1. BASIC APPLICATION SOFTWARE3
CHAPTER
BASIC APPLICATION SOFTWARE
The microcomputer can help you do many things – think of it as an electronic tool
The right kind of software is needed

2. Competencies (Page 1 of 2)
Discuss common features of most software applications
Discuss word processors and word processing features
Describe spreadsheets and spreadsheet features
Page 58

3. 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
Page 58

4. 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.

5. 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
Use the application for which it was designed: if you want to process text, use word
If you need to sort information, use a database rather than a spreadsheet
Can create publications with Word; but presentation software and desktop publishing software are designed to do this type of task easier
Specialized Applications
Called special-purpose applications
Common types
Graphics
Audio/video editors
Multimedia creation
Web authoring
Virtual reality programs
Page 60

6. Basic Applications
Also called general-purpose or productivity applications
Common types
Word processors
Spreadsheets
Database management systems
Presentation graphics
Use the application for which it was designed: if you want to process text, use word
If you need to sort information, use a database rather than a spreadsheet
Can create publications with Word; but presentation software and desktop publishing software are designed to do this type of task easier
Page 60

7. Specialized Applications
Also known as special-purpose applications
Includes thousands of other programs that are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations
Best known
– Graphic programs
– Audio and video editors
– Multimedia creation programs
– Web authoring
– Virtual reality programs
Specialized Applications
Called special-purpose applications
Common types
Graphics
Audio/video editors
Multimedia creation
Web authoring
Virtual reality programs
Return
Page 60

8. Common Features Graphical User Interface (GUI) Icons Windows Menus
Toolbars
Help
Common features of software
User interface
GUI – graphical user interface
Mouse and pointer
Window
Menus
Pull-down or drop-down menu bars
Toolbars
Buttons
Standard toolbars
Page 60

9. Toolbars Quick access to commonly used commands
Contain buttons that provide shortcuts
Examples
Standard toolbar
Speech Recognition
Review the common toolbar commands with students
Open
New
Save
Print
Print Preview
Page 60

10. Microsoft Office 2007 Newest version of Microsoft Office New Interface
– Ribbons
– Contextual Tabs
– Galleries

11. Web-Based Applications
Access to applications stored on Web sites
Application service providers (ASP)
Special sites
Allows access to Web-based applications
Web-Based Applications
Special sites called application service providers (ASPs) allow access to their application programs
ASP – Application Service Provider
Pay for actual use
Only when accessed and used
Eliminates need to upgrade
Page 61

12. Speech Recognition – Train the software
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

13. 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
One of the most flexible and widely used software tools
One of the first programs used by PC end-users
Used by most end-users
Page 64

14. 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
bold
italics
colors
size
Word wrap – automatically moves text to new line when prior line is full
Enter overrides and starts new line
Incorrect spelling is identified and alternatives offered
Identifies poor grammar and makes suggestions
Quickly locate word(s) with search or find commands
Automatic update of word(s) found with new word
Page 64

15. Word Processor Examples
Creating a Flyer
Creating a Report

16. Creating a Flyer

17. Creating a Report Report features AutoCorrect Footnote
Header or footer
Captions and cross references
Tables
Page 66

18. Spreadsheets Programs that manipulate numeric data
Spreadsheet programs
Microsoft Excel
Corel Quattro Pro
Lotus 1-2-3
Mac: Numbers
Analyzes and graphs numeric data such as budgets and financial reports
Electronic spreadsheet used to organize, manipulate and graph data; also known as worksheets
Consist of grid of numbered rows and columns
Page 67

19. Spreadsheet Features Workbook files Worksheets Formulas Functions
Analytical graphs or charts
What-if Analysis
Values are numbers used for calculations; labels are letters, numbers, or symbols used to represent text (social security number, phone number)
Formulas are calculations user creates
Functions are predefined formulas provided by spreadsheet programs
What-if
Allows user to create different scenarios for different results
Probably one of the most powerful tools of spreadsheet
Page 67

20. Spreadsheet Case Creating a Sales Forecast Creating a Chart
Analyzing Your Data

21. Creating a Sales Forecast
Features
Worksheets
Text entries
Functions
Cells
Formulas
Page 69

22. Creating a Chart Features Titling – makes the chart easier to read
Chart types
Chart – is based on a worksheet
Data labels
Legend
Page 70

23. Analyzing Your Data

24. Database Management Systems (DBMS)
A collection of related data
Sets up a structure for data storage
Database programs
Microsoft Access
Corel Paradox
Lotus Approach
Establishes a structure for data storage, usually relational – using related tables, so related data can be easily retrieved; also known as DBMS (database management systems)
Can edit, retrieve, and display in different formats (reports or forms)
Most popular are Microsoft Access, Corel Paradox, Lotus Approach
Relational databases organize data into fields, records, tables, and databases
Tables can be linked by a key field, one that is common to both the tables in question
Page 72

25. Database Features Relational Tables Record sorting Queries Forms
Fields
Record sorting
Queries
Forms
Reports
Emphasize the structure of the database – the smallest to largest part of DBMS
Relate to telephone book (yellow and white pages represent tables; entries in each represent fields)
Parts catalog
Flight schedules
Locate and display - ability to quickly locate records based on various criteria
Sort and analyze - rearranging or computation based on various criteria
Program Control languages - allow sophisticated users to communicate with mainframe databases
Page 72

26. Database Case
Creating a Database
Creating a Query

27. Creating a Database The first step is to plan the database Features
Primary key
Fields
Record
Table
Form
Page 73

28. Creating a Query Features Query
Joined – a common field links the tables
Criteria
Sorts
Report
Page 74

29. Presentation Graphics
Programs that create visually interesting presentations
Presentation programs
Microsoft PowerPoint
Corel Presentations
Lotus Freelance Graphics
Creates interesting and professional presentation
Features
Slides
Wizards
Color schemes
Slide layouts
Special effects
Design templates
Master slides
Combines variety of visual objects to present attractive, professional presentations
Helps to keep presenter organized
Page 75

30. Presentation Graphics Features
Slides
Design templates
Master slide
AutoContent wizard
Professionally designed templates, color schemes, and styles
Animations add special visual and sound effects
Delivery can be slides, transparencies, or handouts
Slide show – actual presentation to audience
Handout notes – along with a picture of each slide, the audience receives a “notes” area to the right of each slide on which they can take notes as you give your presentation
Speaker can have notes on slides that are hidden from the viewer
Link parts of your presentation to another application or another part of your presentation or even to the Web
Page 75

31. Presentation Graphics Case
Creating a Presentation
Updating a Presentation

32. Creating a Presentation
Presentation style
AutoContent wizard
Templates
Design templates
Master slide
Special effects
Page 76

33. Updating a Presentation

34. 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
Integrated packages provide the functionality of several separate application programs within a single program
Known as personal or home software
Provides limited capability at a lower costs
Advantages are cost and simplicity
Page 77

35. 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
A collection of separate applications bundled and sold as a group that share information between applications
Less expensive than individual applications; but more expensive than integrated packages
Page 78

36. Sharing Data Between Applications
Copy and paste
Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)
Powerful and useful features
Connects separate applications
Supports sharing and exchanging files
Ways to share data
Many times it is convenient to share data between applications
Object linking - a feature that makes it easy to dynamically share and exchange information between applications
Source file – copy is inserted in another file called the destination file
Destination file – file receiving the object
Object embedding – the object from the source file is embedded or added to the destination document
Becomes part of the destination document
Changes made to the embedded object are not reflected in the original source file
Page 79

37. Object Linking
A link is made from the source file to the destination file
Use when you want the destination document to contain updated data
Object Linking
Allows sharing of objects between files – have object in both source and destination applications
Can automatically update data from one application to another with proper link
Return
Page 79

38. Object Embedding
Object from the source file is embedded in the destination document
Object becomes part of the destination document
Changes made to the embedded object are not reflected in the original source file
Object Embedding
Added to a destination document where you can modify without altering original (source) document
Files are not linked, so update in destination doesn’t affect source document
Object in embedded application has look and feel of source application
Can run the embedded file from the destination document
Return
Page 79

39. 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

40. 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
Can use the Web to connect to an ASP and use their software
Others do all the administrative work
Page 81

41. Discussion Questions (Page 1 of 2)
Explain the difference between general-purpose and special-purpose applications.
What is the difference between a function and a formula? How is a formula related to what-if analysis?
What are presentation graphics programs? How are they used?
Have students turn to the end of Chapter 3 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements
Page 88

42. 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?
Have students turn to the end of Chapter 3 in their textbooks to view the same “Open-Ended” questions/statements
Page 88