TOPIC 8.

SOFTWARE APPLICATION

I. IT’s specific vocabularies

Vocablary Type Pronunciation Meaning Vietnamese

1 alpha version Noun /ˈæl.fə/ normally the Phiên bản
/ˈvɜː.ʃən/ first version of a thử nghiệm
software đầu tiên
application that
is feature-ready
and released to
testers
2 beta version Noun /ˈbiː.tə/ a software Phiên bản
/ˈvɜː.ʃən/ program used for thử nghiệm
testing purposes thứ hai
before it is
released to the
public
3 freeware Noun /ˈfriː.weər/ software Phần mềm
distributed miễn phí
without cost by
the developer
which normally
cannot be
modified or sold
without
permission
4 help file Noun /help/ /faɪl/ a file containing Tập tin giúp
instructions how đỡ
to use a certain
feature or
program
5 patch Noun /pætʃ/ a software Bản vá lỗi
update intended
to fix bugs or
security holes in
a software
release

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6 RC (release candidate) Noun /rɪˈliːs/ a piece of Ứng viên
/ˈkæn.dɪ.dət/ software that has phát hành
passed the beta
testing stage and
is almost ready
to be released to
the public
7 shareware Noun /ˈʃeə.weər/ proprietary Phần mềm
software which chia sẻ
can be
distributed freely
but is limited by
features and/or
time limit until a
full version is
purchased
8 upgrade Verb /ʌpˈɡreɪd/ to replace an Nâng cấp
older version of
software or
hardware with a
newer version

II. Reading

2.1 Primary reading

The Software Development Cycle

Without software applications, it would be very hard to actually perform any meaningful
task on a computer unless one was a very talented, fast, and patient programmer.
Applications are meant to make users more productive and get work done faster. Their
goal should be flexibility, efficiency, and user-friendliness.

Today there are thousands of applications for almost every purpose, from writing letters to
playing games. Producing software is no longer the lonely profession it once was, with a
few random geeks hacking away in the middle of the night. Software is a big business and
the development cycle goes through certain stages and versions before it is released.

Applications are released in different versions, including alpha versions, beta versions,
release candidates, trial versions, full versions, and upgrade versions. Even an application's
instructions are often included in the form of another application called a help file.

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Alpha versions of software are normally not released to the public and have known bugs.
They are often seen internally as a 'proof of concept'. Avoid alphas unless you are
desperate or else being paid as a 'tester'.
Beta versions, sometimes just called 'betas' for short, are a little better. It is common
practice nowadays for companies to release public beta versions of software in order to get
free, real-world testing and feedback. Betas are very popular and can be downloaded all
over the Internet, normally for free. In general you should be wary of beta versions,
especially if program stability is important to you. There are exceptions to this rule as well.
For instance, Google has a history of excellent beta versions which are more stable than
most company's releases.

After the beta stage of software development comes the release candidates (abbreviated
RC). There can be one or more of these candidates, and they are normally called RC 1, RC
2, RC 3, etc. The release candidate is very close to what will actually go out as a feature
complete 'release'.

The final stage is a 'release'. The release is the real program that you buy in a shop or
download. Because of the complexity in writing PC software, it is likely that bugs will still
find their way into the final release. For this reason, software companies will offer patches
to fix any major problems that end users complain loudly about.

Applications are distributed in many ways today. In the past most software has been
bought in stores in versions called retail boxes. More and more, software is being
distributed over the Internet, as open source, shareware, freeware, or traditional proprietary
and upgrade versions.

(http://www.english4it.com)
2.1.1 Find the answers to these questions in the text.

1. What is the role of software applications?

2. What is a help file?

3. Why shouldn't we use alpha version?

4. What is the purpose of beta version?
5. Can individual person produce software?

6. Could you state some ways to distribute software?

7. What can we do with a computer without software application?

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2.1.2 Match the terms in Section A with the statements in Section B.
Section A

a. software tester
b. release candidate

c. beta version
d. alpha version

e. patch
Section B

i. A version of a piece of software that is made available for testing, typically by a limited
number of users outside the company that is developing it, before its general release.

ii. A version of a piece of software that is made available for testing, typically by
employees of the company that is developing it, before its general release.

iii. A piece of software designed to update a computer program or its supporting data, to
fix or improve it.

iv. A beta version with potential to be a final product, which is ready to release unless
significant bugs emerge.

v. A technician who conducts prescribed tests on software programs and applications prior
to their implementation to ensure quality, design integrity and proper functionality.

2.1.3 Mark the following statements as True or False:

1. There is no bug in a release version.

2. We can use all beta version freely.

3. All people can try alpha version.

4. Not all beta versions are unstable.

5. Software is a big business.

2.2 Further reading

What is an application?

You may have heard people talking about using an application or an app. But what exactly
does that mean? An app is a type of software that allows you to perform specific tasks.
Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop applications,
and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps. When you open an application, it runs
inside the operating system until you close it. Most of the time, you will have more than
one application open at the same time, and this is known as multitasking.

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There are countless desktop applications out there, and they fall into many different
categories. Some are more full-featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do
one or two things (like gadgets). Below are just a few types of applications you might use:
Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer, and create
many other types of documents. The most well-known word processor is Microsoft Word.
Personal finance: Personal finance software, such as Quicken, allows you to keep track of
your income and expenses and create a budget, among other tasks. Most personal finance
programs can automatically download information from your bank so you don't have to
manually type in all of your transactions.
Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet. Most computers
come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also download a different one if you
prefer. Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google Chrome, and
Safari.
Games: There are many different games you can play on your computer. They range from
card games such as Solitaire to action games like Halo 2. Many action games require a lot
of computing power, so they may not work unless you have a newer computer.

Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've downloaded, you'll
need to use a media player. Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.

Gadgets: Sometimes called widgets, these are simple applications you can place on your
desktop (or on the Dashboard if you're using a Mac). There are many different types of
gadgets, and they include calendars, calculators, maps, and news headlines.
Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run apps. You can also
download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, which opens up many new
possibilities. Here are a few examples of mobile apps:

Flipboard: Flipboard allows you to create a personal news feed by choosing topics,
authors, and publications you like. The app will keep track of what you like and deliver
content that interests you. You can even create your own online magazine for other
Flipboard users to read.
Wolfram|Alpha: Wolfram|Alpha is basically a giant searchable encyclopedia for any kind
of science, language, or math question you might have. You can access Wolfram|Alpha on
the Web or download the app for your mobile device, and the company makes specific
reference apps for different subjects as well. But the basic Wolfram|Alpha app will give
you access to data on the greatest number of subjects from your tablet or phone.

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TuneIn Radio: TuneIn Radio allows you to stream talk radio, music, and podcasts from
around the world. It can be downloaded on your computer as well as to your phone or
tablet, so you can listen to whatever interests you anywhere you have Internet access.
Compared with traditional applications, mobile apps are relatively inexpensive. Some of
them cost as little as $0.99 and others are free, although they may require you to make in-
app purchases to access some functions. If your mobile device has an Internet connection,
you can download apps directly onto it. Otherwise, you can sometimes download them to
your computer and then transfer them over.

(http://www.gcflearnfree.org/computerbasics/3)
2.2.1 Find the answers to these questions in the text.

1. What is multitasking?
2. What is the difference between desktop apps and laptop apps?

3. What can we do with a web browser?

4. How can we run modern action games?

5. Can we run TuneIn Radio every where?

6. What is the difference between desktop apps and mobile apps?

7. Could you state some programs for entertainment?

2.2.2 Match the terms in Section A with the statements in Section B.

Section A
a. encyclopedia

b. podcasts
c. in-app purchases

d. full-featured software
e. tablet

Section B
i. Software with the most advanced available functionality.

ii. a book or set of books giving information on many subjects or on many aspects of one
subject and typically arranged alphabetically.
iii. a wireless, portable personal computer with a touch screeninterface.

iv. you can buy additional content or services within the app.

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v. a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or
portable media player, typically available as a series, new installments of which can be
received by subscribers automatically.
2.2.3 Mark the following statements as True or False:

1. We can run more than one application at the same time.

2. We can draw with a word processor.

3. We can make money with a personal finance app.

4. We can play game with a web browser.

5. We can know every thing with Wolfram|Alpha.

III. Grammar and Writing

3.1 Grammar revision - Instructions/complex instructions

Study this extract from an instruction manual for cleaning computer.

Before we do that, disconnect the computer entirely. This includes Power cable, USB
peripherals, and whatever audio equipment you have hooked up. Don’t forget to discharge
the remaining power in the computer by grounding yourself while touching the power
supply and pressing the power button.

Asking for Instructions

How do you (do this)?

How do I . . . ?
What is the best way to . . . ?

How do I go about it?

What do you suggest?

How do you suggest I proceed?

What is the first step?

We make simple instructions using the infinitive:

Click on the appropriate tab.

Enter the search criteria.

We can add an explanation using the to-infinitive or by + -ing:
To find patients, click on the appropriate tab.

Click on the Find button to start the search.

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Start the search by clicking on the Find button.
We can put the instructions in order using sequence words:

First click on the appropriate tab.

Then enter the selection criteria.

Finally click on the Find button.

Starting out

Before you begin, (you should . . .)

The first thing you do is . . . .

I would start by . . .
The best place to begin is . . .

Continuing
After that,

The next step is to . . .

The next thing you do is . . .

Once you've done that, then . . .

When you finish that, then . . .

To begin with,

Finishing

The last step is . . .

The last thing you do is . . .

In the end,
When you've finished,

When you've completed all the steps,

We can link two instructions and emphasise their order like this:

Having entered the selection criteria, click on the Find button.

Once the selection criteria have been entered, click on the Find button.

3.2 Writing
3.2.1 Read the following instructions for creating a VPN connection and complete the gaps
with ONE appropriate word. You can use time words, prepositions, -ing forms and
anything else necessary.

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____________ click on the "Start" button and type 'VPN' in the search box.
____________ you have typed 'samos-vpn.aegean.gr' in the Internet address, go to the next
dialog box ___________ clicking "Next".
______________ typed your username and password, check the "Remember password"
box, in _________ not to type your password every time you connect.
______________ , connect to the VPN you have just created by ____________ on the
"Connect" button.
3.2.2 Complete the gaps in these instructions for finding the records of all members of the
Green family living in postcode WX14 3PH and registered with any doctor in the practice.
1. First enter the search criteria by

2. To , enter Green in the Surname box.

3. Ensure both male and female members of the family are found by

4. select the Address tab.

5. Having , enter the postcode.

6. choose the Registration tab.

7. Once select All doctors.

8. , click on Find to

3.2.3 Fill in the words below correctly. (Use the map for orientation.)

continue, end, excuse, get, left (2x), next, opposite, right, second, straight on, thank, turn,
welcome

1. _______ me, how do I __________ to the cinema?

2. Go ___________.

3. Turn _______ at the corner.

4. Then take the ___________ road on your __________.

5. ___________ to the _____________ of the road.

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6. ___________ left there.
7. The cinema is on your _________, __________ the castle.

8. _________ you very much.

9. You're _________.

IV. Speaking
Work in pairs, A and B. Each of you has a review of a computer game. Find out from each
other this information:
The name of the game.

The company who produce it.

The platform on which it's played.

The bad points.

The good points.

The star rating.

A

Tomb Raider 4: The Last Revelation

Sega Dreamcast | Core Design/Eidos | ***

Although this is essentially the same game that recently appeared on the PlayStation, some
fancy enhancements push this up to accelerated PC level. In fact, The Last Revelation is
probably the best-looking version so far.
The Dreamcast remains unstretched but the visuals capture the Egyptian mood perfectly.
The plot sees Lara returning to what she does best - raiding tombs in her usual physics-
defying manner - but this time she stays in Egypt rather than globe-trotting. So, what is
The Last Revelation? The chances are only a few will ever find out because this is a very
tricky game. You will need to prepare for periods of intense frustration and annoyance,
punctuated by some superb sequences.
If only Lara would move in the direction you point. If only she jumped when you press
'jump' rather than run those fatal final steps. If only the puzzles were less obscure. So why
bother? Well, the characterisation and the storyline are of sufficient quality to encourage
perseverance. Also, solving a stubborn puzzle or backflipping over a chasm is undeniably
good fun. This is the best version yet and will do for now, but a radical overhaul is needed
before Lara returns again.

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B
Sim City 3000: World edition

PC | Maxis/Electronic Arts | ****

The basic game is the same as it was when it first appeared on the Commodore 64: zone
land, build roads, set taxes and let simulated citizens build the city of your dreams or
nightmares. A huge amount of detail has been added since then, and the World edition
integrates hundreds of new buildings, a building editor, a terrain editor, and a scenario
editor. You no longer have to build American cities, and you can quickly flip them into a
European (German) or Asian
(Korean/Japanese) style. You can add landmarks such as the Brandenburg Gate and the
Eiffel Tower. The amount of detail in the 3D buildings, cars and pedestrians is stunning. A
new website is introduced also (www.simcity.com). There you can download even more
buildings and swap files, buildings, city photos and scenarios with fellow fans. If you gave
up on SC2000, this will restore your faith; and if you haven't played Sim City before, this
is a good place to start.

V. Listening

Listen to the text and answer following questions

a. What is shareware?

b. How does a trial program work?

c. Could you state some benefits of shareware?

d. Why is shareware a risk-free trial software?

e. Why is shareware cost effective?

VI. Summary
In this lesson, we studied the following contents:

- The introduction to the software applications.

- The usage of grammar structure – Instructions/complex instructions.

VII. Exercises
Translate into Vietnammese
Word-processing facilities

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Writing letters, memos or reports are the ways most people use computers. They
manipulatewords and text on a screen primarily to print at some later time and store for
safe keeping.
Computers alleviate much of the tedium associated with typing, proofing and manipulating
words. Because computers can store and recall information so readily, documents need not
be retyped from scratch just to make corrections or changes. The real strength of word
processing lies in this ability to store, retrieve and change information. Typing is still
necessary (at least, for now) to put the information into the computer initially but once in,
the need to retype only applies to new information.
Word processing is more than just typing, however. Features such as Search and
Replaceallow users to find a particular phrase or word no matter where it is in a body of
text. Thisbecomes more useful as the amount of text grows.

Word processors usually include different ways to view the text. Some include a view
thatdisplays the text with editor's marks that show hidden characters or commands (spaces,
returns,paragraph endings, applied styles, etc.). Many word processors include the ability
to show exactlyhow the text will appear on paper when printed. This is called WYSIWYG
(What You See IsWhat You Get, pronounced 'wizzy-wig'). WYSIWYG shows bold, italic,
underline and other typestyle characteristics on the screen so that the user can clearly see
what he or she is typing. Another feature is the correct display of different typefaces and
format characteristics (margins, indents, super- and sub-scripted characters, etc.). This
allows the user to plan the document moreaccurately and reduces the frustration of printing
something that doesn't look right.

Many word processors now have so many features that they approach the capabilities
oflayout applications for desktop publishing. They can import graphics, format multiple
columns oftext, run text around graphics, etc.
Two important features offered by word processors are automatic hyphenation and
mailmerging. Automatic hyphenation is the splitting of a word between two lines so that
the text willfit better on the page. The word processor constantly monitors words typed and
when it reachesthe end of a line, if a word is too long to fit, it checks that word in a
hyphenation dictionary. Thisdictionary contains a list of words with the preferred places to
split it. If one of these cases fitspart of the word at the end of the line, the word processor
splits the word, adds a hyphen at theend and places the rest on the next line. This happens
extremely fast and gives text a morepolished and professional look.

Mail merge applications are largely responsible for the explosion of ‘personalized' mail.
Form letters with designated spaces for names and addresses are stored as documents with
links to lists of names and addresses of potential buyers or clients. By designating what

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information goes into which blank space, a computer can process a huge amount of
correspondence substituting the 'personal' information into a form letter. The final
document appears to be typed specifically to the person addressed.
Many word processors can also generate tables of numbers or figures, sophisticated
indexesand comprehensive tables of contents.

VIII. Chapter’s references

[1] Eric H. Glendinning, John McEwan, Oxford English for Information Technology,
Student Book, Teacher Book, Publisher Oxford University Press, 2006, Unit 8, pp
52-59.
[2] http://www.english4it.com, unit 4

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