This document contains responses to two questions about software development. The first response explains that software is more than just programs executed by users, as operating systems create an entire environment for users. The second response distinguishes between generic software, which aims to include all possible functions for general use, and custom software, which is tailored specifically to a customer's needs by including only relevant components and removing unnecessary functionality.

1. SWEN 4432 – Assignment 1 – Name
Put your answer to each of the questions below immediately after the question.
Chapter 1:
1. Introduction.
1. By making reference to the distribution of software costs discussed in Section 1.1.6,
explain why it is appropriate to consider software to be more than the programs
that can be executed by end-users of a system?
Not all software is designed as a simple program that is executed, operating
systems, for example are not mundane programs that an end-user executes to
accomplish some minor task, it is an entire environment that the user utilizes to
execute other tasks. Even more commonly used programs, like the Microsoft Office
suite, isn’t a simple program, it is a platform that communicates with several other
programs to make accomplishing tasks easier and more straight forward for the
user.
2. What are the differences between generic software product development and
custom product development?
Generic software has no specific target in mind, and development follows that idea.
It is designed from its conception to include every function they may possibly use,
and be accessible in a manner that does not leave the user feeling that the software
is “bloated” or overrun with useless features.
Custom software, on the other hand, is conceptualized by the customer it is
developed for, and production and development is guided by the customer. This
includes custom components for a specific piece of software will likely not be
included in a generic equivalent of the software title, as it would undoubtedly serve
little to no purpose for the general public, as well as the removal of all functionality
that serves no purpose for the company. This results in a highly efficient, stream-
lined program that suits the needs of the customer as well as can be expected from
any piece of software.
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