2.4 – Generic Software
• What do we mean by the term
“generic software”?
• Examples of generic software
• Integrated applications and suites
• Features of generic software
General Purpose/Generic Software
• Some software wasn’t designed for a specific
purpose - they are known as generic or
content-free applications
• Integrated packages contain several of
these functions in one application - e.g.
Microsoft Works or Lotus Symphony
• Software suites contain these functions in
separate applications, e.g. Microsoft Office
or Lotus SmartSuite
Integrated Software and Suites
• Integrated packages
contain several of these
functions in one
application - e.g.
Microsoft Works or Lotus
Symphony
• Software suites contain
these functions in
separate applications,
e.g. Microsoft Office or
Lotus SmartSuite
Integrated Software – e.g. Works
Software Suite
Examples of Generic Software
• Word processor – e.g. Word, WordPerfect
• Spreadsheet – e.g. Excel, Lotus 1-2-3
• Database applications – e.g. Access,
Approach
• Presentation – e.g. PowerPoint, Impress
• Electronic Mail & Diary – e.g. Outlook,
Notes
• Web-browser – e.g. Firefox, Opera
• Application generator – Access, Paradox
Features of a Word Processor
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Spelling and grammar checker
Pre-defined styles and templates
Tables and columns
Creation of indexes and table of contents
Import other files / save in different formats
Graphics manipulation
Mail merge
WYSIWYG / print preview
Features of a Spreadsheet Application
•
•
•
•
•
•
Rows, columns, cells and ranges
Formatting - £, %, decimal places, etc.
Formulae for basic arithmetic
Functions – text, statistical, etc.
Macros & buttons
Simple database features – sorting and
filtering
• Charts / graphs
Features of a Database Application
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Fields
Tables
Queries
Relationships
Forms
Reports
Macros
Features of Presentation Software
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Styles and templates
Animations and transitions
ClipArt and sound
Automatic timings
Slide sorter
Macros
Bullet points and other formatting features
Features of E-Mail Software
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Address, title and body
CC and BCC
Address Book
Forward and Reply
Different folders/boxes
Priority
Attachments
Filtering – e.g. for spam
Features of Diary Software
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Appointments
Recurring appointments
Anniversaries / all-day events
Reminders
Invite other participants
Warn of clashes
Address Book
Features of a Web-Browser
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
•
Space for address / URL
Home button
Back and Forward buttons
Favorites (sic) / Bookmarks
History
Cache
Scripting – JavaScript or VBScript
Security options – encryption, JavaScript,
Java, etc.
Features of an Application Generator
An application generator is an application
(e.g. Access) that can be used to create a
standalone application, containing:
• Database tables
• Forms
• Buttons, etc.
• Queries
• Reports
• Menus
• Security & access levels?