1. Generic Software What do we mean by the term “generic software”?
Examples of generic software
Integrated applications and suites
Features of generic software

2. General Purpose/Generic Software
Some software wasn’t designed for a specific purpose - they are known as generic or content-free applications
Integrated packages contain several of these functions in one application - e.g. Microsoft Works or Lotus Symphony
Software suites contain these functions in separate applications, e.g. Microsoft Office or Lotus SmartSuite

3. Integrated Software and Suites
Integrated packages contain several of these functions in one application - e.g. Microsoft Works or Lotus Symphony
Software suites contain these functions in separate applications, e.g. Microsoft Office or Lotus SmartSuite

4. Integrated Software – e.g. Works

5. Software Suite

6. Examples of Generic Software
Word processor – e.g. Word, WordPerfect
Spreadsheet – e.g. Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
Database applications – e.g. Access, Approach
Presentation – e.g. PowerPoint, Impress
Electronic Mail & Diary – e.g. Outlook, Notes
Web-browser – e.g. Firefox, Opera
Application generator – Access, Paradox

7. Features of a Word Processor
Spelling and grammar checker
Pre-defined styles and templates
Tables and columns
Creation of indexes and table of contents
Import other files / save in different formats
Graphics manipulation
Mail merge
WYSIWYG / print preview

8. Features of a Spreadsheet Application
Rows, columns, cells and ranges
Formatting - £, %, decimal places, etc.
Formulae for basic arithmetic
Functions – text, statistical, etc.
Macros & buttons
Simple database features – sorting and filtering
Charts / graphs

9. Features of a Database Application
Fields
Tables
Queries
Relationships
Forms
Reports
Macros

10. Features of Presentation Software
Styles and templates
Animations and transitions
ClipArt and sound
Automatic timings
Slide sorter
Macros
Bullet points and other formatting features

11. Features of E-Mail Software
Address, title and body
CC and BCC
Address Book
Forward and Reply
Different folders/boxes
Priority
Attachments
Filtering – e.g. for spam

12. Features of Diary Software
Appointments
Recurring appointments
Anniversaries / all-day events
Reminders
Invite other participants
Warn of clashes
Address Book

13. Features of a Web-Browser
Space for address / URL
Home button
Back and Forward buttons
Favorites (sic) / Bookmarks
History
Cache
Scripting – JavaScript or VBScript
Security options – encryption, JavaScript, Java, etc.

14. Features of an Application Generator
An application generator is an application (e.g. Access) that can be used to create a standalone application, containing:
Database tables
Forms
Buttons, etc.
Queries
Reports
Menus
Security & access levels?