Application Software

COMP 6005 An Introduction To Computing

Session Two: Computer Software

Application Software

COMP 6005 - An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software 2

Objectives

• Identify the different categories of application software

• Identify the key types of programs for:– Business use– Graphics and multimedia use– Home, personal and educational use– Communications

• Discuss the advantages of using application software on the Web


Definition

• Program designed to perform a specific function directly for the user or, in some cases, for another application program

• Include: browsers, Web processors, database programs, spreadsheets, development tools, drawing, paint, image editing programs, and communication programs

• Uses the services of the computer's operating system and other supporting applications through a defined application program interface (API)


Types of Applications

• Business Software

• Graphics and multimedia

• Home/Personal/Educational

• Communications


Business Software

• Assists people in becoming more effective and efficient while performing their daily business activities

• Examples: word processors, accounting, Note taking, spreadsheet, database, presentation graphics

• Figure 3-5, pg 136


Word Processors

• Program that provides special capabilities beyond that of a text editor such as WordPad

• Screen the user from structural or printer-formatting markup – WYSIWYG

• Uses: typing documents and letters, simple desktop publishing, etc

• Examples include: Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect


Discussion• Issue 3-2, pg 138

• If you were Microsoft, entering into the field of word processing which is firmly established by Corel, what would you do to ensure your product is recognize and used in preference over Corel. Why is it that Microsoft has overtaken Corel in user acceptance and use of a word processor?

• Assume you have never heard of Corel WordPerfect. Run a search for a word processor and determine how easily (or difficult) it is to find the site, and how long it took you to find it


Spreadsheets• Program that simulates a physical spreadsheet

by capturing, displaying, and manipulating data arranged in rows and columns

• Ability to portray data relationships graphically

• Most are multidimensional – one spreadsheet can be linked to another; a change in one spreadsheet automatically affects the others


Spreadsheets

• Allows users to perform calculations on data

• ]Uses include: balancing accounts, inventory, grade record keeping, etc

• Examples: Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel


• Program used to create sequences of text and images that tell a story or help support a speech or public presentation of information

• Can be divided into business presentation software and more general multimedia authoring tools, with some products having characteristics of both

• Examples: Microsoft PowerPoint and Lotus's Freelance Graphics

Presentation


Database Management

• Database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval and use of the data

• Database software allows users to create, access and manage a database

• Able to sort, delete, edit, insert and retrieve data stored in a database

• Also able to create reports and forms


Database Management

• Users run queries to retrieve data– Query is a request for specific data

• Uses include: storing customer information, inventory

• Example: Microsoft Access, Oracle, MySQL, Corel Paradox


Note Taking

• Enables users to enter typed text, handwritten comments, drawings or sketches anywhere on a page, and then save the page as part of a notebook

• Can also include audio recordings

• Notes can be then organized, shared, reused – allows searching for specific text


Note Taking

• Desktop/laptop users enter via keyboard or microphone

• Tablet PC users enter via digital pen

• Incorporates many features in word processing – spell check; inserting audio and video clips; changing font colours, sizes and types

• Example: Microsoft Office OneNote 2003


Graphics and Multimedia Software

• Sophisticated software that allows users to work with graphics and multimedia

• Includes: computer-aided design (CAD), desktop publishing, paint/image editing, video and audio editing, animation, multimedia authoring, Web page authoring

• Figure 3-21, pg 150


Computer-Aided Design

• Used by engineers, architects and professionals creating scientific designs

• Examples of designs: aircrafts, security systems, molecular structures, floor plans

• Eliminates manual drafting; designers make changes to a drawing or design and immediately view results

• Can be three-dimensional to allow designers to rotate designs of 3-D objects for viewing at any angle

• Examples: Microsoft Audio Visio 2003, Autodesk AutoCAD


Multimedia Authoring• Allows users to combine text, graphics, audio, video and

animation into an interactive application

• Users create interactive computer-based or web-based presentations designed to:– Aid learning– Demonstrate product functionality

• Used by: training centres, online magazine publishers, learning institutions

• Examples: Macromedia Director, Macromedia Authorware


Discussion

• Issue 3-3, pg 152


Home, Personal and Educational Software

• Software designed specifically for home, personal and educational use

• Relatively inexpensive; may be scaled down versions of business software

• Figure 3-27, pg 154


H/P/E Software

• Software suite – Combine word processing, spreadsheet and database– Do not have all capabilities of business applications;

e.g: Microsoft Works

• Personal finance– Simplified accounting program to help balance

checkbooks, pay bills, track expenses; e.g: Intuit Quicken

– May offer online services such as online banking


H/P/E Software

• Legal– Aids in preparing legal documents and provides legal

information for developing contracts for buying/selling/renting property, marriage/divorce, etc

– Example: Broderbund Family Lawyer

• Tax preparation– Guides through the process of filling tax forms– Can be used to forecast tax liabilities; e.g: Quicken

TurboTax– Apply It 3-1, pg 156


H/P/E Software

• Home design/Landscaping– Aid in remodeling, design, improvements of a

home, deck or landscape– Example: Broderbund 3D Home Architect

• Educational– Teaches a particular skill– Software available on almost any subject for

any age


Discussion

• Looking Ahead 3-2, pg 158


Communications Software

• E-mail

• FTP

• Web browser

• Newsgroup/Message board

• Chat room

• Instant messaging

• Video Conferencing/ Telephone calls


Discussion

• Issue 3-4, pg 160

• Apply It 3-2, pg 161


Links

• Reference– Discovery Computers 2005 by Shelly,

Cashman and Vermaat

• Of Interest:– http://www.voicemethods.com/– http://www.irs.gov/efile/– http://www.downloadsuperstore.com/

http://www.voicemethods.com/

http://www.irs.gov/efile/

http://www.downloadsuperstore.com/



Technology

Application Software