TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
Computer Concepts
4th Bell
H. L. Boone High School
Mrs. Ruby M. Pool
Submitted
by
Carnell L. Cherry
September 23, 200-
TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE
There are many, many types of computer software on the market today. Not
everyone can use every type of software programs. There are software programs for
writing letters, keeping budgets, keeping an address file, designing houses and
landscapes, planning weddings, creating computer presentations. The list could go on
and on. You can probably find a software program for almost anything you wanted to do.
This paper will attempt to examine various types of computer software in an effort to
define what they do,
Word Processing
Word processing software is the most common type of computer applications. It
allows the user to create a document, store it electronically on a disk, modify it by using
commands, and print it on a printer. Numerous types of documents can be created using
word processing software. These include letters, reports, memorandums, tables, flyers,
newsletters, and even web pages!
The major advantages of using word processing is that changes can be made
easily without having to retype the document. You can correct mistakes easily. It is
equally easy to insert a word, as sentence, or a paragraph in the middle of a document.
You can move sections of text from one place in a document to another. You can add
automatic formatting or add formatting manually.
Some popular word processing programs include:
1. Microsoft Word
2. Corel WordPerfect
Spreadsheet Software
Spreadsheet software “turns the computer into a calculator.” The spreadsheet is a
sheet of paper with columns and rows that organizes data so that it can be easily added,
subtracted, or whatever mathematical function applied.
formulas to calculate data.
Spreadsheet software uses
Spreadsheet software is used for budgets, payrolls,
inventories, and any application that requires some type of calculation.
Once spreadsheets have been prepared, the information can be used to create
charts and reports. Many times, spreadsheets are used by business to summarize and
analyze transactions. These will assist in making important decisions.
Some popular spreadsheet programs include:
1. VisiCalc
2. Lotus 1-2-3
3. Microsoft Excel
Database Software
Database software allows the user to organize a collection of data. It is sort of
like a file folder, where a group of related records are stored. Information about students
in your class could be kept in a database. Each student in the class would have a record
and every student would have the same fields or piece of information recorded.
Once the information has been entered into the database, it can be retrieved in
various ways. You may just want to see a list of all of the boys in your class, or a list of
all the students who were born in May. This information can be easily retrieved. You
can also prepare labels, print reports, or create merge letters!
Some popular database programs include:

Oracle

Dbase

Microsoft Access
Other Types of Computer Software
There are many, many more types of computer software programs. There are
integrated software programs which consist of two or more types of applications. Two of
the most popular on the market today are Microsoft Office and Corel WordPerfect.
Specialty software includes software for a specific purpose such as keyboarding, real
estate, or software used in the medical profession, the retail business and so on.
It would be quite difficult to find any business or even individual who does not
use some type of computer software.