Application Software

• Performs a specific job or task.

• Helps people use their computers to perform their work more effectively.

• Categorized in two ways– The way it is acquired– The way it is used

The Way Application Software is Used

• Horizontal Application Software– Designed to be used for a wide variety of purposes– Examples: Word processing software, spreadsheet

software, graphics programs

• Vertical Application Software– Highly specialized and is used for very specific

purposes– Examples: Entertainment and educational software

programs such as games and typing programs

Most Common Types of Application Software

• Word processors for writing letters and reports• Spreadsheets for working with numbers and

doing math• Databases for storing and finding information• Presentation graphics for creating slide shows• Telecommunications for using the Internet and

e-mail • Personal information manager (PIM) programs

for storing phone numbers and addresses and creating schedules

Three Basic Categories of Application Software

• Stand-alone programs

• Integrated software

• Office Suites

• These programs differ in their features and in cost

• You should choose the type of software that best fits your needs, computers, and budgets.

Stand-Alone Programs

• Software that specializes in one task

• They may cost more than other forms of application software.

• These programs usually have many very specialized features.

Popular Stand-Alone ProgramsApplication Program

Database Corel Paradox®, FileMaker® Pro, Lotus® Approach®, Microsoft Access®

Graphics Corel Presentation®, Lotus Freelance Graphics®, Microsoft PowerPoint®

Spreadsheet Corel Quattro® Pro, Lotus 1-2-3®, Microsoft Excel®

Word Processor Corel WordPerfect®, Lotus WordPro®, Microsoft Word®

Integrated Software

• Combine the basic features of several applications into one package.

• Not as powerful or as complete as stand-alones.

• Do not specialize in one application.• Usually is less costly and fairly easy to use• Popular integrated programs

– AppleWorks– Microsoft Works

Office Suites

• A package of stand-alone programs that can be used independently of one another.

• Allows the user to move data effectively among the programs.

• More popular with users than integrated programs because they offer more features and advanced functionality.

• Generally cost more than integrated software, but are cheaper than buying the stand-alone programs separately.

Most Popular Office Suites

• Microsoft Office (with Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and Access)

• Corel WordPerfect Office (with WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, Paradox, Corel Presentations, and Corel Central)

• Lotus SmartSuite (with WordPro, Lotus 1-2-3, Approach, Freelance Graphics, and Organizer)

Which Software is Right for You?

• Type of application software you choose depends on the following:– What you want it to do– How much you are willing to spend– How easy the programs are to learn– Whether the software will work on your

computer– How much space each program will take up

on your hard drive

Minimum System Requirements

• Each computer must meet the minimum hardware and software needs of the program for it to work properly.

• It is important to choose software that will work with the following:– Your type of computer (Mac or PC Compatible)– Microprocessor speed– Operating system ( such as Linux, Mac OS X, or Windows Vista)– Available amount of memory (RAM)– Available hard drive space– Special equipment, such as a modem or CD-ROM drive

How Software is Acquired

• Some application software may be loaded on a new computer.

• Some additional ways software may be obtained are:– Commercial Software—copyrighted software

that you must buy before using it.– Custom Software—must be developed by

professional programmers, but it is tailored to the user’s exact specifications.

Shareware

• Copyrighted software that you can use on a try-before-you-buy basis.

• Most is downloaded over the Internet and you use the program at no charge for a specified time period.

• If you decide to keep using if after that, you must pay a registration fee to the company.

• You are also allowed to copy shareware and give it to your friends. They must follow the same process to acquire the software.

Freeware

• Application software that is distributed without cost.

• Freeware programs have been copyrighted by their developers and made available to the public without charge.

• The developers allow users to install the program as long as they do not resell it to other people.

Public Domain Software

• Program authors allow you to use programs, share them, give them away, or even alter them to meet certain needs.

• The quality of these programs can vary widely.

• They may contain more errors than other types of software.

Installing and Uninstalling Programs

• Application software must be installed, or prepared to run on a computer, before it can be used.

• You must copy it from a location (disk, CD, Internet) to the computer’s hard drive.

• Most programs come with an installation, or setup, program that prompts you to load the software onto the computer.

• Many programs also have a special code that must be entered to proceed with installation.

• To delete a program from the computer, you must run a special removal program to properly uninstall it.

Using Software Legally

• Buying copyrighted software usually permits the buyer to install and use that software on only one computer.– This permission is contained in a document known as

the software license.– Users agree to the terms of the license during the

installation process.

• For schools and businesses that plan to install the software on several computers, they must purchase a site license for a specific number of computers to use the software.

Software Piracy

• People who copy copyrighted software to install on other computers, give away, or sell are guilty of copyright violation and stealing, called software piracy.

• Violating a copyright and pirating software are both morally wrong and illegal.

• These activities discourage the authors of good software from writing new and better programs because they may not get paid for their work.

• Pirated software cannot be registered, so users do not get the support services they may need.