3
BASIC
APPLICATION
SOFTWARE
McGraw-Hill Technology Education
© 2006 by the McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.
Competencies (Page 1 of 2)
Discuss common features of most software
applications
Discuss word processors and word processing
features
Describe spreadsheets and spreadsheet features
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Competencies (Page 2 of 2)
Discuss database management systems and database
management features
Describe presentation graphics and presentation
graphics features
Discuss integrated software and software suites
Describe ways to share data between applications
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Introduction
Tasks such as business correspondence, sales
projections, graphic design, and data processing
used to require trained specialists.
All these tasks, and many more, can be
accomplished using microcomputers and
application software.
Competent end users in today’s word need to
understand the capabilities of basic application
software including word processors, spreadsheets,
database management systems, and presentation
programs.
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Application Software
Application software is end user software that
is used to accomplish a variety of tasks
Two categories
Basic applications (focus of this chapter)
Specialized applications
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Common Features
Graphical User Interface (GUI)
Icons
Windows
Menus
Toolbars
Help
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Toolbars
Quick access to commonly used commands
Contain buttons that provide shortcuts
Examples
Standard toolbar
Speech Recognition
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Microsoft Office 2007
Newest version of Microsoft Office
New Interface
– Ribbons
– Contextual Tabs
– Galleries
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Web-Based Applications
Access to applications stored on Web sites
Application service providers (ASP)
Special sites
Allows access to Web-based applications
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Speech Recognition
Allows your voice to control application software
For best results, use your voice and mouse or
keyboard
– Train the software
– Control a program
– Dictate a document
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Word Processors
Used to create text-based documents
Memos, letters, and faxes
Newsletters, manuals, and brochures
Word processing programs
Microsoft Word
Corel WordPerfect
Lotus Word Pro
Mac: Pages
Mac: SimpleText
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Word Processor Features
Word Wrap
Editing
Thesaurus
Spelling and grammar checkers
Find and Replace
Formatting
Font and font sizing
Character effects
Bulleted and numbered lists
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Word Processor Examples
Creating a Flyer
Creating a Report
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Creating a Flyer
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Creating a Report
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Spreadsheets
Programs that manipulate numeric data
Spreadsheet programs
Microsoft Excel
Corel Quattro Pro
Lotus 1-2-3
Mac: Numbers
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Spreadsheet Features
Workbook files
Worksheets
Formulas
Functions
Analytical graphs
or charts
What-if Analysis
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Spreadsheet Case
Creating a Sales Forecast
Creating a Chart
Analyzing Your Data
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Creating a Sales Forecast
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Creating a Chart
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Analyzing Your Data
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Database Management Systems
(DBMS)
A collection of related data
Sets up a structure for data storage
Database programs
Microsoft Access
Corel Paradox
Lotus Approach
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Database Features
Relational
Tables
Records
Fields
Record sorting
Queries
Forms
Reports
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Database Case
Creating a Database
Creating a Query
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Creating a Database
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Creating a Query
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Presentation Graphics
Programs that create visually interesting
presentations
Presentation programs
Microsoft PowerPoint
Corel Presentations
Lotus Freelance Graphics
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Presentation Graphics Features
Slides
Design templates
Master slide
AutoContent wizard
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Presentation Graphics Case
Creating a Presentation
Updating a Presentation
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Creating a Presentation
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Updating a Presentation
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Integrated Packages
A single program that provides the
functionality of several widely used programs
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
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Software Suites
Collection of separate application programs
sold as a group
Four types of suites
Productivity suite or Business suite
Personal suite or Home suite
Specialized suite
Utility suite
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Sharing Data Between
Applications
Copy and paste
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
Powerful and useful features
Connects separate applications
Supports sharing and exchanging files
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Careers In IT
Computer trainers instruct new users on the latest
software or hardware
Attributes
– Good communication skills
– Teaching experience
– Detail oriented
– IT Experience
– Comfort speaking to groups is a plus
Earning potential of $26,000 to $54,000 annually
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A Look to the Future
Web-based application software helps ease maintenance
Use of the Web to connect to
an application service provider
No programs to install
Allow for a simpler
and cheaper computing
system
Agents will help write papers, pay bills,
and shop on the internet
– Intelligent programs
– Primitive agents currently exist
– Microsoft and “Clippy”
– Next Generation
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Discussion Questions (Page 1 of 2)
Explain the difference between generalpurpose and special-purpose applications.
What is the difference between a function and
a formula? How is a formula related to whatif analysis?
What are presentation graphics programs?
How are they used?
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Discussion Questions (Page 2 of 2)
Explain the difference between a linked object
and an embedded object. What are the
advantages of OLE?
What is the difference between an integrated
package and a software suite? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each?
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