1. Computers Tools for an Information Age
Chapter 2
Applications Software: Getting the Work Done

2. 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

3. Applications Software
Software used to solve a particular problem or perform a particular task

4. Acquiring Software: Traditional Ways
Custom software
Written by programmers hired by organization
Packaged (commercial) software
Purchased from a store, catalog, or Web site

5. Custom Software Specifically tailored to an organization’s needs
Organization hires computer programmers to design, write, test, and implement software
Can be extremely complex and take years to write
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6. Packaged Software Sold in stores, catalogs, or Web sites
Sometimes downloaded from the Internet
Package contains one or more CDs or DVDs holding the software
Typically contains software documentation
Designed to be user-friendly
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7. User-Friendly Software
Easy to use
Should be intuitive for even a beginning user
Can be used with minimum of training and documentation
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8. Acquiring Software: New Ways
Open-Source Software
Shareware
Freeware
Public Domain Software

9. Freeware Author provides it free for all to use
Author retains copyright
May place restrictions on its use
May not be altered or redistributed without permission
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10. Public Domain Software
Software that is not copyrighted
May be used and even altered without permission
Typically developed by universities and/or research institutions using government grants
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11. Open-Source Software A variation of freeware
Source code made available
Source code: readable by humans
Other programmers can modify and redistribute the programs freely
Helps identify bugs and create improvements more easily
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12. Shareware Copyrighted software, freely distributed for a trial period
If you like it, register it for a fee
Most authors add free documentation, enhancements, support, and updates to encourage people to register
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13. Buying Commercial Software
Individual copies for each computer
Site license
Electronic software distribution
Application Service Provider

14. Site License
Software installed on some or all computers, depending on license terms
Customer keeps track of how many users
Number of users cannot exceed number of licenses
Customer copies and distributes software and manuals to users
Some organizations use network licenses
Software installed on server
License fee based on number of concurrent users
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15. Electronic Software Distribution
Get software from the Internet
Typically freeware and shareware
Some commercial software
Typical scenario:
Download software for trial period
Software disables itself after trial period unless you register (pay)
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16. Application Service Provider
Delivers applications to businesses via the Internet
ASP maintains software and data on its systems
Customers access applications as needed over the Internet
Alternative to creating and maintaining custom software or purchasing packaged software
“Rent” software, paying based on usage
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17. Task-Oriented Software
Often called productivity software
Common categories
Word processing/Desktop publishing
Electronic spreadsheets
Database management
Graphics
Communications
Others

18. Working with Words Word Processing Desktop Publishing
Most widely used personal computer software
Create memos, reports, papers
Incorporate graphics into documents
Desktop Publishing
High-level publishing needs
Newsletters
Brochures, promotional materials
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19. Electronic Spreadsheets
Made up of rows and columns of numbers
Perform “what if” analysis
Change a cell and have spreadsheet recalculate
Present data graphically
Show expenses as a pie chart
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20. Database Management
Handles the management of a collection of interrelated facts
Software can store, retrieve, update, and manipulate data
Can report data in many ways and print
Turn large amounts of data into information
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21. Graphics Graphics software creates graphs and charts from numeric data
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
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22. 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
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23. Other Task Software Personal Information Managers Office Suite
Keep track of activities
Typically include appointment calendar, address book, and task manager
Office Suite
A group of basic applications that work together
Easy to share data among applications
Similar look and feel among applications
Integrated application
A “stripped down” version of the office suite, e.g. Microsoft Works
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24. Business Software Vertical Market software Software for Workgroups
Small Business software

25. Vertical Market Software
Written for a particular type of business
Written by companies who have a thorough knowledge of that industry
Allows business to easily maintain information on the business, customers, vendors
Encompasses all of the business’s activities
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26. Groupware Lets a group of people share or track information together
Also called collaborative software
Often combines electronic mail, networking, scheduling, and database technology
Data stored in one central location
Often used by organizations with remote employees
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27. Software for a Small Business
Small Office/Home Office (SOHO)
Moderately priced software to perform functions aimed at small business
Examples:
Accounting software
Writing and advertising
Customer service
Keeping contacts
Making sales pitches
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28. Ethics and Application Software
Piracy: the acquisition and use of illegal copies of software
Counterfeiting: copying large numbers of CD-ROMs or DVD-ROMs and packaging them to look like the real thing
Unauthorized copying of software is stealing

29. Software Piracy Examples of piracy
Copying software from a lab or from a friend
Buying 2 or 3 copies of software and distributing it to dozens or hundreds of employees
Buying 1 copy of software and installing it on several computers at home

30. 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
Maintain data and provide services to end users

31. 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

32. Computer People Systems analysts plan and design entire systems
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