Applications

What to do when the operating system does not offer functionality that you need. It happens very often. In that case it is possible to install the application that you desire.

Some of the applications come with the operating system, but many of them need to be installed separately. They don’t come pre-installed with the OS. Some applications need to be bought or downloaded from the Internet.

There are different ways how the applications are installed. It depends on the operating system that is installed on the computer.

What to do when the functionality that you want is so unique that applications simply don’t exist, or maybe they exist, but cost too much, that you cannot afford these.

In this case you can develop your own. “But it will take a long time” - you may argue. Right… There is no other option available.

Applications have a way to interact with them, services or daemons don't.

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Study Guide: Extending Computer Functionality

Key Concepts

Operating System (OS): The core software that manages computer hardware and software resources and provides common services for computer programs.

Functionality: The specific tasks or capabilities that a computer system or application can perform.

Application: A software program designed to perform a specific task or set of tasks for the user.

Installation: The process of preparing software to run on a computer system, often involving copying files and configuring settings.

Pre-installed: Software that is included with the operating system or device at the time of purchase.

Custom Development: The process of creating software specifically tailored to meet unique requirements, often when existing solutions are insufficient or too expensive.

Short Answer Quiz

What is the first course of action to take when your operating system lacks a desired functionality?

Are all applications automatically ready to use immediately after installing an operating system? Explain your answer.

Where can users typically obtain applications that are not included with their operating system?

Does the method of installing an application remain consistent across all operating systems? Explain briefly.

What scenario might lead a user to consider developing their own computer functionality?

According to the text, what is a potential drawback of developing custom computer functionality?

What is the role of the operating system in relation to computer functionality?

Provide an example of functionality that might come with the operating system but needs separate installation.

What are two primary reasons why a user might choose not to purchase an existing application?

What fundamental choice does a user face when desired computer functionality is unavailable through standard means?

Answer Key for Short Answer Quiz

The first course of action is to check if a suitable application can be installed to provide the desired functionality. This is a common way to extend the capabilities of an operating system.

No, not all applications are immediately ready. Some applications come with the operating system files but require a separate installation process before they can be used.

Users can typically obtain applications by purchasing them or downloading them from the Internet. These are common methods for acquiring software beyond what is pre-installed.

No, the method of installing applications varies depending on the specific operating system installed on the computer. Different OSs have their own installation procedures and package formats.

A user might consider developing their own functionality when existing applications do not offer the specific features they need or if available applications are too expensive. This addresses highly unique requirements.

A potential drawback of developing custom computer functionality, as mentioned in the text, is that it will likely take a significant amount of time and effort to create.

The operating system manages computer hardware and software resources and provides fundamental services. When it lacks specific functionality, users typically turn to applications.

While not explicitly mentioned in the short excerpt, examples could include additional language packs, specific accessibility tools, or certain media codecs that are part of the OS but require separate installation.

Two primary reasons a user might not purchase an existing application are that it might be too expensive or it might not precisely meet their unique functional requirements.

When desired functionality is unavailable, a user faces the choice between finding and installing an existing application or, if that's not feasible, developing the functionality themselves.

Essay Format Questions

Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of relying on pre-existing applications versus developing custom solutions for unique computer functionality needs.

Analyze the process of extending computer functionality beyond the basic operating system, considering the role of application installation and custom development.

Evaluate the statement: "The need for custom-developed computer functionality signifies a limitation of current operating systems and available applications."

Compare and contrast the scenarios in which a user would choose to install an existing application versus undertaking the development of their own functionality.

Explore the factors that might influence a user's decision between purchasing a commercial application and attempting to find a free alternative or developing their own solution.

Glossary of Key Terms

Operating System (OS): The fundamental software layer that manages a computer's hardware and software resources, enabling other programs to run.

Functionality: The specific capabilities and tasks that a computer system, operating system, or application is designed to perform.

Application: A software program designed for a specific end-user purpose, such as word processing, web browsing, or image editing.

Installation: The process of setting up software on a computer so that it is ready to be executed, which typically involves copying files and configuring settings.

Pre-installed: Software that comes already loaded and configured on a device when it is purchased, often including the operating system and some basic applications.

Custom Development: The creation of software tailored to specific and unique needs, typically undertaken when existing software does not provide the required functionality or is not suitable.

Frequently Asked Questions About Expanding Computer Functionality

Q1. What is the primary approach when my computer's operating system lacks a specific function I need?

The most common and straightforward solution when your operating system doesn't inherently provide a desired feature is to install an application that offers that functionality. This is a regular occurrence in computing, and a vast ecosystem of software exists to address diverse user needs.

Q2. Where do these installable applications come from?

Applications can originate from various sources. Some are included with the operating system itself but require a separate installation process. Others need to be purchased from vendors or downloaded for free from the internet. The specific source depends on the application and its availability.

Q3. Are the installation methods for applications consistent across all operating systems?

No, the process for installing applications can vary significantly depending on the operating system installed on your computer. Different operating systems have their own package management systems, installation wizards, and file formats for software distribution.

Q4. What if the functionality I require is highly specialized and no existing application meets my needs or is financially feasible?

In situations where no suitable application exists or the available options are prohibitively expensive, the alternative is to develop your own custom software. While this option may require significant time and effort, it offers the ultimate flexibility in creating precisely the functionality you desire.

Q5. Is developing my own application the only alternative if off-the-shelf software isn't an option?

According to the source, if a unique functionality is required and existing applications are unavailable or unaffordable, developing your own application is presented as the only remaining option.

Q6. Does the source offer any quick solutions for obtaining unique or missing computer functionality?

The source explicitly states that if you choose to develop your own application for unique needs, it will likely take a significant amount of time. It presents this as an inherent trade-off when existing solutions are not viable.

Q7. Does the cost of existing applications play a role in the decision to seek alternative solutions?

Yes, the cost of commercially available applications is a significant factor. If existing software that provides the desired functionality is too expensive for the user's budget, it can necessitate exploring other avenues, such as developing a custom solution.

Q8. In summary, what are the two main strategies for obtaining desired computer functionality?

The two primary strategies discussed are: 1) Installing existing applications, which may come bundled with the OS, require purchase, or be available for free download. 2) Developing a custom application when no suitable or affordable off-the-shelf software exists, acknowledging that this option typically requires a considerable time investment.