Choosing and procuring software

Start with a software choice

The quiz on choosing software presents practical tasks, including typing a letter and storing information about students. Start there if you want to think about which kind of software fits each task. The questions give you a way to approach selection through examples rather than a list of terms.

For a visual overview, the Selection of software mind map brings together Word, Excel, Access Databases, Publisher and Powerpoint. It links software to uses such as calculations, storing data and presentations. The Software Systems mind map also includes word processing and text-based information, using a letter or essay as an example.

Explore procurement

The Software Procurement flashcards introduce the meaning of procurement and ask about open-source, proprietary, custom-written and off-the-shelf software. They are a useful starting point for learning the terms before looking at a map.

The Software Procurement mind map covers open-source software, including advantages and disadvantages. Its points include access to source code and the ability to modify it, as well as uncertainty about getting what you want. Use the map alongside the flashcards to connect the terms with the points shown in the resource.

Connect the resources

After using the quiz, look at a selection mind map to see how it links software with examples and benefits. Then return to the quiz tasks and consider which details in the map help you make a choice. The flashcards and procurement map offer another route through the topic, focused on how software is obtained and the types named in the resources.

These resources form the Choosing and procuring software section of the Types of Software unit in Computing and ICT. Pick a map or flashcard deck and explore it alongside the quiz.