Learning Objectives
Describe what application software is and some of the characteristics of a software suite. Chapter 7 Discuss word processing and identify the basic operations involved in creating, editing, and Application Software formatting documents.
Explain the purpose of spreadsheet software and identify the basic operations involved in creating, editing, and formatting worksheets.
Learning Objectives, cont’d. Overview
Identify some of the vocabulary used with This chapter covers: database software and discuss the basic operations involved with creating, editing, and – Basic features of application software retrieving information from a database.
– Characteristics of four primary application Describe what presentation graphics are and how programs: word processing, spreadsheets, they are created. databases, and presentation graphics
List several other types of application software programs and discuss what functions they perform.
Document-Handling Operations Software Suites
Most office-oriented productivity software is sold bundled together in software suites. Common suites are Microsoft Office, Corel WordPerfect Office, Lotus SmartSuite, Sun StarOffice.
1 Software Suites, cont’d. Online Help
Common interface Online help features enable users to get – Keep as many commands, toolbar buttons, and help about a particular program from within menu options the same from program to the program. program. Document-centered computing Help is typically in the form of: – Work centers around the document, not the – Table of contents program. – Index – Search Application integration and OLE – Natural-language help – Objects created in one program can be inserted – Wizard into documents in other programs. – Tutorial/tour
Ownership and Distribution Rights Proprietary software: owned by individual or company; users are expected to buy a copy of the program.
Shareware programs: available free of charge for trial purposes; can usually be copied and given away to others.
Freeware or public domain software: can be used, copied, and shared with others without charge.
What Is Word Processing Software? Word processing: using computer technology to create, manipulate, and print text materials such as letters, legal contracts, manuscripts, and other documents.
Leading word processors: – Microsoft Word – Corel WordPerfect
2 Creating and Editing Documents Formatting Documents
Scrolling and moving the insertion point Character formatting
Line breaks and paragraph breaks Paragraph formatting
Editing text Page and document formatting
Spell-checking
Graphics, Tables, and Templates Word Processing and the Web
Most word processors allow insertion of graphics, Most recent word processors include features to: (clip art, photographs, etc.) into documents. – Save documents as Web pages Tables can be used to neatly organize data. – Open and edit existing Web pages Templates and wizards can help users quickly create standard documents. – Include hyperlinks in documents
– Send e-mail
What Is a Spreadsheet Program?
A spreadsheet program is used to create documents that can be organized into rows and columns and contain numbers and equations.
Leading spreadsheet products include: – Microsoft Excel – Lotus 1-2-3 – Corel Quattro Pro
3 Creating and Editing a Formatting a Worksheet Worksheet Entering labels and Cell formatting constant values Row or column formatting Entering formulas and functions Worksheet formatting Editing a worksheet
Relative vs. absolute cell referencing
Charts and Sensitivity Analysis Spreadsheets and the Web
A charting or graphing feature allows charts to be Many spreadsheet programs include some Web quickly created from spreadsheet data. capabilities, such as being able to save a worksheet as a Web page. What-if analysis allows you to change certain numbers on a spreadsheet and look at the results More commonly, blocks of cells on a spreadsheet of that change. are copied into Web pages.
What Is a Database Program? Database Objects
A database is a collection of data that is stored Field is a single type of data to be stored in and organized in a manner that enables the database information to be retrieved as needed.
Database software (or DBMS – Database Record is a collection of related fields Management System) enables the creation of a database on a computer. File (or Table in PC databases) is a Common programs include Microsoft Access, collection of related records Corel Paradox, and Lotus Approach.
4 Creating a Database
When first creating a database, consider: – Number of tables – Data items to be stored in each table – Table structure – Whether or not a field is required (name of field), the type of data that can be entered into the field, size, etc. After the table structure is complete, data can be entered using either the datasheet view or a form.
Modifying a Database Queries and Reports
Design view is used for modifying a table’s A query is a question used to retrieve structure. information from a database.
Actual data in a table can be changed Reports are created when a more formal whenever the table is open in datasheet printout is desired. view or displayed in a form. – Fields may be edited, and records can be added or deleted as needed.
What Is Presentation Graphics Databases and the Web Software? Many Web sites use a database to keep Presentation graphics software is a type track of inventory and allow individuals to of program used to create presentation search for or order products via the Web graphics. site. Common programs include: – Microsoft PowerPoint – Corel Presentations – Lotus Freelance Graphics
5 Creating a Presentation
Individual slides are typically created and can either be printed or used in electronic slide shows.
Text can be formatted and toolbar buttons can be used to insert clip art, photographs, video clips, audio clips, etc.
Different types of charts (bar, pie, line, text, organizational) are also available.
Presentation Graphics and the Enhancing a Presentation Web Transitions and other types of animation can be Presentation graphics programs can be used to add interest to a slide show. used to create Web pages. Transitions determine how one slide leaves and another is introduced. Slide shows are often available through the Slide order can be rearranged as needed and then Web. the slide show can be run (slide sorter view used).
Typically, options are available to print slides or speaker notes, if needed.
Other Types of Application Video / Audio in Presentations Software Desktop and personal publishing
Multimedia software
Personal information managers
6 Other Types of Application Software Project management software
Accounting and personal finance software
Education, entertainment, and reference software
Computer-aided design software
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