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1 – 10 of over 25000Computer software does not have to be expensive. Thousands of programs are available free, or for very low prices. There are some catches, but free software can be of high…
Abstract
Computer software does not have to be expensive. Thousands of programs are available free, or for very low prices. There are some catches, but free software can be of high quality, and an excellent value. The author discusses free software, urges readers to join microcomputer user groups, and recounts his own experiences with free software as these relate to Frederick Michels' article on “user‐supported” software (see Library Hi Tech, number 10). The author reviews several books that can provide further information.
Stephen M. Jackson and Serafim Halkias
Laments the fact that new and expensive software upgrades are notalways a step forward, and can, in fact, be costly mistakes if they arenot what the buyer wanted in the first…
Abstract
Laments the fact that new and expensive software upgrades are not always a step forward, and can, in fact, be costly mistakes if they are not what the buyer wanted in the first place. Introduces the concepts of ′shareware′ – software that can be given a trial run before being purchased, and ′public domain′ software, which is available free of charge to be used by any member of the public. Lists a few of the better shareware programs and places where it can be obtained.
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‘Public Domain’, in its clearly defined legal sense, is a phrase which is used to describe an item, usually a book or a play, which is no longer copyright, i.e. when the author of…
Abstract
‘Public Domain’, in its clearly defined legal sense, is a phrase which is used to describe an item, usually a book or a play, which is no longer copyright, i.e. when the author of the item has been dead for 50 years. It is perhaps peculiar, therefore, to see it used to describe computer software, as there cannot be many program writers who fall into this category.
On April 2, 1987, IBM unveiled a series of long‐awaited new hardware and software products. The new computer line, dubbed the Personal Systems 30, 50, 60, and 80, seems destined…
Abstract
On April 2, 1987, IBM unveiled a series of long‐awaited new hardware and software products. The new computer line, dubbed the Personal Systems 30, 50, 60, and 80, seems destined to replace the XT and AT models that are the mainstay of the firm's current personal computer offerings. The numerous changes in hardware and software, while representing improvements on previous IBM technology, will require users purchasing additional computers to make difficult choices as to which of the two IBM architectures to adopt.
The Maine State Library has begun to offer public domain and “user‐supported” software to libraries within the state. A subscription to the PC‐SIG software library on CD‐ROM makes…
Abstract
The Maine State Library has begun to offer public domain and “user‐supported” software to libraries within the state. A subscription to the PC‐SIG software library on CD‐ROM makes it possible to conveniently handle requests for any one of nearly 10,000 program and data files.
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to highlight the imminent corrosion of the public domain brought about by the pervasive lack of recognition within the public at large…
Abstract
Purpose
The purpose of this paper is to attempt to highlight the imminent corrosion of the public domain brought about by the pervasive lack of recognition within the public at large regarding what the public domain is, what it stands for, and what it is meant to accomplish.
Design/methodology/approach
Utilizing the diverse theories of proponents of the public domain, this analysis proposes a re‐conceptualization of the public domain which acknowledges its significance to the creative process itself, and subsequently stresses the importance of public awareness and participation to its continuing survival.
Findings
While remarking on the efficacy of a number of digitization ventures in the promotion of the public domain, it is concluded that mere awareness of the plight of the public domain is not enough. What the public domain desperately needs to subsist is the presence of an active citizenry that is dedicated to preserving its interests. Moreover, the public library is emphasized as the ideal vehicle with which to elucidate the public and secure their involvement in a campaign to safeguard an endangered public domain.
Originality/value
This paper expounds on the necessity of bringing the public and the public domain together so that both are empowered to dispel the restrictions that have arisen from an excessive copyright protectionist regime and so that both are enabled to defend themselves from any further encroachments on their ability to progress and mature within their own cultural bounds.
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Public Domain Software on File offers a great wealth of programs on subjects that range from biorhythm to physics. Many of these can be of great use to many people. However, the…
Abstract
Public Domain Software on File offers a great wealth of programs on subjects that range from biorhythm to physics. Many of these can be of great use to many people. However, the package also contains many programs which do not seem useful at all. If you would like to substantially increase your software collection at one fell swoop, this might be the package for you. It contains 20 floppy disks with 250 programs, each of which can be copied selectively to meet special needs. The categories covered are: Business, Education, Graphics, Home Management, Music, Utilities and Potpourri.
Public programming in a public library is, by and large, a creative endeavour. By talking with the public, by being a part of the community, using past experience and analyzing…
Abstract
Public programming in a public library is, by and large, a creative endeavour. By talking with the public, by being a part of the community, using past experience and analyzing data from previous programs, and through plain old‐fashioned intuition, various programs are tried, projects started and conclusions drawn. A public access microcomputer fits very well into this notion, but goes one step further: a micro project never ‘ends’ in the same way that a series of movies, seminars, a book talk, or a lecture end; it is an ongoing, changing, and active program.
Anusha R. Pai, Gopalkrishna Joshi and Suraj Rane
This paper is focused at studying the current state of research involving the four dimensions of defect management strategy, i.e. software defect analysis, software quality…
Abstract
Purpose
This paper is focused at studying the current state of research involving the four dimensions of defect management strategy, i.e. software defect analysis, software quality, software reliability and software development cost/effort.
Design/methodology/approach
The methodology developed by Kitchenham (2007) is followed in planning, conducting and reporting of the systematic review. Out of 625 research papers, nearly 100 primary studies related to our research domain are considered. The study attempted to find the various techniques, metrics, data sets and performance validation measures used by researchers.
Findings
The study revealed the need for integrating the four dimensions of defect management and studying its effect on software performance. This integrated approach can lead to optimal use of resources in software development process.
Research limitations/implications
There are many dimensions in defect management studies. The authors have considered only vital few based on the practical experiences of software engineers. Most of the research work cited in this review used public data repositories to validate their methodology and there is a need to apply these research methods on real datasets from industry to realize the actual potential of these techniques.
Originality/value
The authors believe that this paper provides a comprehensive insight into the various aspects of state-of-the-art research in software defect management. The authors feel that this is the only research article that delves into the four facets namely software defect analysis, software quality, software reliability and software development cost/effort.
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Examines the advantages of “shareware” as opposed to commercial softwarein the fields of dietetics and nutrition, categorizing these into: wordprocessing; data storage and…
Abstract
Examines the advantages of “shareware” as opposed to commercial software in the fields of dietetics and nutrition, categorizing these into: word processing; data storage and statistical analysis; multinational analysis; and educational. Gives useful hints to those contemplating their use.
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