gebruikerssoftware

English translation: user software; front-end software

GLOSSARY ENTRY (DERIVED FROM QUESTION BELOW)
Dutch term or phrase:gebruikerssoftware; gebruikersoftware
English translation:user software; front-end software
Entered by: Michael Beijer

23:34 Jan 21, 2015
Dutch to English translations [PRO]
Tech/Engineering - Computers: Software / Belgian traffic-signal controller tender
Dutch term or phrase: gebruikerssoftware
I have seen this variously translated as:

desktop software,
consumer software,
application software,
firmware,
user-written software, and, last but not least:
user software.

Reading the following Wikipedia article then confused me even more:

"Architecture
See also: Software architecture

Users often see things differently from programmers. People who use modern general purpose computers (as opposed to embedded systems, analog computers and supercomputers) usually see three layers of software performing a variety of tasks: platform, application, and user software.

• Platform software: Platform includes the firmware, device drivers, an operating system, and typically a graphical user interface which, in total, allow a user to interact with the computer and its peripherals (associated equipment). Platform software often comes bundled with the computer. On a PC one will usually have the ability to change the platform software.

• Application software: Application software or Applications are what most people think of when they think of software. Typical examples include office suites and video games. Application software is often purchased separately from computer hardware. Sometimes applications are bundled with the computer, but that does not change the fact that they run as independent applications. Applications are usually independent programs from the operating system, though they are often tailored for specific platforms. Most users think of compilers, databases, and other "system software" as applications.

User-written software: End-user development tailors systems to meet users' specific needs. User software includes spreadsheet templates and word processor templates. Even email filters are a kind of user software. Users create this software themselves and often overlook how important it is. Depending on how competently the user-written software has been integrated into default application packages, many users may not be aware of the distinction between the original packages, and what has been added by co-workers." (https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Software )

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------*
OK, and now my own text (a tender document relating to a traffic-signal controllers; basically, the Belgian government is looking for a company to supply the equipment):

"Het afstandsbedieningssysteem staat ook in voor het tot stand brengen van een verbinding tussen de verkeersregelaar en een PC of laptop op afstand ( zie ook $gebruikerssoftware)."

[…]

1.2.1.1.O GEBRUIKERSSOFTWARE
Als last van de aanneming levert de opdrachtnemer alle gebruikerssoftware nodig voor het uitvoeren van minstens alle handelingen zoals hieronder beschreven. De gebruikerssoftware wordt in 7-voud geleverd op een USB-stick, CD- of DVD-ROM die het de aanbestedende overheid mogelijk maakt de software volledig te (her)configureren op een eigen toestel. De minimale specificaties dat dit toestel moet hebben, worden duidelijk bij de inschrijving vermeld.
De gebruikerssoftware laat minimaal toe om lokaal (via ethernetverbinding of draadloze, goed beveiligde WIFI verbinding) en op afstand (via een inbelverbinding of het telematicanetwerk):
• De inhoud van het geheugen uit te lezen en op te slaan in een gebruikelijk formaat, in het bijzonder:
o Alle actuele en afgemelde foutmeldingen
o De gegevens van het kruispunt: seingroepen, detectoren, beveiligde/bewaakte rode verkeerslichten, conflictmatrix, …
o De opgeslagen detectorwaarden en seingroeptoestanden
• Een overzicht te geven van eerder geïnstalleerde kruispuntprogramma’s (datum aanpassing, verkeersplannummer, …)
etc."
Michael Beijer
United Kingdom
Local time: 19:12
user software
Explanation:
Do not let yourself be confused by the mental image of the user as an ordinary 'man on the street'. The user here is not necessarily a lay individual; more likely a professional who is using the software in a highly technical way to control the traffic signals but would still be classed as a user. Seems to me to be a straightforward choice.
Selected response from:

Textpertise
United Kingdom
Local time: 19:12
Grading comment
4 KudoZ points were awarded for this answer



Summary of answers provided
4 +3user software
Textpertise
3front-end software
Kitty Brussaard


Discussion entries: 16





  

Answers


58 mins   confidence: Answerer confidence 4/5Answerer confidence 4/5 peer agreement (net): +3
user software


Explanation:
Do not let yourself be confused by the mental image of the user as an ordinary 'man on the street'. The user here is not necessarily a lay individual; more likely a professional who is using the software in a highly technical way to control the traffic signals but would still be classed as a user. Seems to me to be a straightforward choice.

Textpertise
United Kingdom
Local time: 19:12
Native speaker of: Native in EnglishEnglish
PRO pts in category: 8

Peer comments on this answer (and responses from the answerer)
agree  Barbara Schmidt, M.A. (X)
6 hrs

agree  philgoddard
6 hrs

agree  writeaway: seems like the obvious translation to a very challenging term
14 hrs
Login to enter a peer comment (or grade)

4 days   confidence: Answerer confidence 3/5Answerer confidence 3/5
front-end software


Explanation:
You could use 'front-end software' or 'front-end user software' in this specific case as well.

Kitty Brussaard
Netherlands
Local time: 20:12
Works in field
Native speaker of: Native in DutchDutch
PRO pts in category: 8
Notes to answerer
Asker: Thanks Kitty!

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