General-Purpose APPLICATION SOFTWARE

-2

Competencies

Discuss common features of most software applications

Discuss word processors and word processing features

Describe spreadsheets and spreadsheet features

-3

Competencies cont.

Discuss database management systems

Describe presentation graphics

Discuss integrated software

Describe ways to share data between applications

-4

Application Software

Basic applicationsCalled general-purpose or productivity applications

Common typesWord processors

Spreadsheets

Database management systems

Presentation graphics

Specialized applications

-5

Common Features

Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Windows

Menus

Toolbars

Help

-6

Toolbars

Commonly used commands

Contain shortcuts

Most common Standard

Formatting Open Save Print

-7

Web Based Applications

Access to applications stored on web sites

Application service providers (ASP)Special sites

Allows access to Web-based applications

-8

Word Processors

Used to create text-based documentsMemos, letters, and faxes

Newsletters, manuals, and brochures

Three most widely used word processing programs

Microsoft Word

Corel WordPerfect

Lotus WordPro

-9

Word Processor Features

Word Wrap

Editing Thesaurus

Spelling and grammar checkers

Find and Replace

FormattingFont and font sizing

Character effects

Bulleted and numbered lists bo

ld

italics

colors

sizesize

-10

Creating a Report

-11

Spreadsheets

Programs that manipulate numeric data

Three most widely used spreadsheet programs Microsoft Excel

Corel Quattro Pro

Lotus 1-2-3

-12

Spreadsheet Features

Workbook files

Worksheets

Formulas

Functions

Analytical graphs or charts

What if Analysis

-13

Creating a Sales Forecast

-14

Creating a Chart

-15

Database Management Systems DBMS

A collection of related data

Sets up a structure for data storage

Three most widely used database programsMicrosoft Access

Corel Paradox

Lotus Approach

-16

Database Features

TablesRecords

Fields

Record sorting

Queries

Forms

Reports

-17

Creating a Database

-18

Creating a Query

-19

Presentation Graphics

Programs that create visually interesting presentations

Three most widely used presentation programs Microsoft PowerPoint

Corel Presentations

Lotus Freelance Graphics

-20

Presentation Graphics Features

Slides

Design templates

Special effects

AutoContent wizard

-21

Creating a Presentation

-22

Integrated Packages

A single program that provides the functionality of a widely used program

Popular with many home users

Classified as personal or home software

Advantages are cost and simplicity

Disadvantages are limited functions

Popular packages are Microsoft Works & Apple Works

-23

Software Suites

Collection of separate application programs sold as a group

Four types of suites Productivity suite

Personal suite

Specialized suite

Utility suite

-24

Sharing Data Between Applications

Copy and paste

Object linking and embedding (OLE)Powerful and useful features

Connects separate applications

Supports sharing and exchanging files

-25

Object Linking

A link is made from the source file to the destination file

Use when you want the destination document to contain the most updated data

-26

Object Embedding

Object from the source file is embedded in the destination document

Object becomes part of the destination document

Changes made to the embedded object not reflected in the original source file

-27

A Look to the Future Web-Based Application Software

Use the Web to connect to an application service provider

No programs to install

Allows for a simpler and cheaper computing system

-28

FAQs

What is a graphical user interface?

What are the advantages of using a web-based application?

What kind of documents can I create with a word processing program?

What is the difference between a spreadsheet and a worksheet?

What is a relational database?

-29

Discussion Questions

What are the major differences between a spreadsheet and a database?

Discuss the features you can use to enhance a presentation.

Why are integrated packages popular? Why not use a software suite? Discuss.

Describe the two methods for sharing data between applications.