Lecture 03

SOFTWARE TECHNOLOGIES
 Learning Objectives
2

Describe software and its types

Identify the categories of application software
Differentiate among the seven forms through which
software is available.
Explain how the operating system and utility
programs work with application software
Identify the types of application software used in
communications
 Software
3

What is software ?
 Software is a computer program that provides
instructions and data to execute a user’s commands.
 It essentially directs all of the peripheral devices on
the entire computer system- what exactly to do and
how exactly to perform a task.
 A software plays a key role of a mediator between the
user and the computer hardware.
 In the absence of software, a user essentially can’t
perform any task on a computer
 Types of Software
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 Generally, there are two main classifications of

software, which are namely,
i. Application Software.
ii. System Software
 Application Software
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Application Software
 Application software also known as end-user programs or
productivity programs are software that helps the user in
completing tasks such as doing online research, setting an
alarm, designing graphics, keeping an account log, doing
calculations or even playing games
 These application software allows users to create letters,
memos, reports, and other documents; develop multimedia
presentations; design Web pages and diagrams; record and
enhance audio and video clips; play single player or
multiplayer games; compose e-mail messages and instant
messages; and much more
 Application Software (cont..)
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 Application software consists of programs

designed to make users more productive and/or
assist them with personal tasks.
 Application software has a variety of uses:
1. To make business activities more efficient
2. To assist with graphics and multimedia projects
3. To support home, personal, and educational tasks
4. To facilitate communications
Categories of Application Software
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 There are four categories of application software

i. Business
ii. Graphics and Multimedia
iii. Home/ Personal and Education
iv. Communications
Categories of Application Software
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 Differentiate forms through which software
is available:
9

 Application software is available in a variety of

forms: packaged, custom, Web application, open
source, shareware, freeware, and public domain.
 Packaged software is mass-produced, copyrighted retail
software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a
single user or company. Packaged software is available in retail
stores or on the Web.
 Custom software performs functions specific to a business or
industry.
 Sometimes a company cannot find packaged software that
meets its unique requirements.
 In this case, the company may use programmers to develop
tailor-made custom software, which usually costs more than
packaged software
 Differentiate forms through which software
is available (cont..)
10

 A Web application is a Web site that allows users to access

and interact with software from any computer or device that is
connected to the Internet.
 Many Web sites provide free access to their programs; some
charge a fee.
 Types of Web applications include e-mail, word processing, and
game programs.
 Open source software is software provided for use,
modification, and redistribution.
 This software has no restrictions from the copyright holder
regarding modification of the software’s internal instructions and
its redistribution.
 Open source software usually can be downloaded from the
Internet, often at no cost.
 Differentiate forms through which software
is available (cont..)
11

 Shareware is copyrighted software that is distributed at

no cost for a trial period.
 To use a shareware program beyond that period, you send payment to the
program developer.
 Shareware developers trust users to send payment if software use extends
beyond the stated trial period.
 In some cases, a scaled-down version of the software is distributed free,
and payment entitles the user to the fully functional product.
 Freeware is copyrighted software provided at no cost by
an individual or a company that retains all rights to the
software.
 Thus, programmers typically cannot incorporate freeware in applications
they intend to sell.
 The word, free, in freeware indicates the software has no charge.
 Differentiate forms through which software
is available (cont..)
12

 Public-domain software has been donated for public use and has no
copyright restrictions. Anyone can copy or distribute public-domain
software to others at no cost.
 Thousands of shareware, freeware, and public domain programs are
available on the Internet for users to download. Examples include
communications, graphics, and game programs.
 These programs usually have fewer capabilities than packaged
programs. Some packaged programs have trial versions, which you can
use at no charge for a limited time, to see if the software meets your
needs.
 After you purchase or download software, you install it. During
installation, the program may ask you to register and/or activate the
software.
 Business Software
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 Business software is application software that

assists people in becoming more effective and efficient
while performing their daily business activities .
 Business software includes programs such as word
processing, spreadsheet, database, presentation, note
taking, personal information manager, business software
for phones, business software suites, project
management, accounting, document management, and
enterprise computing software.
 Figure below lists popular programs for each of these
categories.
Popular Business Software
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 Word Processing Software
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 Word processing software is one of the more widely

used types of application software.
 Word processing software, sometimes called a
word processor, allows users to create and
manipulate documents containing mostly text and
sometimes graphics.
 Millions of people use word processing software
every day to develop documents such as letters,
memos, reports, mailing labels, newsletters, and
Web pages.
 Advantage word processing
software
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 Time saving - people can generally type words faster than they can
write using a pen. This means they take less time to create a document
when typing
 Clarity - word processors have fonts that help make the document
clear or easy to read as compared to different handwriting
 Synchronization - people in two different locations can create a
document through synchronization. This means both can edit and add
content almost simultaneously
 Spell checking - word processors have automatic spell checking
features that help in error elimination. They also allow for grammar
correction in certain instances
 Change- It is easy for users to change what they have written. For
example, you can insert, delete, or rearrange words, sentences,
paragraphs, or entire sections.
 Disadvantages of ward processing
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 Expensive - not everyone can afford a computer

which is essential in using word processors
 Need for powered computer - when there is a
power black out, word processors cannot be used
since computers require power to function
 Too many options - some word processors have
too many options which make them difficult to use
for those who do not have experience
 Features of the word processing
Software
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 AutoCorrect: As you type words, the AutoCorrect feature corrects common spelling and
capitalization errors.
 AutoFormat: As you type, the AutoFormat feature automatically applies formatting to the text. For
example, it automatically numbers a
 list or converts a Web address to a hyperlink.
 Collaboration: Collaboration allows multiple users to enter comments in a document and read and
reply to each other’s comments.
 Columns: Most word processing software can arrange text in two or more columns to look like text in
a newspaper or magazine. The text from the bottom of one column automatically flows to the top of
the next column.
 Grammar Checker: The grammar checker proofreads documents for grammar, writing style,
sentence structure errors, and reading statistics.
 Ink Input Supports input from a digital pen. Word processing software that supports ink input
incorporates user’s handwritten text and drawings in a word processing document. Ink input is
popular on Tablet PCs.
 Macros A macro is a sequence of keystrokes and instructions that a user records and saves. When
you want to execute the same series of instructions, execute the macro instead.
 Mail Merge Creates form letters, mailing labels, and envelopes.
 Features of the word processing
Software
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 Reading Layout For users who prefer reading on the screen, reading layout increases the readability
and legibility of an on-screen document by hiding unnecessary buttons and increasing the size of
displayed characters.
 Research Allows you to search through various forms of Internet reference information — based on
selected text in a document. Research services available include a thesaurus, English and bilingual
dictionaries, encyclopedias, and Web sites that provide information such as stock quotes, news
articles, and company profiles.
 Search and Replace The search feature finds all occurrences of a certain character, word, or phrase.
The replace feature, which usually works in conjunction with the search feature, substitutes existing
characters or words with new ones.
 Thesaurus With a thesaurus, a user looks up a synonym (word with the same meaning) for a word in
a document.
 Tracking Changes If multiple users work with a document, the word processing software highlights
or color-codes changes made by various users.
 Voice Recognition With some word processing programs, users can speak into the computer’s
microphone and watch the spoken words appear on the screen as they talk. Users edit and format the
document by speaking or spelling an instruction.
 Web Page Development
 Most word processing software allows users to create, edit, format, and convert documents so that
they can be displayed on the Web.
 Database Software
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 A database is a collection of data organized in a manner that allows

access, retrieval, and use of that data.
 With a computerized database, computer stores the data in an
electronic format on a storage medium such as a hard disk.
 Database software is application software that allows users to create,
access, and manage a database. Using database software, you can add,
change, and delete data in a database; sort and retrieve data from the
database; and create forms and reports using the data in the database.
 With most personal computer database programs, a database consists
of a collection of tables, organized in rows and columns.
 Each row, called a record, contains data about a given person, product,
object, or event. Each column, called a field, contains a specific
category of data within a record.
 Example of database software are Microsoft access, MS SQL, Oracle
 Enterprise Computing Software
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 A large organization, commonly referred to as an

enterprise, requires special computing solutions
because of its size and large geographic distribution.
 A typical enterprise consists of a wide variety of
departments, centers, and divisions — collectively
known as functional units.
 Nearly every enterprise has the following functional
units: human resources, accounting and finance,
engineering or product development, manufacturing,
marketing, sales, distribution, customer service, and
information technology
 Enterprise Computing Software
(cont..)
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 Software used in functional units is not mutually exclusive;

however, each functional unit uses specific software, as
outlined below.
 Human resources software manages employee
information such as benefits, personal information,
performance evaluations, training, and vacation time.
 Accounting software manages everyday transactions,
such as sales and payments to suppliers. Financial software
helps managers budget, forecast, and analyze.
 Engineering or product development software
allows engineers to develop plans for new products and test
their product designs.
 23

 Manufacturing software assists in the assembly process, as well as

in scheduling and managing the inventory of parts and products.
 Marketing software allows marketing personnel to create
marketing campaigns and track their effectiveness.
 Sales software enables the sales force to manage contacts, schedule
meetings, log customer interactions, manage product information, and
take customer orders.
 Distribution software analyzes and tracks inventory and manages
product shipping status.
 Customer service software manages the day-to-day interactions
with customers, such as phone calls, e-mail messages, Web
interactions, and instant messaging sessions.
 Information technology staff use a variety of software to maintain and
secure the hardware and software in an enterprise.
 Graphics and Multimedia
Software
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 In addition to business software, many people work

with software designed specifically for their field of
work.
 Power users such as engineers, architects, desktop
publishers, and graphic artists often use
sophisticated software that allows them to work with
graphics and multimedia.
 This software includes computer aided design,
desktop publishing, paint/image editing, photo
editing, video and audio editing, multimedia
authoring, and Web page authoring.
Popular Graphics and Multimedia
Software
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Many graphics and
multimedia programs
incorporate user-friendly
interfaces, making it
possible for the home
and small business users
to create documents
using these programs.
 Computer-Aided Design
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 Computer-aided design (CAD)
software is a sophisticated type of
application software that assists a
professional user in creating
engineering, architectural, and
scientific designs.
 For example, engineers create design
plans for vehicles and security systems.
Architects design building structures
and floor plans
 (Figure 3-20). Scientists design
drawings of molecular structures.
 CAD software eliminates the laborious
manual drafting that design processes
can require.
 Three-dimensional CAD programs
allow designers to rotate designs of 3-D
objects to view them from any angle.
 Some CAD software even can generate
material lists for building designs.
 Application Software
for Communications
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 These is application software that
are to communicate and share
information within organization.
 Some communications software is
considered system software
because it works with hardware
and transmission media.
 Other communications software
makes users more productive
and/or assists them with personal
tasks, and thus, is considered
application software.
 System software
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 System software is software designed to provide a

platform for other software,
 These software designed to run a computer's hardware and
application programs.
 System software serves as the interface between the user,
the application software, and the computer’s hardware
 To use application software, such as a word processing
program, your computer must be running system software
specifically, an operating system.
 Three popular personal computer operating systems are
Windows, Mac OS, and Linux.
 System software (cont..)
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Each time you start a computer, the operating

system is loaded (copied) from the computer’s
hard disk into memory.
Once the operating system is loaded, it coordinates
all the activities of the computer.
 This includes starting application software and
transferring data among input and output devices
and memory.
 While the computer is running, the operating system
remains in memory.
 Utility Software
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Utility program is any system software besides the

operating system that helps to maintain, manage,
and protect computer system resources
Utility programs typically offer features that provide
an environment conducive to successful use of
application software.
For example, utility programs protect a computer
against malicious software and unauthorized
intrusions, manage files and disks, compress files,
play media files, and burn optical discs.
 Utility Software (cont..)
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Why is it important Examples of Utility Software

 Defragmentation and Disk Utilities

 OS are becoming more
 Maintain files on disk and
complex arrange them in a manner that
allows for fast access
 Keeps computer  Backup Utilities
running smoothly  Safeguard files by creating
backup copies
 Help to protect OS on  Security Software

the internet  Search for and remove viruses

and spyware from computers,
and guard against attacks
 Spam and Pop-up Blockers
 Remove junk mail and ads
 Examples of Utility Software
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 Windows Cleaners  File Transfer Utilities
 Remove unwanted programs and  Move and share files across
leftover traces of programs from networks
the system
 Search Utilities
 Diagnostic Software
 Find files on a computer system
 Provides a view of system resources to
 Synchronization Software
allow the user to see how the processor,
 Synchronize files across multiple
memory, and other resources are
performing. computers
 File Management Utilities  Desktop Enhancements
 Provide tools for copying,  Provide customization tools for
deleting, renaming, and desktop, icons, shortcuts, color
organizing files schemes, and other visual
 CD/DVD Burners elements of the desktop
  Screensaver Skins, Themes, and
 Copy and store files on CDs and
DVDs Wallpaper
 Provide a visual style for the
desktop
 Test Your Mind
33

Useful Lecture Questions

1. What Are the Four Categories of Application

2. What Are the Types of Application Software Used in
Communications?
3. How Do the Operating System and Utility Programs Work
with Application Software?
 End
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