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Key Features of the Best Computer Software
Thousands of ready-made software exists for just about every conceivable category, and developers have created an infinite number of custom-made software for all possible purposes. So how to select the best computer software from such a plethora of options? The best computer software however has certain inherent characteristics such as robustness, granularity, security, portability, efficiency, quality and user friendliness, which do not come in all such software.
The Best Computer Software is Robust
When selecting the best computer software, look for robustness or integrity. This means the software behaving the way it is supposed to do always, under all circumstances. For example, poorly executed software with flaws may result in the format going awry in a computer with non-default screen size or resolution. Robust software, on the other hand, displays consistency, with the formatting adjusting automatically to the screen size or the available display characteristics.
The best computer software is also resilient, with the ability to adapt to different environments or deice and system configurations. For instance, the best computer software works exactly the same way in a PIII machine with a Windows 95 operating system and a modern Windows 7 Operating system, with the system configuration rather than the software itself responsible for any degraded performance.
Best Computer Software is Granular in Nature
Granularity is breaking down into small parts. Generally adding more features to software makes it more complex. The best computer software are however granular, meaning that it becomes possible to add or delete to the features as required without making wholesale changes, without rewriting or modifying the entire code. Only the specific module or section of the code would require changing and the rest of the program remains unaffected.
Granularity adds flexibility to the software, and makes it easy to modify it for the changed times and circumstances. This is a key requirement in today’s fast changing world where frequent changes become the order of the day.
The Best Computer Program Have High Security Features
The best computer software is one that does not have any vulnerability. Hacking has become commonplace today and is a serious threat to the safety and security of electronic commerce and other internet transactions. Most hackers perform their nefarious acts by exploiting vulnerabilities in software code. Common hacking methods such as SQL injections depend on weak software codes.
The best computer software undergoes extensive testing at the development stage itself to plug all vulnerabilities. The software vendors issue periodic patch updates, even after release, to plug in any undiscovered or new vulnerability. Most software also roll out periodic updated versions so that the software incorporates features and functionality to match the changes or developments that time brings forth.
Portability: A Key Characteristic of Good Computer Programs
The present day computing environment is marked by a plethora of operating systems, platforms and devices. For instance, mobile computing uses an entire different operating system and devices compared to traditional desktop computing. Similarly, unlike traditional desktop operating systems, multiple browsers dominate the internet landscape. The best computer software remains portable to work in different environments, such as multiple browsers.
Closely related to portability is adaptability, or ability to adjust to different environments; and interoperability, or interface with other software systems. A good example is websites designed for desktop browsers adapting and working with mobile browsers.
Best Computer Programs are of Good Quality
No one can understate the important of quality in any aspect of today’s competitive environment. Good computer software display structural and functional quality.
Functional Quality is the extent to which the software complies with the laid out requirements or specifications. The best computer software does what is supposed to do, or rather adhere religiously to the design specifications.
Structural quality refers to how the software meets non-functional requirements such as ease of maintenance, production timeline and more, supporting the delivery of functional requirements.
Best computer software also remains very easy to maintain and upgrade. Although not necessarily a characteristic of the best computer software, such software invariably experience a well scheduled, highly controlled and seamless development and a smooth rollout.
Efficiency and User Friendly Nature: The Hallmark of a Good Computer Program
The best computer software is efficient. While the definition of efficiency is not cast in stone, generally software that consume less resources such as disk space, CPU and memory while delivering superior performance is considered efficient. It delivers optimal output without being a drag on computing resources.
Another hallmark of the best computer software is user-friendliness, or ease of operation for a non-technical end user. This takes the shape of neat interface, easy to find options and a logical flow.
Best computer software has all the features such as security, robustness and granularity, yet do not compromise on user-friendly interface or efficiency to achieve such features.
Software is the heart of any computing process, and no amount of time or investments in securing the best computer software is a waste or exercise in futility. Ironically, considering the big picture, it would actually cost less to develop the best computer software rather than software with much vulnerability. Any additional upfront investment for developing that best computer software will easily come back as lesser maintenance, better reputation and other benefits.
