Chapter 3 & 4 - Application Software

Application software is an end-user software which is used to complete a variety of tasks. Application software can interact with computer hardware by operates with the system software. Application software can classify into two categories which is basic application software and specialized application software.

Basic application software  - general-purpose application

The common types of basic application software are : 

1.   Word processors

• mostly used by the end-users to create text-based documents such as brochure, newsletter, faxes, manuals and memos
• The common features of word processor program is word wrap, editing (find or replace, spelling and grammar checkers) and also formatting which is font sizing, make character effects, bullet and numbered lists.
• The common and popular word processor program is Microsoft Word.

2.   Spreadsheet

• a program that organize, analyse and summarize numerical data such as financial budgets
• Word sheet is an electronic spreadsheet which used to organize, manipulate and graph data.
• The common feature of spreadsheet is it consist of grid of numbered rows and columns to organize the data and process it.
• It also consists of formulas, analytical graphs or charts, recalculation and What-if Analysis to make the process of organize and analyse the data more easily and sufficient.

3.   Database management system (DBMS)

• manages and organizes the data and information
• collects related data and it is like a structure of relational data storage
• comprised of tables, queries, forms, and reports
• It can locate and display quickly the records based on various criteria.
• Microsoft Access is the most popular desktop database management software.

4.   Presentation graphic 

• combines a variety of virtual objects
• a program which can create visually interesting and professional presentations
• consists of slide (each page), professional design templates and content templates, animations which add effect to text and graphic, transitions (the patterns and effects of the slide move to the next slide) and master slide
• The most popular presentation graphic is Microsoft PowerPoint. 

Integrated Packages

• A single program that provides the functionality of a word processor, spreadsheet, database and others
• Advantages : cost and simplicity
• Disadvantage : limited functions

Software Suites - collection of separate application programs bundled together

• Productivity suites or office software suite (Microsoft Office)
• Cloud suites or online office suites (Google Docs, Office365)
• Specialized suites
• Utility suites (Norton Internet Security suite)

Software suites is less expensive than individual application but more expensive than integrated packages.

Specialized application software - focused on specific disciplines and occupations

1.   Graphics

          a.   Desktop publishing - Programs that allow you to create publications

• Adobe InDesign
• Microsoft Publisher
• QuarkXPress

          b.   Photo Editors - Editing and modifying digital photographs

• Paint.NET
• Adobe Photoshop
• Corel Paint Shop Pro

          c.   Illustration Programs - Drawing programs that create vector images (geometric shapes or objects)

• Adobe Illustrator
• Inkscape
• CorelDRAW

          d.   Image Galleries - Libraries of electronic images

• Stock photographs - photographs on a variety of subject materials
• Clip art - graphic illustrations representing a wide range of topics

          e.   Graphic Suite - bundle separate graphic design programs (lower cost)

• Adobe Creative Suite
• CorelDraw Graphics Suite includes five individual Corel graphics programs plus clip art, media clips, and fonts

2.   Audio and Video editing

          a.   Video editing software - reorganize and add effects to footage

• Apple iMovie
• Windows Movie Maker

          b.   Audio editing software - Create and edit audio clips, filter out imperfections and make MP3s

• Apple Garage Band
• Sony ACID

3.   Multimedia Authoring Programs - Create multimedia presentations (interactive framework included video, audio, graphics, and text elements)

• Adobe Director
• Toolbook

4.   Web Authoring (web page editors) - create web sites and HTML coding

• Adobe Dreamweaver
• NetObjects Fusion
• Microsoft Expression

5.   Artificial Intelligence - Attempts to simulate human senses, thought processes and actions

• reasoning, learning from past experience, vision and touch

Three areas of AI 

a.   Virtual reality (VR) - simulates reality in 3-D

• Virtual reality walls allow a user to view simulations

b.   Knowledge-based (expert) systems - Database that contains facts, rules to relate these facts, and user input to formulate recommendations and decisions

• These systems are used in areas such as:
• • Medicine
  • Geology
  • Architecture
  • Nature

c.   Robotics - computer-controlled machines which often used to handle dangerous and repetitive tasks

• Perception System Robots – imitate some of the human senses, inspect products, secure homes
• Industrial Robots – perform tasks in factories
• Mobile Robots – can move about and perform tasks, locate and disarm explosive devices
• Household Robots – perform household chores

6.   Mobile Apps - App Stores

Example of specialized application software.

Through this chapter, I can differentiate the basic and specialized application software. They have different characteristics and if I can handle all the skills of using these software, I will love myself so much.