Groupware:
Definition and Explanation:
Groupware
is software which provides functions and services that support the joint activities of workgroups. Groupware enable teams of co-workers to use networks of microcomputers to share information and to cooperate on projects.
Groups. Groupware includes software for information, sharing, electronic meetings, scheduling, and e-mail and a network to connect the members of the group as they work on their own desktop computers, often in widely scattered location.
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Groupware Capabilities |
- Group waiting and commenting
- Electronic mail distribution
- Shared files and databases
- Shared timelines and plans
- Electronic meetings
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Groupware enhances collaboration by allowing by the exchange of ideas electronically. All the messages on a topic can be saved in a group, stamped with the data, time, and author. Any group member can review the ideas of others at any time and add to them, or individuals can post a documents for others to comment upon or edit. Members can posts requests for help, allowing others to responds. finally, if a group so chooses, members can store their-work notes on the groupware so that all others in the group can see what programs is being made, what problems occur, and what activities are planned.
The leading commercial groupware product has been Lotus Notes from the Lotus Development Corporation. The Internet is rich in capabilities to support collaborative work. Microsoft Internet Explorer and Netscape Communicator include groupware functions, such as e-mail, electronic scheduling and calendaring, audio and data conferencing, and electronic discussion groups and databases. Microsoft's Office 2000 software suite includes groupware features using web technology.
Shareware:
Definition and Explanation:
Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed free of charge but requires users to make a contribution in order to continue using it. Shareware, too, is distributed primarily through communications connections such as the Internet. An example is WinZip, a program for managing computer files, which you can obtain from the Internet. Sometimes "Trial ware" versions of shareware are available via the internet. This type of software is limited in functionality or the period of time that the software will work is self-limited. After the trial period is over, the user pays a fee to obtain the fully functional version, or the software simply becomes useless. Oracle is an example of Trial ware.
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