UEC 01 : Computer Skills & Programming Concepts I 1PUA – Computer Engineering Department – UEC01 – Dr. Mona Abou - Of Lecture 6: Applications Software.

This Lecture Covers:  System Software vs. Application Software.  Custom Software.  Packaged (commercial) software.  Acquiring Software: New Ways  Task-Oriented Software 2PUA – Computer Engineering Department – UEC01 – Dr. Mona Abou - Of

Objectives Distinguish between operating systems and applications software List the various methods by which individuals and businesses acquire software List and briefly describe various types of task- oriented software Identify the kinds of software that are available for both large and small businesses

System Software vs. Application Software System software acts as a mediator between application programs and the hardware resources of the computer system. Application software provides the tools to perform particular tasks on a PC, such as writing a letter, processing orders, playing games, composing an , and so forth.

Acquiring Software: Traditional Ways Custom software Written by programmers hired by organization Packaged (commercial) software Purchased from a store, catalog, or Web site

Custom Software Specifically tailored to an organization’s needs Organization hires computer programmers to design, write, test, and implement software Can be extremely complex and take years to write

Packaged Software Sold in stores, catalogs, or Web sites Sometimes downloaded from the Internet Package contains one or more CDs or DVDs holding the software Typically contains software documentation Designed to be user-friendly

User-Friendly Software Easy to use Should be sensitive for even a beginning user Can be used with minimum of training and documentation

Acquiring Software: New Ways Freeware Public Domain Open-Source software Shareware

Freeware Author provides it free for all to use Author retains copyright May place restrictions on its use May not be altered or redistributed without permission

Public Domain Software that is not copyrighted May be used and even altered without permission Typically developed by universities and/or research institutions using government grants

Open-Source Software A variation of freeware Source code made available Source code: readable by humans Other programmers can modify and redistribute the programs freely Helps identify bugs and create improvements more easily

Shareware Copyrighted software, freely distributed for a trial period If you like it, register it for a fee Most authors add free documentation, enhancements, support, and updates to encourage people to register

Buying Commercial Software Individual copies for each computer Site license Electronic software distribution Application Service Provider

Site License Software installed on some or all computers, depending on license terms Customer keeps track of how many users Number of users cannot exceed number of licenses Customer copies and distributes software and manuals to users Some organizations use network licenses Software installed on server License fee based on number of concurrent users

Electronic Software Distribution Get software from the Internet Typically freeware and shareware Some commercial software Typical scenario: Download software for trial period Software disables itself after trial period unless you register (pay)

Application Service Provider Delivers applications to businesses via the Internet ASP maintains software and data on its systems Customers access applications as needed over the Internet Alternative to creating and maintaining custom software or purchasing packaged software “Rent” software, paying based on usage

Task-Oriented Software Often called productivity software Common categories Word processing/Desktop publishing Electronic spreadsheets Database management Graphics Communications Others

Working with Words Word Processing (Ex: Microsoft word) Most widely used personal computer software Create memos, reports, papers Incorporate graphics into documents Desktop Publishing (Ex: Adobe) High-level publishing needs Newsletters Brochures, promotional materials

Electronic Spreadsheets Ex: Excel Made up of rows and columns of numbers Perform “what if” analysis Change a cell and have spreadsheet recalculate Present data graphically Show expenses as a pie chart

Database Management Ex: Access, MySQL, Oracle Handles the management of a collection of interrelated facts Software can store, retrieve, update, and manipulate data Can report data in many ways and print Turn large amounts of data into information

Graphics Graphics software creates graphs and charts from numeric data Spot trends and compare data more easily Visual evidence Included in spreadsheet programs Presentation graphics creates “slide show” presentations (Ex: PowerPoint) Combine high-quality graphics, audio, and video Photo editing applications. (Ex: Photoshop from Adobe & Paint Shop Pro from Correl)

Communications The ability to hook the computer up to phone line or cable and communicate with another computer Typically connected over the Internet Needs a browser to access other locations on the Internet. (Ex: Internet Explorer) ing applications. (Ex:Outlook)

Other Task Software Personal Information Managers Keep track of activities Typically include appointment calendar, address book, and task manager Office Suite A group of basic applications that work together Integrated application Multimedia: Media Player Web authoring: FrontPage. Computer games