TOPIC

6
APPLICATION
SOFTWARE

Adapted from slides provided by the authors of the textbook “Computing Essentials 2017” by
Timothy O'Leary and Linda O'Leary and Daniel O'Leary
Learning Outcomes
Identify general-purpose applications

Describe word processors, spreadsheets, presentation programs, and database management systems.

Identify specialized applications.

Describe graphics programs, web authoring programs, and other specialized professional applications.

Describe mobile apps and app stores.

Identify software suites.

Describe office suites, cloud suites, specialized suites, and utility suites.
Outlines
Introduction
Application Software Mobile Apps
Apps
Type of Software
App Stores
User Interface
Software Suites
Common Features
Office Suites
Categories of Application Software Cloud Computing
Specialized Suites
General-Purpose Applications
Utility Suites
Word Processors
Spreadsheets Careers in IT
Presentation Graphics Making IT work for you:
Database Management Systems
Google Docs
Specialized Applications
Graphics
Video Game Design Software
Web Authoring Programs
Artificial Intelligence
Virtual Reality
Other Specialized Applications
Introduction
• Not long ago, trained specialists were
required to perform many of the operations
you can now do with a personal computer.
• Competent end users need to understand
the capabilities of basic application
software including:
• Word processors
• Spreadsheets
• Presentation programs
• Database management systems
Application Software
• End user software
Definition • Accomplish a variety of tasks

• General Purpose Applications

Three (3) • Specialized Applications
categories • Mobile Apps
 Software Types
• Software is available in a variety of forms:
Retail
• is mass-produced, copyrighted software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single user or company
Custom
• performs functions specific to a business or industry. Call as tailor-made custom software. Custom software usually costs more
than retail software.
Web app
• is an application stored on a web server that you access through a browser. Many websites provide free access to their apps.
Some charge a one- time fee, while others charge recurring monthly or annual subscription fees
Mobile app
• is an application you download from a mobile device’s app store, sometimes called a marketplace.; free; others have a minimal
cost
Mobile web app
• is a web app that is optimized for display in a browser on a mobile device, regardless of screen size or orientation.
Shareware
• Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period. a scaled-down version of the software is
distributed free, and payment entitles the user to the fully functional product.
Freeware
• is copyrighted software provided at no cost by an individual or a company that retains all rights to the software.
Open source
• is software provided for use, modification, and redistribution. can be downloaded from a web server on the Internet, often at no
cost.
Public domain
• has been donated for public use and has no copyright restrictions. Anyone can copy or distribute public-domain software to
others at no cost.
Page 161 6
 User Interface
• Graphical User Interface (GUI)
consists of:
• Icons
• Pointer
• Windows
• Menus
• Toolbars
• Buttons
• Dialog Boxes

GUI – displays graphical elements called icons to represent familiar objects.

Common Features in Microsoft
• Ribbon GUI
• Ribbons
• Tabs
• Groups
• Contextual tabs
• Galleries
• Spell checkers
• Alignment
• Font and Font Sizes
• Tables
• Reports
 CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

1. General Purpose Applications

• General purpose applications include:
1. Word processor programs
2. Spreadsheet programs
3. Presentation graphics programs
4. Database management systems (DBMS)
5. Browser
6. Communication software
General Purpose Applications>

1. Word Processor Programs

• Create text-based documents
• Memos, letters, and faxes
• Newsletters, manuals, and brochures
• Word processing programs
• Microsoft Word
• Most popular
• Apple Pages
• Google Docs
• Corel WordPerfect
• OpenOffice Writer
General Purpose Applications>Word Processor Programs

Creating a Flyer
• Flyer Features
• Spell Checker
• Center-alignment
• Grammar Checker
• Fonts
• Font Sizes
• Word Wrap
• Character Effects
General Purpose Applications>Word Processor Programs

Creating a Report
• Report Features
• AutoCorrect
• Footnote
• Header or Footer
• Captions and
Cross References
• Tables
General Purpose Applications

2. Spreadsheet Programs
• Organize, analyze, and graph numeric data
• Spreadsheet programs
• Microsoft Excel
• Most widely used
• Apple Numbers
• OpenOffice Calc
• Corel Quattro Pro
• Google Sheets
General Purpose Applications>Spreadsheet Programs

Creating a Sales Forecast

• Features
• Worksheets
• Text entries
• Functions
• Cells
• Formulas
General Purpose Applications>Spreadsheet Programs

Analyzing Your Data

• Analysis Features
• Workbook and
worksheets
• What-if Analysis
General Purpose Applications>

3. Presentation Graphics Programs

• Combine a variety of visual objects to create
visually interesting presentations
• Presentation programs
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• OpenOffice Impress
• Apple Keynote
• Google Slides
• Corel Presentations
General Purpose Applications>Presentation graphics programs

Creating a Presentation
• Presentation Features
• Document Theme
• Animation
• Templates
General Purpose Applications>

4. Database Management Systems (DBMS)

• A collection of related data

• Electronic equivalent of a file cabinet
• Two most widely used systems
• Microsoft Access
• OpenOffice Base
• Apple FileMaker
• Google Obvibase
General Purpose Applications> Database Management Systems (DBMS)

Creating a Database
• First steps is to plan
• Database Features
• Primary Key
• Fields
• Record
• Table
• Form
General Purpose Applications>

5. Browser

A special internet software connecting you to remote computers;

opens and transfers files
Displays text and images
Provides an uncomplicated interface to the Internet and web
documents

Examples of browsers:
Internet Mozilla Google
Explorer Firefox Chrome
General Purpose Applications>

6. Communication Software
Use computers is to communicate and share information with
others;

Online
Blog Browsing Chat Discussion

Instant
Email File Transfer Internet Phone
Messaging

Mobile
Videoconference Web Feeds
Messaging
CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

2. Specialized Applications
• Programs that more narrowly focused on
specific disciplines and occupations
• Includes:
1. Graphics Programs
2. Video Game Design Software
3. Web Authoring Programs
4. Artificial Intelligence
5. Virtual Reality
6. Other Specialized Applications
 Specialized Applications>

2.1. Graphics Programs

• Widely used in graphic arts
• Types of graphics programs are:
• Desktop Publishing Programs
• Image Editing Programs
• Illustration Programs
• Image Galleries
Specialized Applications>Graphics Programs

Desktop Publishing Programs

• Also known as Page Layout Programs
• Mix text and graphics to create brochures,
newsletters, newspapers and textbooks
• Popular programs:
• Adobe InDesign
• Microsoft Publisher
• QuarkXPress
Specialized Applications>Graphics Programs

Image Editors
• Also know as Photo Editors
• Editing or modifying digital
photographs
• Photographs consist of thousands of
pixels that form images knows as
bitmaps
• Popular image editors
• Adobe Photoshop
• Corel PaintShop Pro
• GIMP (GNU Manipulation Program)
• Windows Live Photo Gallery
Specialized Applications>Graphics Programs

Illustration Programs
• Drawing programs
• Create and edit vector images
• Vector illustrations
• Geometric shapes or objects
• Created by connecting lines and curves
• Defined by mathematical equations
• Popular Illustration Programs
• Adobe Illustrator
• CorelDraw
• Inkscape
Specialized Applications>Graphics Programs

Video Editors
• Edit videos to enhance quality and
appearance
• Can now use your smartphone to edit
videos
• Well-known programs
• Windows Live Movie Maker
• Apple iMovie
• YouTube Video Editor
Specialized Applications> Video Game Design Software

2.2. Video Game Design Software

• Video Game Design Software helps
• Organize thoughts
• Guide user through game design
process
• Character development
• Environmental design
• Free / inexpensive video game
design software
• YoYo GameMaker
• Stencyl
• Unity
Specialized Applications: Web Authoring Programs

2.3. Web Authoring Programs

• Web authoring is the creation of a site
• Design
• Document file displaying website’s content
• Blog
• Online diary/commentaries
• Web Authoring Programs
• Typically used to create commercial sites
• Web page editors or HTML editors
• WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get)
• Most widely used programs
• Adobe Dreamweaver
• Microsoft Expression Web
Specialized Applications: Artificial Intelligence (AI)

2.4. Artificial Intelligence (AI)

• A field of computer science that attempts to develop computer
systems that can mimic or simulate human thought processes
and actions.
• In the future, robots with sophisticated artificial intelligence will
handle everyday chores and you will program these robots using
conversational English instruction.
Specialized Applications: Virtual Reality (VR)

2.5. Virtual Reality (VR)

• Virtual reality (VR) is an artificial, or simulated, reality created in
3D by computers.
• It strives to create a virtual or immersive experience by using
specialized hardware that includes headgear and gloves
• Interactive sensory equipment (headgear and gloves) allowing
users to experience alternative realities generated in 3D by a
computer, thus imitating the physical world.
Specialized Applications: Other Specialized Applications

2.6. Other Specialized Applications

Accounting Personal Finance Project Management

Applications
[example: Intuit [Example: Quicken
Starter Edition] [Example: Project
QuickBooks]
management software]
CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

3. Mobile Apps
• Mobile Applications or Mobile Apps
• Add-on programs for a variety of mobile
devices
• Smartphones or tablets
• Apps
• Breadth and scope are ever-expanding
• 500,000 just for iPhone
CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

3. Mobile Apps
Most widely used apps:
• Music –
• free streaming music Pandora offers with ads and playlists that can customize in a limited way
• Spotify requires a monthly fee but offers direct control of what music you listen to and no ads.
• Video – The YouTube apps [free online videos], Netflix [fee]
• Social networking – Facebook, Instagram
• Shopping – Lazada, Carousell
• Games – Temple Run, Clash of Clans
• E-book Reader – Kindle, Scribd 
• Others  Note taking software, News and Magazine
 Mobile Apps

App Stores
• App Stores
• Provides access to mobile
apps for downloads
• Apple’s App Store
• Apple Devices
• www.apple.com/itunes/charts
• Google Play
• Andriod Devices
• Play.google.com/store/apps
• Appszoom
• Andriod and Apple Devices
• www.appszoom.com
Integrated Packages Vs. Suite Packages
Integrated Packages Suite Packages
• a single program that provides the functionality of • a collection of individual application packages sold
several application into a single integrated together.
program. • Share common menus and toolbars but at same
• Complex features are not includes or contains a time each application is the full-featured version
limited basic functions. • Low cost compared to buying each application
• Less expensive separately

• Discontinued-Microsoft Works, AppleWorks •  Examples: Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org

Integrated Packages

Some important characteristics include:

Functions typically include word processing, spreadsheet, database
manager, and more.
Each function not as extensive or powerful as a single function
application program.
Less expensive than purchasing several individual application programs.
Simple to use and switch between functions.
Consistent interface from one module to another
The ability to share information between modules
Popular with home users who are willing to sacrifice some advanced
features for cost and simplicity.
Ideal for personal use or small business
Software Suites
• Collection of separate application programs
• Bundled together – sold as group
•  A "suite" is a collection of the full-featured versions of each software application - word
processing, spreadsheet, database management, graphics, communications and sometimes
organizers.
• Low cost compared to buying each application separately
• Option to install all of the programs at the same time or only the programs you want to use
• Consistent interface from one application to another
• The ability to share information between applications
• Future upgrades can update each application all at the same time
• Ideal for personal use, professional use, large or small business
• Each application is the full-featured version
Software Suites
• Collection of separate application programs
• Bundled together – sold as group
• Four types of suites
1. Office suites or office software suite /
productivity suites
• Microsoft Office
• Apple iWork, OpenOffice
2. Cloud suites or online office
suites
• Google Docs (Making IT Work for You),
Zoho, Microsoft Office 365
Suites continued
3. Specialized suites
• Focus on specific applications
• Corel Draw Graphics Suite X6
• Money Tree Software TOTAL Planning Suite
4. Utility suites
• Designed to make computing easier and safer
• Norton Systems Works
• Norton Internet Security suite
Sharing data between Application
• Sharing data between files created with different applications is often
convenient. How?
1. Copy and Paste  Static 2. Object linking and embedding (OLE)  Dynamic
The item to be shared is simply copied from its file Object linking and embedding (OLE) is a
and then pasted into the other file. feature to dynamically share and exchange data
between files.
This creates a static copy since changes to one file • With object linking a copy of an object from
will not affect the other file. a source file is inserted into a destination
file and a link between the two files is made.
If a change occurs in the source file, the destination
file will be updated.

• With object embedding, the object is

embedded into the destination file and the
embedded object can be run from that file.
However, changes to the source file will not
affect the destination file.
Making IT Work for You - Google Docs
• Tool to create and collaborate with others
• Creating /sharing documents
• Free and easy to use
• Free Google account
• Free online storage
Careers In IT
• Software Engineers
• Analyze users’ needs and create application software
• Attributes
• Good communication and analytical skills
• Programming experience
• Detail oriented
• Web application experience
• Analytical skills
• Earning potential of $55,000 to $71,000 annually
A Look to the Future
• Next-Generation User Interfaces
• Doubtful a single interface will
serve everyone
• Must be comfortable to use
• Touch / interactive screen
• Voice recognition
• Gestures
• Augmented Reality
Open-Ended Questions (Page 1 of 2)
1. Explain the difference between general-purpose and specialized
applications. Also discuss the common features of application
programs, including those with traditional and ribbon graphical user
interfaces.

2. Discuss general-purpose applications including word processors,

spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation
graphics.
Open-Ended Questions (Page 2 of 2)
3. Discuss specialized applications, including graphics programs, video game
design software, web authoring programs, and other professional specialized
applications

4. Describe mobile apps, including popular apps and app stores.

5. Describe software suites, including office suites, cloud suites, specialized suites,
and utility suites.
Slides adapted from:
References:
Computing Essentials 2017
26th Edition
By: Timothy O'Leary and Linda O'Leary and Daniel O'Leary
Copyright: 2017

Discovering Computer 2016

By: Misty E. Vermaat, Susan L. Sebok, Steven M. Freund
Copyright: 2016
TOPIC
6 Complete

APPLICATION
SOFTWARE

Adapted from slides provided by the authors of the textbook “Computing Essentials 2017” by
Timothy O'Leary and Linda O'Leary and Daniel O'Leary