyware.
* The product should be easy to download, install, navigate
and use.
* Product support ensures that there is someone you can
call or e-mail, whenever you have a problem.
* The right spyware elimination software will ensure your
privacy and keep your computer free of advertisements.

Some of the most popular spyware elimination software
products are: Spyware Eliminator, Spyware Doctor, MS
AntiSpyware, McAfee, Pest Patrol, Spy Sweeper, Counterspy,
Ad-Aware, Spybot Search & Destroy etc.

The most popular personal firewalls include McAfee
Firewall, Norman Firewall, Windows Firewall, Surf Secret,
Sygate Firewall, Zone Alarm, Outpost Pro, and Norton
Firewall etc.

Spyware Eliminator

Spyware Eliminator is one of the most popular spyware
elimination software products. It also provides you with
anti-virus and anti-Spam capability and prevents malicious
software from entering your PC.

It gives users specific threat recommendations and its
consumer ware facility identifies legitimate ad ware
companies and their software. The user then has the option
to delete this software or to keep it. Spyware Eliminator
is particularly effective in dealing with cleverly
concealed, self re-generating spyware and adware.
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Click to find a daily updated blog of articles and news
about spyware ! Get advice and information about how to
protect your computer from attack, and disinfect it.. Click
http://www.spyware-101.com/

About the author:
Philippa Smith runs a home business in los angeles. The
constant attacks on here computer caused her to learn all
about spyware & viruses, and how to deal with them.