A group name for different kinds of computer programs. Widely spoken, the software includes: a) operating systems; b) ‘system software’, such as device drivers, basic configuration programs, etc.; and c) end-user programs (applications).
Published in Chapter:
Software in Amateur “Packet Radio” Communications and Networking
Miroslav Škorić (IEEE Section, Austria & National Institute of Amateur Radio, India)
Copyright: © 2014
|Pages: 67
DOI: 10.4018/978-1-4666-5170-8.ch006
Abstract
In modern (amateur radio) wireless communications, we use computers. Depending on particular situations, such as employers’ and personal preferences, users can adopt more or less proprietary operating systems and related end-user programs. In emerging and developing societies, the usage of proprietary software can be costly. Not only that, contrary to so-called “open” software, the “closed” software is not able to motivate its users to upgrade those programs regularly, not only because of high prices and restricted licensing policies, but also because of its nature, which is the “closedness” of program codes, where the end-users are not allowed to change programmed software, and so assist companies in improving features of their software products. Therefore, the authors help prospective newcomers in the amateur wireless communications to become familiar with the “open” software and, as well, to encourage them in implementing many “free” software solutions at home or work.