Canned Program

Definition

A canned program, also known as an off-the-shelf software, is a prewritten computer program available for purchase that is designed to perform specific functions to meet the general needs of many users. These programs are developed, tested, and sold by software companies, providing a ready-made solution that can be quickly implemented by end-users without extensive customization.

Examples

Microsoft Office Suite: An integrated suite of office productivity applications that includes Word, Excel, and PowerPoint, designed to handle common business tasks such as word processing, spreadsheets, and presentations.
Adobe Photoshop: A widely used graphics editor for image editing and photo retouching available for purchase by individual users and professionals.
QuickBooks: An accounting software designed for small and medium-sized businesses to manage their financial accounts, expense tracking, and billing processes.
Salesforce CRM: A customer relationship management software that is ready for use upon purchase and helps businesses manage customer interactions, sales processes, and data analytics.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the advantages of using a canned program?

Cost-effective: Often cheaper than custom-developed software as the development cost is spread across many users.
Immediate Availability: These programs can be purchased and used immediately, requiring little to no development time.
User Support: Typically come with user support, documentation, and updates by the software provider.
Reliability: Prewritten software is usually well-tested and reliable, with many bugs and issues already resolved by other users.

What are the disadvantages of using a canned program?

Limited Customization: May not meet all specific needs of a user or organization without additional customization.
Vendor Dependency: Users rely on the vendor for updates, support, and upgrades.
Potential for Unnecessary Features: May include features that are unnecessary for certain users, leading to complexity and potential inefficiency.

Can a canned program be customized?

While canned programs offer limited customization compared to custom-built software, many allow for some level of personalization through settings, add-ons, and integrations with other software tools.

Are canned programs secure?

Canned programs are generally secure if sourced from reputable vendors. However, users must remain vigilant about applying security updates and patches provided by the vendors.

What should I consider when selecting a canned program?

Consider factors such as your specific needs, budget, compatibility with existing systems, user reviews, vendor reputation, and available support services.

Custom-Developed Software: Software that is specifically developed for a particular organization or user, addressing specific needs and providing custom solutions.

Software as a Service (SaaS): A software distribution model where applications are hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet.

Open Source Software: Software with source code that anyone can inspect, modify, and enhance, often developed collaboratively.

Proprietary Software: Software that is owned by an individual or a company and provided under a license that restricts access to its source code.

Online Resources

Suggested Books for Further Studies

“Software Project Management: A Unified Framework” by Walker Royce: This book offers insights into different types of software development projects including canned programs.
“Off-The-Shelf IT Solutions: Making the Right Choice” by Martin Tate: A guide to selecting and implementing off-the-shelf software solutions.
“COTS-Based Software Systems” by Raymond Turner: Covers commercial off-the-shelf software systems, including their development and application.
“Software Engineering” by Ian Sommerville: Provides comprehensive coverage of software engineering, including various types of software, their design, and application.

Fundamentals of Canned Program: IT Basics Quiz

### What is a canned program? - [ ] A custom-developed software tailored to a specific user. - [x] A prewritten computer program available for purchase. - [ ] Software illegally copied and distributed. - [ ] Open-source software available to everyone. > **Explanation:** A canned program is a prewritten computer program available for purchase, designed to meet the general needs of many users. ### Which of the following is an example of a canned program? - [x] Microsoft Office Suite - [ ] A custom-built financial application - [ ] An internal company-specific CRM tool - [ ] An open-source library for developers > **Explanation:** Microsoft Office Suite is a prewritten software solution sold to a wide range of users. ### What is a primary advantage of using a canned program? - [ ] High development costs - [ ] Limited availability - [x] Immediate availability - [ ] Unrestricted customization > **Explanation:** The primary advantage of a canned program is its immediate availability with minimal customization. ### What is a common limitation of canned programs? - [ ] Cost is much higher than custom software - [x] Limited customization options - [ ] Requires extensive development time - [ ] No vendor support available > **Explanation:** Canned programs often come with limited customization options compared to custom software solutions. ### Which type of program is specifically built to address unique user requirements? - [ ] Canned Software - [x] Custom-Developed Software - [ ] Off-The-Shelf Software - [ ] Generic Software > **Explanation:** Custom-developed software is designed to address the specific and unique needs of users or organizations. ### What does SaaS stand for in the context of software? - [ ] Software aligned studies - [x] Software as a Service - [ ] Systematic access subscription - [ ] Specialized application software > **Explanation:** SaaS stands for Software as a Service, where software is hosted by a service provider and made available to customers over the internet. ### Why might security be a concern with canned programs? - [ ] They are always securely coded. - [x] They require updates and patches from vendors to remain secure. - [ ] They do not integrate with other software. - [ ] They are offered for free. > **Explanation:** Canned programs, like all software, require regular updates and patches from vendors to address potential security vulnerabilities. ### Which resource is often available with canned programs to assist users? - [ ] Customized feature sets - [x] Detailed documentation and support services - [ ] Internal development tools - [ ] Unlimited license > **Explanation:** Canned programs usually come with detailed documentation and support services to help users implement and troubleshoot the software. ### What is the contrast of canned programming software in terms of software classification? - [ ] It's the same as proprietary software. - [ ] It denotes open-source software. - [ ] It's synonymous with freeware. - [x] It is different from custom-developed or personalized software. > **Explanation:** Canned programming software is ready-made and differs from custom-developed or highly personalized software. ### Which type of license typically applies to canned programs? - [ ] Open-source license - [x] Proprietary license - [ ] Network license - [ ] Educational license > **Explanation:** Canned programs are typically sold under a proprietary license, which restricts access to the source code and enforces specific terms of use.

Thank you for exploring the world of canned programs with our detailed guide and quiz. Continue to broaden your IT knowledge and stay ahead in the tech field!