COMP 6005 An Introduction To Computing Session Two: Computer Software Application Software

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software2 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software3 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)

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software4 Types of Applications Business Software Graphics and multimedia Home/Personal/Educational Communications

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software5 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software6 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software7 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software8 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software9 Spreadsheets Allows users to perform calculations on data ]Uses include: balancing accounts, inventory, grade record keeping, etc Examples: Lotus 1-2-3, Microsoft Excel

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software10 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software11 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software12 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software13 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software14 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software15 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software16 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software17 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software18 Discussion Issue 3-3, pg 152

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software19 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software20 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software21 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software22 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

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software23 Discussion Looking Ahead 3-2, pg 158

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software24 Communications Software FTP Web browser Newsgroup/Message board Chat room Instant messaging Video Conferencing/ Telephone calls

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software25 Discussion Issue 3-4, pg 160 Apply It 3-2, pg 161

COMP An Introduction to Computing - Session Two: Computer Software26 Links Reference –Discovery Computers 2005 by Shelly, Cashman and Vermaat Of Interest: – – –