Application Software
Chapter 3
Application Software
Application Software are end-user software that are used to
accomplish a variety of tasks.
The three categories of application software are:
1. general purpose: Application used for doing common tasks, such as
browsers and word processors. Also known as productivity applications.
2. Specialized: Programs that are narrowly focused on specific disciplines
and occupations. Like multimedia, web authoring, virtual reality, and
artificial intelligence.
3. mobile applications (Apps): add-on programs for a variety of mobile
devices, including cell phones and tablets.
User Interface
You control and interact with a program using a user interface.
A graphical user interface (GUI) uses icons selected by a mouse-controlled pointer.
A window contains a document, program, or message.
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Software programs with a traditional GUI have:
1. Menus—present commands listed on the menu bar.
2. Toolbars—contain buttons for quick access to commonly used commands.
3. Dialog box—provides additional information or requests user input.
Software programs with a Ribbon GUI have:
1. Ribbons—replace menus and toolbars.
2. Tabs—divide ribbons into groups. Contextual tabs automatically appear when
needed.
3. Galleries—graphically display alternatives before they are selected.
1.1 General-purpose applications
General-purpose applications include
1. word processors
2. Spreadsheets
3. presentation software
4. database management systems.
Word Processors
Word processors create text-based
documents. Individuals and
organizations use word processors to
create memos, letters, and reports.
Organizations also create newsletters,
manuals, and brochures to provide
information to their customers.
Microsoft Word is the most widely
used word processor. Others include
Apple Pages and Google Docs.
Spreadsheets
Spreadsheets organize, analyze, and
graph numeric data such as budgets
and financial reports.
They are widely used by nearly every
profession.
Microsoft Excel is the most widely used
spreadsheet program. Others include
Apple Numbers and Google Sheets.
Presentation
Presentation software are programs that
combine a variety of visual objects to
create attractive, visually interesting
presentations. They are excellent tools to
communicate a message and to persuade
people.
People in a variety of settings and
situations use presentation software
programs to make their presentations
more interesting and professional.
Three of the most widely used
presentation software programs are
Microsoft PowerPoint, Apple Keynote,
and Google Slides.
Database Management Systems
A database is a collection of related data.
A database management system (DBMS)
or database manager is a program that
structures a database. It provides tools to
enter, edit, and retrieve data from the
database.
Organizations use databases for many
purposes, including maintaining
employee records.
Two widely used database management
systems designed for personal computers
are Microsoft Access and Apple
FileMaker.
1.2 SPECIALIZED APPLICATIONS
Specialized applications are widely used within specific
professions.
SPECIALIZED APPLICATIONS include:
graphics programs
video game design software
web authoring programs.
Graphics programs
Graphics programs are used by graphic arts
professionals.
1. Video editors edit video to enhance quality
and appearance.
2. Image editors (photo editors) edit digital
photographs consisting of thousands of dots, or
pixels, that form bitmap or raster images.
3. Illustration programs (drawing programs)
create and edit vector images. Vector images
(vector illustrations) use geometric shapes.
4. Desktop publishing programs (page layout
programs) mix text and graphics to create
professional-quality publications.
Video game design software
Video game design software helps to
organize thoughts and guide users
through the game design process,
including character development and
environmental design.
Web Authoring Programs
Web authoring is the process of
creating a website. Individuals create
online diaries called blogs.
Web authoring programs (web page
editors, HTML editors) create
sophisticated commercial websites.
Some are WYSIWYG (what you see is
what you get) editors.
1.3 Mobile applications (apps)
Mobile apps (mobile applications, apps) are add-on programs for mobile devices.
Traditional applications include address books, to-do lists, alarms, and message
lists.
Popular apps include those for music, videos, social networking, shopping, and
game playing:
1. Pandora and Spotify provide popular music apps.
2. YouTube and Netflix provide streaming video apps.
3. Facebook and Instagram provide social networking apps.
4. Amazon provides a shopping app.
5. Minecraft and Final Fantasy are popular game playing apps. Minecraft involves exploring
and reconstructing a world. Players may buy additional environments to explore. Final
Fantasy is a role playing game (RPG) where gamers can join a team of adventurers and
battle across fantastic worlds.
App Stores
An app store is typically a website that provides access to specific mobile apps that can
be downloaded either for a nominal fee or free of charge.
Two of the best-known stores are Apple’s App Store and Google Play.
Most of the best-known app stores specialize in applications for a particular line of
mobile devices, other less well-known stores provide apps for a wide variety of mobile
devices.
Software Suites
A software suite is a collection of individual application packages sold
together.
1. Office suites (office software suites or productivity suites) contain
professional grade application programs (MS Office 2021).
2. Cloud suites (online office suites) are stored on servers and available
through the Internet (Office 365).
3. Specialized suites focus on specific applications such as graphics (Adobe).
4. Utility suites include a variety of programs designed to make computing
easier and safer (McAfee web security).
