Uses of Computer Software s1

TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

Computer Concepts 4th Bell

H. L. Boone High School Mrs. Ruby M. Pool

Submitted by Carnell L. Cherry

September 23, 200-

TYPES OF COMPUTER SOFTWARE

There are many, many types of computer software on the market today. Not everyone can use every type of software programs. There are software programs for writing letters, keeping budgets, keeping an address file, designing houses and landscapes, planning weddings, creating computer presentations. The list could go on and on. You can probably find a software program for almost anything you wanted to do.

This paper will attempt to examine various types of computer software in an effort to define what they do, Word Processing

Word processing software is the most common type of computer applications. It allows the user to create a document, store it electronically on a disk, modify it by using commands, and print it on a printer. Numerous types of documents can be created using word processing software. These include letters, reports, memorandums, tables, flyers, newsletters, and even web pages!

The major advantages of using word processing is that changes can be made easily without having to retype the document. You can correct mistakes easily. It is equally easy to insert a word, as sentence, or a paragraph in the middle of a document.

You can move sections of text from one place in a document to another. You can add automatic formatting or add formatting manually.

Some popular word processing programs include:

1. Microsoft Word

2. Corel WordPerfect

Spreadsheet Software

Spreadsheet software “turns the computer into a calculator.” The spreadsheet is a sheet of paper with columns and rows that organizes data so that it can be easily added, subtracted, or whatever mathematical function applied. Spreadsheet software uses formulas to calculate data. Spreadsheet software is used for budgets, payrolls, inventories, and any application that requires some type of calculation.

Once spreadsheets have been prepared, the information can be used to create charts and reports. Many times, spreadsheets are used by business to summarize and analyze transactions. These will assist in making important decisions. Some popular spreadsheet programs include:

1. VisiCalc

2. Lotus 1-2-3

3. Microsoft Excel

Database Software

Database software allows the user to organize a collection of data. It is sort of like a file folder, where a group of related records are stored. Information about students in your class could be kept in a database. Each student in the class would have a record and every student would have the same fields or piece of information recorded.

Once the information has been entered into the database, it can be retrieved in various ways. You may just want to see a list of all of the boys in your class, or a list of all the students who were born in May. This information can be easily retrieved. You can also prepare labels, print reports, or create merge letters!

Some popular database programs include:

. Oracle

. Dbase

. Microsoft Access

Other Types of Computer Software

There are many, many more types of computer software programs. There are integrated software programs which consist of two or more types of applications. Two of the most popular on the market today are Microsoft Office and Corel WordPerfect.

Specialty software includes software for a specific purpose such as keyboarding, real estate, or software used in the medical profession, the retail business and so on. It would be quite difficult to find any business or even individual who does not use some type of computer software.