Application Software Types

Application Software

• Definition: End-user software that accomplishes a variety of tasks
• Categories: General-purpose applications, Specialized applications, Mobile Apps

General-Purpose Applications

• Definition: Used for everyday tasks
• Examples:
  • Word processors (e.g., Microsoft Word, Apple Pages, Google Docs)
  • Spreadsheets (e.g., Microsoft Excel, Apple Numbers, Google Sheets)
  • Presentation graphics (e.g., Microsoft PowerPoint, OpenOffice Impress, Apple Keynote)
  • Database management systems (e.g., Microsoft Access, OpenOffice Base, Apple FileMaker)
  • Browser (e.g., Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome)

Word Processor Programs

• Create text-based documents
• Features:
  • Spell checker
  • Center-alignment
  • Grammar checker
  • Fonts
  • Font sizes
  • Word wrap
  • Character effects

Spreadsheet Programs

• Organize, analyze, and graph numeric data
• Features:
  • Worksheets
  • Text entries
  • Functions
  • Cells
  • Formulas
  • What-if analysis

Presentation Graphics Programs

• Combine visual objects to create visually interesting presentations
• Features:
  • Document theme
  • Animation
  • Templates

Database Management Systems (DBMS)

• Collection of related data
• Electronic equivalent of a file cabinet
• Features:
  • Primary key
  • Fields
  • Record
  • Table
  • Form

Specialized Applications

• Programs that are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations
• Examples:
  • Graphics programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Corel PaintShop Pro)
  • Video game design software (e.g., YoYo GameMaker, Stencyl, Unity)
  • Web authoring programs (e.g., Adobe Dreamweaver, Microsoft Expression Web)
  • Artificial intelligence (e.g., robotics, natural language processing)
  • Virtual reality (e.g., immersive gaming, simulation)

Graphics Programs

• Widely used in graphic arts
• Types:
  • Desktop publishing programs (e.g., Adobe InDesign, Microsoft Publisher)
  • Image editing programs (e.g., Adobe Photoshop, Corel PaintShop Pro)
  • Illustration programs (e.g., Adobe Illustrator, CorelDraw)

Mobile Apps

• Add-on programs for mobile devices
• Examples:
  • Music apps (e.g., Pandora, Spotify)
  • Video apps (e.g., YouTube, Netflix)
  • Social networking apps (e.g., Facebook, Instagram)
  • Shopping apps (e.g., Lazada, Carousell)
  • Games (e.g., Temple Run, Clash of Clans)
  • E-book readers (e.g., Kindle, Scribd)

App Stores

• Provide access to mobile apps for download
• Examples:
  • Apple's App Store
  • Google Play
  • Appszoom

Software Suites

• Collection of separate application programs sold as a group
• Examples:
  • Office suites (e.g., Microsoft Office, OpenOffice.org)
  • Cloud suites (e.g., Google Docs, Microsoft Office 365)
  • Specialized suites (e.g., Corel Draw, Moneyfree Software)
  • Utility suites (e.g., Norton Systems, Norton Internet Security)

Sharing Data between Applications

• Methods:
  • Copy and paste (static)
  • Object linking and embedding (OLE) (dynamic)

Making IT Work for You - Google Docs

• A tool for creating and collaborating with others
• Features:
  • Free and easy to use
  • Free online storage
  • Allows for real-time collaboration