Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Chapter 2 Applications Software: Getting the Work Done Computers: Tools for an Information Age BSM025 Computers

Course website /classes/bsm025-computers Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall 2

3 Objectives Distinguish between operating systems and applications software List the various methods by which individuals and businesses acquire software List and briefly describe various types of task- oriented software Identify the kinds of software that are available for both large and small businesses Discuss ethical issues associated with software Describe the functions of various computer professionals

4Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Applications Software Software used to solve a particular problem or perform a particular task

5Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Acquiring Software: Traditional Ways Custom software Custom software Written by programmers hired by organization Written by programmers hired by organization Packaged (commercial) software Packaged (commercial) software Purchased from a store, catalog, or Web site Purchased from a store, catalog, or Web site

6Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Custom Software Specifically tailored to an organization’s needs Organization hires computer programmers to design, write, test, and implement software Organization hires computer programmers to design, write, test, and implement software Can be extremely complex and take years to write Return

7Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Packaged Software Sold in stores, catalogs, or Web sites Sometimes downloaded from the Internet Sometimes downloaded from the Internet Package contains one or more CDs or DVDs holding the software Typically contains software documentation Typically contains software documentation Designed to be user-friendly user-friendly Return

8Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall User-Friendly Software Easy to use Should be intuitive for even a beginning user Should be intuitive for even a beginning user Can be used with minimum of training and documentation Can be used with minimum of training and documentation Return

9Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Task-Oriented Software Often called productivity software Common categories Word processing/Desktop publishing Word processing/Desktop publishing Word processing/Desktop publishing Word processing/Desktop publishing Electronic spreadsheets Electronic spreadsheets Electronic spreadsheets Electronic spreadsheets Database management Database management Database management Database management Graphics Graphics Graphics Communications Communications Communications Others Others Others

10Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Working with Words Word Processing Most widely used personal computer software Most widely used personal computer software Create memos, reports, papers Create memos, reports, papers Incorporate graphics into documents Incorporate graphics into documents Desktop Publishing High-level publishing needs High-level publishing needsNewsletters Brochures, promotional materials Return

11Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Electronic Spreadsheets Made up of rows and columns of numbers Perform “what if” analysis Change a cell and have spreadsheet recalculate Change a cell and have spreadsheet recalculate Present data graphically Show expenses as a pie chart Show expenses as a pie chart Return

12Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Database Management Handles the management of a collection of interrelated facts Software can store, retrieve, update, and manipulate data Software can store, retrieve, update, and manipulate data Can report data in many ways and print Can report data in many ways and print Turn large amounts of data into information Return

13Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Graphics Graphics software creates graphs and charts from numeric data Spot trends and compare data more easily Spot trends and compare data more easily Visual evidence more compelling Included in spreadsheet programs Presentation graphics creates “slide show” presentations Combine high-quality graphics, audio, and video Combine high-quality graphics, audio, and video Return

14Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Communications The ability to hook the computer up to phone line or cable and communicate with another computer Typically connected over the Internet Needs a browser to access other locations on the Internet Needs a browser to access other locations on the Internet Return

15Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Other Task Software Personal Information Managers Keep track of activities Keep track of activities Typically include appointment calendar, address book, and task manager Typically include appointment calendar, address book, and task manager Office Suite A group of basic applications that work together A group of basic applications that work together Easy to share data among applications Similar look and feel among applications Integrated application Integrated application A “stripped down” version of the office suite Return

16Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Computers and People Most organizations have some sort of information technology department Made up of people who are responsible for the organization’s computer resources Made up of people who are responsible for the organization’s computer resources Maintain data and provide services to end users Maintain data and provide services to end users

17Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Computer People Data entry operators prepare data for processing Computer operators monitor systems, keep peripherals running, and make backups Librarians catalog processed disks and tapes Programmers design, write, test, implement, and maintain computer programs

18Copyright (c) 2003 by Prentice Hall Computer People Systems analysts plan and design entire systems Must have knowledge in programming, as well as knowledge of the business Must have knowledge in programming, as well as knowledge of the business Network managers implement and maintain organization’s network(s) Chief Information Officer (CIO) makes key technology decisions A key member of the organization’s strategic decision-making team A key member of the organization’s strategic decision-making team