Acquiring Computer Software

Buying pre – written Software : 

 These days, many pre – written software packages are available in the market. We just need to find the one that best meets our requirements. Here, requirements involves two factors – first, compatibility with the available hardware and the operating system, and second the list of desired features , duration of warranty, cost , and so on.

Having customized software

 if the pre – written software packages available do not meet an individual’s or organizations requirements, then the next option is to have a customized software package. The organization can either create a customized software package in house or out source it to another organization.

Downloading public domain software 

 some software applications available on the internet can be downloaded by the users free of cost. Hence, if these applications suit their requirements, users can download and use them. the basic idea behind such software is that its creators want their software to become popular among people. Such type of software is known as public domain software, freeware, or shareware.

Pre written software	Customized software	Public domain software
Cost is less as many customers share the development and maintenance cost.	Changes can be easily incorporated in the software.	Mostly, it is free and is available along with the source code.
Users can buy and start working immediately.	Users can cordially work with the software development team to develop software as per their requirements.	Users can download it and start working immediately.
It is general purpose software: hence, it may not entirely meet the users requirements and may not operate as efficiently as customized software.	It is expensive to maintain a software development team in small organizations.            Users have to wait for the software to be ready, which may take several months.	There is limited support when compared to that available with customized and pre – written software.

Techniques of acquiring software