NAME: OSHO

OLUWASEYI SUNDAY

DEPARTMENT:
BUSINESS
ADMINISTRATION

LEVEL: ND 1

COURSE TITLE:
INTRODUCTION TO
COMPUTING

COURSE CODE: COM

100
 QUESTION 1

The various types of application

packaging with examples each
1. *Installer Packages*:
- Examples: Windows Installer (MSI), macOS Installer
(PKG), Debian Package (DEB), Red Hat Package
Manager (RPM)
- Description: These packages contain all the
necessary files and instructions for installing an
application on a specific operating system.

2. *Containerization*:
- Examples: Docker, Kubernetes
- Description: Containerization packages applications
and their dependencies into isolated containers,
ensuring consistent deployment across different
environments.

3. *Virtual Machines*:
- Examples: VMware, VirtualBox
- Description: Virtual machine packages encapsulate
entire operating systems along with applications,
allowing them to run on different host systems.

4. *App Stores*:
- Examples: Apple App Store, Google Play Store,
Microsoft Store
- Description: These platforms distribute applications
directly to users, handling packaging, distribution, and
updates.

5. *Self-contained Executables*:
- Examples: Portable Executable (PE) files on Windows,
AppImage on Linux
 - Description: These packages include all necessary
dependencies within a single executable file, making
them easy to distribute and run without installation.

6. *Script-based Packages*:
- Examples: Bash scripts, PowerShell scripts
- Description: Scripts automate the installation process
by executing a series of commands to set up and
configure an application.

7. *Web Applications*:
- Examples: Gmail, Google Docs, Trello
- Description: Web applications run entirely within a
web

8 MSI Packaging*: Utilizes Microsoft Installer format for

packaging applications on Windows systems.
- Example: Packaging Adobe Photoshop software for
deployment across multiple Windows workstations in a
design studio.

9 EXE Packaging*: Creates standalone executable files

for software distribution and installation.
- Example: Developing an EXE installer for a new project
management tool for users to download and install on
their computers.

9 App-V Packaging*: Utilizes

Microsoft's virtualization technology to run applications
in a virtual environment without installation.
10 Example: Converting a legacy engineering software
into an App-V package to ensure compatibility and easy
deployment on modern sys
browser, eliminating the need for traditional packaging
and installation.

11 MSIX Packaging*: Modern packaging format by

Microsoft combining technologies for secure and
efficient distribution.
- Example: Packaging a data analytics tool as an MSIX
app for distribution through the Windows Store for
Business.

12 Containerization*: Technologies like

Docker package applications with dependencies into
isolated containers for consistent deployment.
- Example: Containerizing a customer relationship
management (CRM) system for deployment on cloud
servers using Kubernetes.

13 PKG Packaging (macOS)*: Used on macOS for

packaging applications.
- Example: Creating a PKG installer for a music
production software like
GarageBand for installation on Mac systems.

14 RPM Packaging (Linux)*: Common packaging format

on Linux systems for software distribution.
- Example: Packaging a system monitoring tool as an
RPM package for installation on centOS servers

A general- purpose application package is a type of

software that can perform many different related
tasks. Word processors, spreadsheets, databases,
graphics and presentation software are all
examples of application packages. This type of
software is sometimes called generic software.
This means, for example, that any one of the many
different word processing packages that you could
buy will all do the same general sorts of tasks as
each other. The most common types of general
purpose software and the types of tasks that they
can be used for are listed below.
1. Database packages(e.g. MS Access, Lotus
Approach, Paradox) are used to store and
retrieve information;
2. Spreadsheet packages(e.g. MS Excel, Lotus 123)
are used for tasks that involove a lot of
calculations or for the production of graphs and
charts;
3. Word processing packages(e.g. MS Word,
WordPerfect) are used to produce text based
documents such as letters, reports and memos;
4. Desktop publishing packages(e.g. MS Publisher,
PageMaker, PagePlus) are used to produce
professional quality publications such as posters,
books, newsletters, newspapers and magazines;
5. Graphics packages( e.g. Paint, PaintBrush, Serif
Draw, Corel Draw) are used to produce and
manipulate artwork.
6. Computer- aidd design(CAD) packages(e.g. 2D-
Design, AutoCAD, TurboCAD) are used to
produce engineering designs and architectural
plans;
7. Communications software( e.g. Internet Explorer,
Netscape Communicator) is used to access the
Internet and send and receive e- mail;
8. Presentation graphics packages(e.g.
PowerPoint, Lotus Freelance) are used to create
slide showsand presentations which can be
viewed on- screen or with a data or overhead
projector;
- Web page editors(e.g. MS
FrontPage,Macromedia Dreamweaver) are used
to create Web pages
Examples of applications
1. Microsoft Word
2. Microsoft Excel
3. Microsoft Power Point
4. Microsoft Outlook
5. Photoshop
6. Corel draw
7. Google Chrome
8. Codeblocks
9. VLC Player
10. Tally ERP9

In summary, while application packaging offers

significant benefits in terms of simplifying
deployment, ensuring consistency, and
enhancing manageability, it also presents
challenges related to complexity, resource
overhead, compatibility, and licensing
considerations. Organizations must carefully
weigh the pros and cons of application
packaging and choose the appropriate
packaging approach based on their specific
requirements and constraints.
 QUESTION 2

Advantages and disadvantages

of application packaging
Advantages of Application
Packages
1. Saves time and effort – Application packages
are a real time-saver, eliminating the need
for users to build software from scratch,
thereby minimizing effort.
2. Reduces development risk – They cut down
the risk of development issues as they are
pre-tested and ready-to-use, ensuring stable
operation.
3. Cost-effective solution – Being a cost-
effective solution, they eliminate the high
costs associated with developing software
in-house, making them economically viable.
4. Ensures software consistency – Application
packages maintain software consistency as
they follow a standard design and
functionality, providing a uniform user
experience.
5. Offers customer support – They come with
customer support, meaning users can get
help or guidance whenever they encounter
problems or have queries.
6. Consistency: Packaging ensures
consistency across different environments
by providing a standardized method for
deploying applications. This helps in
maintaining a stable and predictable
 computing environment, particularly in
large-scale deployments.
7. Isolation: Certain packaging methods, such
as containerization and application
virtualization, offer isolation mechanisms
that prevent conflicts between applications
and ensure that each application runs in its
own environment. This enhances security
and stability by reducing the risk of software
conflicts
8. Version Control: Packaging facilitates
version control by encapsulating specific
versions of applications and their
dependencies within the package. This
ensures that users are consistently using the
intended version of the software, which can
help in troubleshooting and maintaining
compatibility
9. Simplified Deployment: Application
packaging streamlines the deployment
process by bundling all necessary
components, dependencies, and
configurations into a single package. This
simplifies installation for end-users and
reduces the risk of errors during deployment
10. Efficiency: Packaging allows for efficient
distribution and installation of software,
especially in enterprise environments where
multiple machines need to be provisioned
with the same set of applications. Automated
deployment tools can further enhance
 efficiency by automating the packaging and
deployment process
11. Centralized Management: Many
packaging solutions offer centralized
management capabilities, allowing
administrators to remotely deploy, update,
and monitor applications across a network
of computers. This centralized control
simplifies administration tasks and improves
overall manageability

Application packaging offers several

advantages, but it also comes with its own set of
challenges and disadvantages. Here's a
breakdown of the pros and cons:
Disadvantages of
Application Packages
1. Can be expensive to purchase – Application
packages often come with a high price tag,
which can be a financial burden for smaller
businesses or individual users.
2. Limited customization options – These
packages typically have set features and
functions, meaning customization
possibilities are limited, which can hinder
adaptability.
3. Requires regular updates – To ensure
optimal performance and security, regular
updates are required, which can be time-
consuming and disruptive.
4. May not meet specific needs – They may not
cater to unique or specific requirements of
every business or user, potentially leading to
inefficiencies.
5. Learning curve for users – There’s often a
learning curve involved for users, especially
those who are not tech-savvy, which can
slow down productivity.
6. Complexity: Application packaging can be
complex, especially when dealing with large
or complex applications that have intricate
dependencies and configurations.
Packaging may require expertise in various
 technologies and tools, as well as an
understanding of the target platform and
deployment environment
7. Resource Overhead: Certain packaging
methods, such as virtualization and
containerization, may introduce additional
resource overhead, including increased
storage requirements and computational
overhead for maintaining isolated
environments
8. Compatibility Issues: Packaging may
introduce compatibility issues, particularly
when deploying applications across different
operating systems or versions. Ensuring
compatibility with various platforms and
configurations can be challenging, requiring
thorough testing and validation
9. Licensing Considerations: Packaging may
raise licensing considerations, especially
when redistributing third-party software
components or when using certain
packaging tools or formats that have their
own licensing restrictions. Organizations
must ensure compliance with software
licensing agreements to avoid legal issues
10. Dependency Management: Managing
dependencies can be challenging, especially
when dealing with third-party libraries or
components that may have their own
licensing and compatibility requirements.
Resolving dependencies and ensuring
 compatibility can require careful planning
and coordination
11. Overhead of Updates: While packaging
facilitates software updates, managing
updates across a large number of deployed
packages can be labor-intensive and time-
consuming. Organizations must establish
efficient update processes to ensure that
deployed applications remain secure and up-
to-date.