Chapter 3 Applications Software: Getting the Work Done

Applications software n Programs designed to accomplish a specific task n horizontal applications - general purpose programs that can address the needs of many people –personal productivity (word processing, spreadsheets, databases) –multimedia and graphics (desktop publishing, photo-editing) –Internet ( , browsers) n vertical applications - programs designed for a particular line of business –medical billing, university registration n custom software - programs designed on an individual basis –very expensive

Compatibility n always check if the system requirements specified for a program match your –processor –operating system –RAM and hard drive capacity –peripheral devices

Documentation n written materials that describe a program n may include: –tutorials –reference manuals –technical specifications –on-line help –help screens

Copyrights, shareware, public domain, etc. n most software is copyright protected –permits installation of program on one computer –software piracy - unauthorized use of copyrighted software n shareware - copyrighted software that can be tried before purchase –registration fee required if user plans to use the program

Copyrights, etc. continued n freeware - copyrighted software that is given away for free, use may be restricted n open source - a variation on freeware –source code is provided and can be altered n public domain - programs that can be freely used, modified, and distributed n site license - special permission that allows a program to be installed on a certain number of computers

Integrated Applications and Software Suites n standalone program - an individual productivity program n integrated application - a single program that offers the functions of the basic productivity applications n software suite - combination of standalone applications in a single package

Integrated Applications n usually aimed at beginning users n applications lack some of the features of standalone programs n single user interface n relatively inexpensive n examples: MS Works, ClarisWorks

Software Suites n usually include full-featured versions of a word processor, spreadsheet, database, presentation graphics, and PIM n more economical than purchasing the applications separately n offer ability to create documents that include components generated by the various applications n example: MS Office

Ethical considerations n It is okay to make a backup copy of a copyrighted program you have legally acquired. n It is not okay to make copies of copyrighted software to avoid paying for it.