Lesson 4: Software and Applications
Week of Mon, Oct 5 · lesson closes Sun, Oct 11
By the end of this lesson you can:
- →Explain cloud application delivery models including SaaS, file synchronization, and PWAs. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-1.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-3.1 FC0-U71 3.4
- →Describe software installation methods, installer formats, and enterprise patch management. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-1.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-3.1 FC0-U71 3.3
- →Apply systematic steps to diagnose and resolve common software and application problems. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-1.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-3.1 FC0-U71 3.3
- →Compare and contrast system software, application software, and software licensing models. CCR-5 MSDE-CTE-IT-1.1 MSDE-CTE-IT-3.1 FC0-U71 3.3
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This lesson's items
Exact due times are in Canvas.
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Know these cold
Software Types
- System software: OS, device drivers, firmware — manages hardware and provides a platform for applications.
- Application software: productivity (Office), web browsers, media players, games, development tools.
- Open-source software has publicly available source code (Linux, LibreOffice, Firefox); proprietary is closed (Windows, Photoshop).
- Software licensing: freeware (free, no source), shareware (try before buy), commercial, subscription (SaaS), open-source (GPL, MIT).
Installation and Updates
- Installation sources: physical media, download, network share, or package manager (apt, dnf, winget, brew).
- Windows installer files: .exe (self-extracting), .msi (Windows Installer package, more control for admins).
- 64-bit applications run only on 64-bit OSes; 32-bit applications run on both; install 64-bit when available.
- Updates should be applied promptly; patch management systems (WSUS for Windows) automate enterprise patching.
Software Troubleshooting
- Application crashes: check Event Viewer Application log for error codes; try running as administrator.
- Compatibility issues: use compatibility mode (right-click → Properties → Compatibility tab) for older apps.
- Performance: close background processes in Task Manager; check disk space (must have >15% free on system drive).
- Uninstall/reinstall: use Programs and Features (Control Panel) or Settings → Apps to remove cleanly.
Cloud Applications
- SaaS (Software as a Service): browser-based apps managed by provider — Gmail, Salesforce, Microsoft 365.
- Web-based apps run in a browser; no installation required; updates are automatic and immediate.
- Synchronization apps (Dropbox, OneDrive) keep files consistent across devices using a cloud backend.
- Progressive Web Apps (PWA) install from a browser and work offline; blend the web and native app experience.
Quick check — before the quiz
1. Which file format is a Windows Installer package, offering more admin control than a self-extracting .exe?
2. SaaS stands for:
Meerk's quiz — open the Lesson 4 gate
10 questions, no time limit. 85% on your first attempt in a 24-hour window opens the gate. Retakes inside the window are practice — they help you learn, they don't count. Work alone; the point is to know it, not to have seen it.
Stuck?
Raise your hand. Mr. James gets a message right away and can help you remotely. Nothing else is stored — just your last name, grade, and where you're stuck.
Dinner Table Question
Ask at home: Do you pay for any apps or software subscriptions? What would you lose if you stopped paying?
En español: ¿Pagas por alguna aplicación o suscripción de software? ¿Qué perderías si dejaras de pagar?