Application Software Lecture Note 2 PDF

APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 LECTURE NOTE 2- Programs and Applications Learning Objectives:  Identify the general categories of programs and apps  Describe how an operating system interacts with applications and hardware  Differentiate amon...

APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 LECTURE NOTE 2- Programs and Applications Learning Objectives:  Identify the general categories of programs and apps  Describe how an operating system interacts with applications and hardware  Differentiate among the ways you can acquire programs and apps  Identify key features of productivity applications  Identify the key features of graphics and multimedia applications  Identify the uses of personal interest applications  Identify the purpose of software used in communications  Identify the key features of security tools  Identify the key features of file, disk, and system management tools Programs and Apps  A program, or software, consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them  An application, or app, sometimes called application software, consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks  An operating system is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer or mobile device hardware o Tools or Utilities o System software Operating system and other tools are collectively known as system software because they consist of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. Other programs, often called tools or utilities, enable you to perform maintenance-type tasks usually related to managing devices, media, and programs used by computers and mobile devices. The operating system and other tools are collectively known as system software because they consist of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices. Role of the Operating System  To use applications, such as a browser or word processing program on a desktop or laptop, your computer must be running an operating system.  Similarly, a mobile device must be running an operating system to run a mobile app, such as a navigation or payment app.  Desktop operating systems include Mac OS, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS.  Mobile operating systems include Android, iOS, and Windows Phone.  The operating system, therefore, serves as the interface between the user, the applications and other programs, and the computer’s or mobile device’s hardware (Figure 4-2). COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 1  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2  Each time you start a computer or mobile device, the operating system is loaded (copied) from the computer’s hard drive or mobile device’s storage media into memory.  Once the operating system is loaded, it coordinates all the activities of the computer or mobile device.  This includes running applications and transferring data among input and output devices and memory.  While the computer or mobile device is running, the operating system remains in memory. Obtaining Software Software is available in a variety of forms: retail, custom, web app, mobile app, mobile web app, shareware, freeware, open source, and public domain. Retail software is mass-produced, copyrighted software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single user or company. Some retail software, such as an operating system, is preinstalled on new computers and mobile devices. You also can purchase retail software from local stores and on the web. Custom software performs functions specific to a business or industry. Sometimes a company cannot locate retail software that meets its unique requirements. In this case, the company may use software developers to create tailor-made custom software. Custom software usually costs more than retail software. A web app is an application stored on a web server that you access through a browser. Users typically interact with web apps directly by visiting a website, but some web apps also can be accessed locally offline. Many websites provide free access to their apps. A mobile app is an application you download from a mobile device’s app store, sometimes called a marketplace, or other location on the Internet to a smartphone or other mobile device. Some mobile apps are preinstalled on a new mobile computer or device. Many mobile apps are free; others have a minimal cost — often less than a few dollars. COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 2  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 A 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. Many app developers opt for web delivery because they do not have to create a different version for each mobile device’s app store. Many web apps use a responsive design, which means the app displays properly on any computer or device. Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period. To use a shareware program beyond that period, you send payment to the software developer or you might be billed automatically unless you cancel within a specified period of time. Developers render the software useless if no payment is received after the trial period expires. In some cases, 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. Thus, software developers typically cannot incorporate freeware in applications they intend to sell. The word, free, in freeware indicates the software has no charge. Open source software is software provided for use, modification, and redistribution. This software has no restrictions from the copyright holder regarding modification of the software’s internal instructions and its redistribution. Open source software usually can be downloaded from a web server on the Internet, often at no cost. Promoters of open source software state two main advantages: users who modify the software share their improvements with others, and customers can personalize the software to meet their needs. Public-domain software has been donated for public use and has no copyright restrictions. Anyone can copy or distribute public-domain software to others at no cost. Productivity Applications Productivity applications can assist you in becoming more effective and efficient while performing daily activities at work, school, and home Calendar and Word Project Presentation Spreadsheet Database Note taking contact processing management management Personal Tax Document Enterprise Accounting Legal finance preparation management computing With productivity applications, users often: Create a Edit a Format a Save a Distribute project project project project a project COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 3  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 Productivity Applications Word processing software  Word processing software allows users to create and manipulate documents  A major advantage of using word processing software is that it enables users to change their written words easily  Word processing software, sometimes called a word processor, is an application that allows users to create and manipulate documents containing mostly text and sometimes graphics. Presentation Software Presentation software allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group Presentation software is an application that allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group. The presentations can be viewed as slides, sometimes called a slide show, that are displayed on a large monitor or on a projection screen from a computer or mobile device Spreadsheet Software Spreadsheet software allows users to organize data in columns and rows and perform calculations on the data Spreadsheet software is an application that allows users to organize data in columns and rows and perform calculations on the data. These columns and rows collectively are called a worksheet. A spreadsheet file also is known as a workbook because it can contain thousands of related individual worksheets. Database Software A database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that data Database software allows users to create, access, and manage a database Note Taking Software Note taking software is an application that enables users to enter typed text, handwritten comments, drawings, sketches, photos, and links anywhere on a page Note taking software is an application that enables users to enter typed text, handwritten comments, drawings, sketches, photos, and links anywhere on a page and then save the page as part of a notebook. Calendar and contact management software is an application that helps you organize your calendar, keep track of contacts, and share this information with other users Calendar and contact management software is an application that helps you organize your calendar, keep track of contacts, and share this information with other users, who can view it on their computers and mobile devices. COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 4  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 A software suite is a collection of individual related applications available together as a unit Software suites offer three major advantages: lower cost, ease of use, and integration. When you purchase a software suite, the suite usually costs significantly less than purchasing each application individually, or as stand-alone applications. Software suites provide ease of use because the applications in the suite normally use a consistent interface and share features, such as clip art and spelling checker. Applications in a software suite often are integrated, which makes it easy to share information among them. For example, you can copy a chart created from a worksheet in a spreadsheet program and paste it into a slideshow in the presentation software. Project management software is an application that allows a user to plan, schedule, track, and analyze the events, resources, and costs of a project is an application that allows a user to plan, schedule, track, and analyze the events, resources, and costs of a project Accounting software is an application that helps businesses of all sizes record and report their financial transactions Personal finance software is a simplified accounting application that helps home users and small/home office users balance their checkbooks, pay bills, track personal income and expenses, verify account balances, transfer funds, track investments, and evaluate financial plans. Personal finance software helps determine where, and for what purpose, you are spending money so that you can manage your finances. Legal software is an application that assists in the preparation of legal documents and Provides legal information to individuals, families, and small businesses. Legal software provides standard contracts and documents associated with buying, selling, and Renting property; estate planning; marriage and divorce; and preparing a will or living trust. Tax preparation software is an application that can guide individuals, families, or small businesses through the process of filing federal and state taxes. These programs forecast tax liability and offer money-saving tax tips, designed to lower your tax bill. Document management software is an application that provides a means for sharing, distributing, and searching through documents by converting them into a format that can be viewed by any user. Example company brochures, literature, and other documents electronically. document management software uses to save converted documents is PDF (Portable Document Format), developed by Adobe Systems. COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 5  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 A large organization, commonly referred to as an enterprise, requires special computing solutions because of its size and geographic distribution. Engineering or Human resources Accounting product Manufacturing Marketing software software software development software software Software for Distribution Customer service Sales software information software software technology staff A typical enterprise consists of a wide variety of departments, centers, and divisions — collectively known as functional units. Nearly every enterprise has the following functional units: human resources, accounting and finance, engineering or product development, manufacturing, marketing, sales, distribution, customer service, and information technology. Software used in functional units is not mutually exclusive; however, each functional unit in an enterprise uses specific software, as outlined below. Human resources software manages employee information, such as pay rate, benefits, personal information, performance evaluations, training, and vacation time. Accounting software manages everyday transactions, such as sales and payments to suppliers. Finance software helps managers budget, forecast, and analyze. Engineering or product development software allows engineers to develop plans for new products and test their product designs. Manufacturing software assists in the assembly process, as well as in scheduling and managing the inventory of parts and products. Marketing software allows marketing personnel to create marketing campaigns, target demographics, and track their effectiveness. benables the salesforce to manage contacts, schedule meetings, log customer interactions, manage product information, and take customer orders. Distribution software analyzes and tracks inventory and manages product shipping status. Customer service software manages the day-to-day interactions with customers, such as phone calls, email messages, web interactions, and messaging sessions. Information technology staff use a variety of programs and apps to maintain and secure the hardware and software in an enterprise. COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 6  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 Graphics and Media Software Computer-aided design (CAD) software is a type of application that assists professionals and designers in creating engineering, architectural, and scientific designs and models. Desktop publishing software (DTP software) is an application that enables designers to Create sophisticated publications that contain text, graphics, and many colors. Professional DTP software is ideal for the production of high-quality color projects such as textbooks, corporate newsletters, marketing literature, product catalogs, and annual reports Paint software, also called illustration software, is an application that allows users to draw pictures, shapes, and other graphics with various on-screen tools, such as a pen, brush, eyedropper, and paint bucket. Image editing software is an application that provides the capabilities of paint software and also includes the capability to enhance and modify existing photos and images. Modifications can include adjusting or enhancing image colors, adding special effects such as shadows and glows, creating animations, and image stitching (combining multiple images into a larger image). Photo editing software is a type of image editing software that allows users to edit and customize digital photos. With photo editing software, users can retouch photos, crop images, remove red-eye, erase blemishes, restore aged photos, add special effects, enhance image quality, change image shapes, color-correct images, straighten images, remove or rearrange objects in a photo, add layers, and more photo management software, you can view, organize, sort, catalog, print, and share digital photos. Some photo editing software includes photo management functionality. Video editing software is an application that allows professionals to modify a segment of a video, called a clip. For example, users can reduce the length of a video clip, reorder a series of clips, or add special effects such as words that move across the screen. Video editing software typically includes audio editing capabilities. Audio editing software is an application that enables users to modify audio clips, produce studio-quality soundtracks, and add audio to video clips Multimedia authoring software allows users to combine text, graphics, audio, video, and animation in an interactive application Website authoring software helps users of all skill levels create webpages that include graphics, video, audio, animation, and special effects with interactive content A media player is a program that allows you to view images and animations, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer or mobile device Disc burning software writes text, graphics, audio, and video files on a recordable or rewritable disc COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 7  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 Personal Interest Applications Lifestyle Medical Entertainment applications applications applications Convenience Education applications applications desktop, mobile, and web apps are designed specifically for: Lifestyle applications: Access the latest news or sports scores, check the weather forecast, compose music, research genealogy, find recipes, or locate nearby restaurants, gas stations, or points of interest. Medical applications: Research symptoms, establish a fitness or health program, track exercise activity, refill prescriptions, count calories, or monitor sleep patterns. Entertainment applications: Listen to music or the radio, view photos, watch videos or shows, read a book or other publication, organize and track fantasy sports teams, and play games individually or with others. Convenience applications: Obtain driving directions or your current location, remotely start your vehicle or unlock/lock the doors, set an alarm or timer, check the time, calculate a tip, use your phone as a flashlight, or use a personal assistant that acts on your voice commands (read How To 4-3 for instructions about using personal assistant apps). Education applications: Access how-to guides, learn or fine-tune a particular skill, follow a tutorial, run a simulation, assist children with reading and other elementary skills, or support academics. Communications Applications Blog Browsing Chat Online Discussion Instant Email File Transfer Internet Phone Messaging Mobile Videoconference Web Feeds Messaging COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 8  APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 Security Tools A personal firewall is a security tool that detects and protects a personal computer and its data from unauthorized intrusions An antivirus program protects a computer against viruses by identifying and removing any computer viruses found in memory, on storage media, or on incoming files Spyware is a type of program placed on a computer or mobile device without the user’s knowledge that secretly collects information about the user and then communicates the information it collects to some outside source while the user is online Adware is a type of program that displays an online advertisement in a banner or pop-up or pop-under window on webpages, email messages, or other Internet services An anti-spam program is a filtering program that attempts to remove spam before it reaches your inbox or forum. Spam is considered Internet junk mail. The content of spam ranges from selling a product or service, to promoting a business opportunity, to advertising offensive material. Spam also may contain links or attachments that contain malware. Web filtering software is a program that restricts access to certain material on the web. Some restrict access to specific websites; others filter websites that use certain words or phrases. Phishing filter is a program that warns or blocks you from potentially fraudulent or suspicious websites. Some browsers include phishing filters. A pop-up blocker or pop-under blocker is a filtering program that stops pop-up or pop-under ads from displaying on webpages. Many browsers include these blockers. You also can download pop-up and pop-under blockers from the web at no cost. A pop-up ad is an Internet advertisement that suddenly appears in a new window on top of a webpage. A pop-under ad is an Internet advertisement that is hidden behind the browser window so that it will be viewed when users close their browser windows. File, Disk, and System Management Tools A file manager is a tool that performs functions related to file management A search tool is a program, usually included with an operating system, that attempts to locate a file, contact, calendar event, app, or any other item stored on your computer or mobile device based on criteria you specify An image viewer is a tool that allows users to display, copy, and print the contents of a graphics file, such as a photo An uninstaller is a tool that removes a program, as well as any associated entries in the system files A disk cleanup tool searches for and removes unnecessary files A disk defragmenter is a tool that reorganizes the files and unused space on a computer’s hard disk so that the operating system accesses data more quickly and programs run faster Defragmenting is necessary only on hard disks. You do not need to defragment an SSD (solid-state drive). A screen saver is a tool that causes a display device’s screen to show a moving image or blank screen if no keyboard or mouse activity occurs for a specified time A file compression tool shrinks the size of a file(s) COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 9 APPLICATION SOFTWARE LECTURE NOTE 2 A PC maintenance tool is a program that identifies and fixes operating system problems, detects and repairs drive problems, and includes the capability of improving a computer’s performance A backup tool allows users to copy, or back up, selected files or the contents of an entire storage medium to another storage location A restore tool reverses the process and returns backed up files to their original form COMPUTER SCIENCE & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY DEPARTMENT 10