Consider a software application or tool that you are familiar with (e.g., a web-
ID: 3884235 • Letter: C
Question
Consider a software application or tool that you are familiar with (e.g., a web-based application, a mobile application, a computer game, a GUI builder, etc.), describe the purpose of the application or tool, and give 3 examples of its core functions or software features that demonstrate quality functionality. Briefly explain why you think these are examples of good quality, high functioning software. Also, give 2 examples of this software tool’s features that could be improved. Briefly suggest ways to improve them or indicate additional functionality that could be included.
Explanation / Answer
Mozilla Firefox Browser
Mozilla Firefox is a popular web browser software that enables the user to connect to internet and browse the web pages on the world-wide-web.
Some of its core functions include:
1. Ability to open and view web pages : It is used to visit websites and view data on internet.
2. Extensions and Add-Ons : Mozilla Firefox allows users to customize its user experience using the numerous extensions and add-ons that vastly improve the functionality of the web-browser. Add-ons such as online pdf reader, ad-blocker, etc are useful.
3. Developer options : Mozilla firefox also allows users with interest in web development to immerse in backend part of webpages. Features like Developer tools and Inspect element are handy in debugging and exploring the web sites.
Features like these grealty improve the usability of the software. The ability of the software to provide something extra other that the expected services is always a benefit and is appreciated. A good software always focuses on its core functionality (web browsing here) but is never limited to it.
Some features that could use improvements are -
1. Better print options - The browser should provide a functionality to save a web page as a pdf also rather than normal html file.
2. Better add-on integration - Mozilla firefox team release an update every 6 weeks. As a result, all existing add-ons also need to be updated and integrated with the new browser changes. Sometimes these changes can result in an add-on not working. Better integration of updates could ensure that older add-ons could work with newer versions of browser upto some extend.