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APPLICATION SOFTWARE

There are 2 basic types of software. System software focuses on handling technical details.

Application software focuses on completing specific tasks or applications. 2 categories are basic applications and specialized applications.

COMMON FEATURES

U 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. Most software programs, including Microsoft Office 2003, also have

·        Menus – present commands listed on the menu bar.

·        Dialog box – provides additional information / request user input.

·        Toolbars – contain buttons for quick access to commonly used commands.

Microsoft Office 2010 uses and interface introduced with Microsoft Office 2007 which includes

·        Ribbons – replace menus n toolbars.

·        Tabs – divide ribbons into major activity areas organized into groups. Contextual tabs automatically appear when needed.

·        Galleries – display graphic representations of alternatives.

Some applications support speech recognition by allowing voice input.

WORD PROCESSOR

-         Allow  u to create , edit, save and print text-based documents, including flyers, reports, newsletters and web pages.

Features

WORD WRAP is a basic feature that automatically moves the insertion point to the next line. Editing features include

·         Thesaurus – which provides synonyms, antonyms, and related words.

·         Find and replace – which located (finds), removes, and inserts (replace) another word(s).

·         Spelling and grammar checkers – which automatically locate misspelled words and grammar problems.

Formatting features include

·         Font – design of characters. Font size is the height of characters.

·         Characters effects – include bold, italic, and colors.

·         Styles – feature that quickly applies predefined formats.

·         Bulleted and numbered lists – used to present sequences of topics or steps.

SPREADSHEETS

-         Programs are used to organize, analyze and graph numeric data.

Features

Principal spreadsheet features include  the following

-         Workbook files – consist of one / more related worksheets.

-         Worksheets – also known as spreadsheets / sheets, are rectangular grids of rows and columns. Rows are identified by numbers, columns by letters.

-         Cells – are formed by the intersection of a row and column; used to hold text and numeric entries.

-         Text entries (labels) – provide structure and numeric entries can be numbers / formulas.

-         Range – is a series of cells.

-         Analytical graphs (charts) – represent data visually.

-         Recalculation – occurs whenever a value changes in one cell that effects another cell(s).

-         What-if analysis – is the process of observing the effect of changing one / more values.

DATABASE MANAGEMENT

-         Is a collection of related data. A database management system (DBMS), also known as a database manager, structures a database and provides tools for manipulating data.

Features

Principal database management system features include the following

-         Relational database organizes data into related tables.

-         Tables have rows (records) and column (fields).

-         Sort is a tool to rearrange records.

-         Filter is a tool to display only those records meeting specified conditions.

-         Query is a question / request for specific data contained in a database.

-         Forms are used to enter and edit records.

-         Reports are printed output in a variety of forms.

PRESENTATION GRAPHICS

-         Combine a variety of visual objects to create attractive, visually interesting presentations. They are excellent tools to communicate a message and to persuade people.

Features

Principal presentation graphics features include the following

·         Slides – individual pages / screens of a presentation.

·         Design templates – professionally selected combination of color schemes, slide layouts and special effects.

·         Content templates – provide suggested content for each slide.

·         Animations – adds action to text and graphics. Transition animate moving from slide to the next.

INTEGRATED PACKAGES

-An integrated package, also known as personal / home software, is a single program that provides the functionality of several application packages. Some important characteristics include

·         Functions that typically include word processing, spreadsheet, database manager and more. Each function is not as extensive / powerful as a single-function application program.

·         Less expensive than purchasing several individual application programs and simple to use.

·         Popular with home users who are willing to sacrifice some advanced features for cost and simplicity.

SOFTWARE SUITES

-         A software suite is a collection of individual application packages sold together.

·         Productivity suites (office software suites/ office suites) contain professional-grade application programs.

·         Alternative office suites include downloadable office suites (stored on your computer) or online office suites (stored online).

·         Specialized suites focus on specific applications such as graphics.

·         Utility suites include a variety of programs designed to make computing easier and safer.