Software Programs

APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Computers programs such as word processors, spreadsheets, games, etc… are called applications. Applications are separate from the operating system software but must be compatible in order to operate.

Word Processing

Word processing is the use of a computer system to manipulate text. Examples of word processing functions include entering, editing, rearranging, sorting, storing, retrieving, displaying, and printing text.

Advantages of using a word processor are that text on screen is easy to redraft and reorganize, shared writing is facilitated by a shared screen, mistakes can be edited without spoiling the appearance of the text, multiple printed copies can be created as required and writing can be supported by spell-checkers, speech and other helps such as writing frames.

Spreadsheets

A spreadsheet package is a computer program created specifically to help in the processing of tabular information, usually numbers. The spreadsheet stores information in rows (across the screen) and columns (down the screen), forming a worksheet.

Spreadsheets are most commonly used to manipulate figures. They can be used for accounting, cash flows, budgeting, forecasts, etc… Any job that involves the use of numbers can be done on a spreadsheet.

The advantage that a spreadsheet has over other methods of manipulating data is its ability to constantly update figures without the user having to do any calculations. Once a spreadsheet is set up, its calculations will always be correct and any changes in data are automatically updated.

Databases

A database is an organized collection of information, such as a telephone directory, addresses books, etc… A database management system is a computer program that allows a user to create, maintain and process database files.

Information is held in the form of tables which may be linked together in a variety of ways to create larger and more powerful databases as the need arises.

Data can be presented in the form of a form (displayed on a screen) or a report that may be printed.

Presentations

Presentation software allows complicated and impressive presentations to be produced with ease.

Presentations can be used for on screen shows, overhead projector shows, producing 35mm slides or for creating presentations and Web pages for use on the internet.

They can include text in any format, pictures, organization charts, graphs, sound and film clips, and information from the internet. Slide shows can incorporate impressive text animation and slide effects.

Information and Communication

Web browsers are software applications that consist of many components, designed to allow the user to explorer the full potential of the internet.

The main feature of the browser is to “surf the net”.

Communication Software is a complete system for sending and receiving email messages.

Graphics

Graphics software or Image editing software is a program or collection of programs that enable a person to manipulate visual images on a computer.

There is a range of belonging to graphics software including:

Bitmap graphics editors
Vector graphics editors

A bitmap graphics editor is a computer program that allows users to paint and edit pictures interactively on the computer screen and save them in one of many popular "bitmap" or "raster" formats such as JPEG, PNG, GIF and TIFF.

A vector graphics editor is a computer program that allows users to compose and edit vector graphics images interactively on the computer screen (compare with MetaPost) and save them in one of many popular vector graphics formats such as EPS, PDF, WMF or SVG

Software Programs

Type of Software	Software Names
Word Processors	Microsoft Word, Corel WordPerfect, Star Word
Spreadsheets	Microsoft Excel, Corel Quattro Pro, Lotus 1-2-3
Databases	Microsoft Access, Corel Paradox,
Presentation	Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel Presentation, Freelance Graphics.
Desktop Publishing	Microsoft Publisher
Web browsers	Internet Explorer, Netscape, Firefox
Email	Outlook, Outlook Express
Graphics	Corel Draw