week 5 easy

Interface Elements

• Labels: descriptive text accompanying fields, buttons, or other UI elements
• Checkboxes: allow users to select multiple options
• Radio Buttons: allow users to select only one option from a list

The Ribbon

• Introduced by Microsoft in Office 2007
• Represents a significant shift from traditional menus and toolbars
• Purpose: help users find commands more easily and make the interface more intuitive
• Features:
  • Contextual Tabs: appear only when relevant, reducing clutter
  • Tabs: organized into tabs, each relating to a type of activity
  • Groups: tools grouped together based on their function
  • Commands: individual tools or options within each group

Application Software

• Computer programs designed to perform specific activities or address specific issues for end users
• Differs from system software, which consists of operating systems, drivers, and utilities
• Examples: Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft PowerPoint, Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides

Types of Application Software

• Based on cost:
  • Freeware: available for free, can be downloaded and used by anyone (e.g. VLC Media Player, Adobe Acrobat Reader)
  • Shareware: available for free on a trial basis, may require payment to continue using all features (e.g. Medical billing software)
  • Open Source: software with freely available source code, can be redistributed and modified (e.g. Linux, LibreOffice, GIMP)
  • Commercial Software (Proprietary Software): developed for sale, users cannot see or modify the source code (e.g. Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Photoshop, Windows Operating System)
• Based on the number of users:
  • Horizontal Application Software (General-Purpose): designed for use by many different types of users and businesses (e.g. Office Suites: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop)
  • Vertical Application Software (User Vertical): defined and built according to a user's specific requirements (e.g. Medical billing, business management)

System Requirements

• Compatibility: ensure the application is designed for the operating system
• Hardware Needs: ensure the system meets the application's hardware requirements (e.g. graphics card)
• Storage: ensure sufficient disk space for the application, data, updates, and related files

Documentation

• Written text or illustration providing information about an application or software product
• Importance: explains how the software works, how to use it, and provides helpful information for users
• Sources:
  • Built-in Help or Manual
  • Official Website
  • Physical Copies (e.g. printed manual, digital manual or readme file on CD/DVD)

Web Applications

• Run on web servers, accessed via web browsers over the internet
• Provide users with a wide range of functionalities through a web interface
• Examples: Google Docs, Google Sheets, Google Slides, Gmail, Google Drive
• Advantages:
  • Accessibility: can be accessed from any device with a web browser, regardless of operating system
  • Cost: typically less expensive to develop and maintain than traditional desktop software

Application Licenses

• Define the terms under which software can be used and distributed
• Types:
  • Single License: designed for individual users, allows software to be installed on a single machine or device
  • Volume Licensing: allows organizations to purchase licenses in bulk, often at a discounted rate
  • Site License: allows software to be used by an unlimited number of users within a specific geographical location

Explore the concept of automatic updates in web applications and learn about the disadvantages they may have, such as dependency on internet connectivity and increased security vulnerabilities. Discover more about computer software applications and their functionalities.