COMPUTER APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application software is the set of programs necessary to carry out operations for a specified application. Application software consists of Programs that direct computers to perform specific information processing activities for end users. These programs are called application packages because they direct the processing required for a particular use, or application, which users want to accomplish. Thousands of application packages are available because there are thousands of different jobs end users want computers to do.

 

TYPES OF APPLICATION SOFTWARE

Application software includes a variety of programs that can be subdivided into general-purpose and customized application software.

 

CUSTOMIZED APPLICATION SOFTWARE

This type of software is tailor made software. The software is developed to meet all the requirements specified by the user. Many application programs are available to support specific applications of end users.

• Business Application Programs: Programs that accomplish the information processing tasks of important business functions or industry requirements.
• Scientific Application Programs: Programs that perform information processing tasks for the natural, physical, social, and behavioural sciences, engineering and all other areas involved in scientific research, experimentation, and development. There are so many other application areas such as education, music, art, medicine, etc.

 

GENERAL-PURPOSE APPLICATION PROGRAMS

This type of software is developed keeping in mind the general requirements for carrying out a specific task. Many users can use it simultaneously as it fulfills the general requirements. General-purpose applications packages are programs that perform common information processing hobs for end users. For example, word processing programs, electronic spreadsheet programs, database management programs, graphics programs, communications programs, and integrated packages are popular with microcomputer users for home, education, business, scientific, and many other general purposes.

They are also known as productivity packages, because they significantly increase the productivity of end users. This packaged software is also called off-the-shelf software packages, because these products are packaged and available for sale. Many features are common to most packaged programs.

 

APPLICATION SOFTWARE TRENDS

The trend in computer application software is toward multipurpose, expert-assisted packages with natural language and graphical user interfaces. There are two major trends:

1) Off-The-Shelf Software Packages: There is a trend away from custom-designed one-of- a-kind programs developed by the professional programmers or end users of an organization.

Instead, the trend is toward the use of the “off-the-self” software package acquired by end users from software vendors. This trend accelerated with the development of inexpensive and easy-to-use productivity software packages for microcomputers, and it continues to grow.

 

2) Non-procedural, Natural Languages: There is a major trend away from technical, machine-specific programming languages using binary-based or symbolic codes and from procedural languages, which use English-like statements and mathematical expressions to specify the sequence of instructions a computer must perform.

Instead, the trend is toward non-procedural, natural languages that are closer to human conversation. This trend has accelerated with the creation of easy-to-use, non-procedural fourth-generation languages (4GL). It continues to grow as developments in graphics and artificial intelligence produce natural language and graphical interfaces that make software package.

 

CATEGORIES OF APPLICATION PACKAGES

a) Word Processing Packages: Word processing software is used to create, manipulate, and print documents. Documents can be any kind of text material. Some examples of documents are letters, memos, term papers, reports, and contracts.

The beauty of the computer word processor is that users can make any changes or corrections before printing out the document. Even after users’ document is printed out, users can easily go back and make changes. Users can then print it out again. Popular word processing packages include WordPerfect, MS-Word, and MacWrite.

These word processing packages allow users to do the following interesting features:

• Word Wrap/Enter Key: One outstanding word processing feature is a word wrap. A word processor decides for Users and automatically moves the cursor to the next line. As users keep typing, the words “wrap around” to the next line. To begin a new paragraph or leave a blank line, users press the Enter key.
• Search/Replace: A search command allows users to find any number that users know exists in users’ document. When users search, the cursor will move to the first place where the item appears. The replace command automatically replaces the word users search for with another word. The search and replace commands are useful for finding and fixing errors.
• Block/Move: The portion of text users wish to move is a block. Users mark the block by giving commands that produce highlighting, a band of light over the area. The task of moving the block is called a block move. The block command may also be used to delete text or to copy chunks of text into another document.
• Margins: Margins may be justified to right, left or full (right and left at the same time) in the most word processing packages. That is, they may be evened up to the right, left or both side simultaneously.
• Centering/Emphasizing: Headings of a document may be centered. Words or phrases may be typed underlined or boldface (extra dark lettering) for emphasis.
• Spelling Checker: A spelling- checker program can check spelling errors in a document automatically.
• Thesaurus: This programs enable users to quickly find the right word or an alternative word by presenting users with an on-screen thesaurus.
• Mail Merge: This feature allows users to merge different names and addresses so that users can mail out the same form letter to different people.
• Desktop Publishing: Today’s advanced word processing programs can perform desktop publishing capabilities. This feature enables users to mix text and graphics to produce newsletters and other publications of nearly professional quality.
• Outliner: Sometimes called idea processors. It helps users organize and outline users’ thoughts before users prepare a document or develop a presentation.
• Grammar/Style Checker: These programs can be used to identify and correct grammar and punctuation errors.
• Importing: Most of the programs have an importing feature. Files may be retrieved from non – text programs such spreadsheets and graphics and added to the word processing program.

 

(b) Spreadsheet Packages: A spreadsheet is an electronic worksheet used to organize and manipulate numbers and display options for what-if analysis. The electronic spreadsheet has rows and columns stored in the computer’s memory and displayed on its video screen. Electronic spreadsheets allow users to try out various what-if kinds of possibilities. That is a powerful feature. Users can manipulate numbers by using stored formulas and calculate different outcomes.

A spreadsheet has several parts. The worksheet area of the spreadsheet has column headings across the top and row headings down the left-hand side. The intersection of a column and row is called a cell. The cell holds a unit of information. The position of a cell is called the cell address. A cell pointer (spreadsheet cursor) indicates where data is to be entered or changed in the spreadsheet.

Popular electronic spreadsheet packages include Lotus 1-2-3, Quattro Pro, and Excel.

Some common features of spreadsheet programs are as follows:

1. Format: Column and row headings are known as labels. Usually a label is a word or symbol. A number in a cell is called a value. A label can be centered in the cell or positioned to the left or right. A value can be displayed to show decimal places, dollars, or percent (%). The number of decimal positions (if any) can be altered, and the width of columns can be changed.
2. Formulas: The major benefit of spreadsheets is that users can manipulate data by using formulas. They make connections between numbers in particular cells.
3. Recalculation: Recalculation is the most important feature of spreadsheets. If users change one or more numbers in users’ spreadsheet, all related formulas will recalculate automatically. By manipulating the values, users can use spreadsheet formulas to explore users’ options.
4. Windows: The screen-sized area of a spreadsheet that users can view is called a window or a page. Only about 20 rows and 8 columns of a spreadsheet are visible on the video display screen at one time. The total size of the spreadsheet can be much larger.
5. Graphic Data Display: Most spreadsheets allow users to present their data in graphic form. That is, users can display numerical information as pie charts or bar charts.
6. 3-D Graphics: Most spreadsheet programs even permit users to display data in graphs and charts that have a three-dimensional look.
7. Graphics on Worksheet: A new feature gives users the ability to place graphical elements such as lines, arrows, and boxes directly into the worksheet. Users can create charts and graphs directly on the worksheet.
8. Consolidation Feature: Data may be consolidated from several small worksheets into one large worksheet. Thus, users can work with small worksheets, which are more manageable, and summarize the data on a large worksheet.
9. Dynamic File Links: Some software offers dynamic file links, which allow users to link cells in one worksheet file to cells in other worksheet files. Whenever a change occurs in one file, the linked cells in the other files are all automatically updated.

 

(c) Database Management Packages

A database is a large collection of data entered into a computer system and stored for future use. The computerized information in the database is organized so that the parts that have something in common can be retrieved easily. Most DBMS packages can perform four primary tasks:

1. Database Development: Define and organize the content, relationships, and mot on structure of the data needed to build a database.
2. Database Interrogation: Access the data in a database for information retrieval and report generation. A user can selectively retrieve and display information and produce printed reports and documents.
3. Database Maintenance: Add, delete, update, correct, and protect the data in a database.
4. Application Development: Develop golo prototypes of data entry screens, queries, forms, reports, and labels for a proposed application.

A database management package or database management system (DBMS) is a software package used to set up, or structure, a database. It is also used to retrieve information from a database. The top part of the figure is a menu. The entire list of member names and addresses is called a file. Each line of information about one member is called a record. Each column of information within a record is called a field.

Popular database management programs include dBASE, Paradox, and FoxPro. Database management packages have different features, depending on their sophistication.

A principal feature of database management software for microcomputers are as follows:

1. Retrieve/Display: A basic feature of all database programs is the capability to locate records in the file quickly. The program can search’ each record for a match in a particular field to whatever data users specify. The records can then be displayed on the screen for viewing, updating, or editing.
2. Sort: Database management packages make it easy to change the order of records in a file. Normally, records are entered into the database in the order they occur. There are many ways users can quickly rearrange the records in the file, such as by employees’ last name or by their social security number.
3. Calculate/Format: Many database programs contain built-in math formulas. In the office, for example, users can use this feature to find the highest or lowest commissions earned. Users can calculate the average of the commissions earned by the sales force in one part of the country. This information can be organized as a table and printed out in a report format.
4. Customized Data-Entry Forms: A person new to the database program may find some descriptions for fields confusing. For example, a field name may appear as “CUSTNUM” for “customer number.” However, the form on the screen may be customized so that the expression “Enter the customer number” appears for “CUSTOM.” Fields may also be rearranged on the screen, and boxes and lines may be added.
5. Professional-Looking Reports: A custom-report option enables users to design the elements users want in a report. Examples are the descriptions appearing above columns and the fields users wish to include. Users can even add graphic elements, such as a box or line, so that the printed report has a professional appearance.
6. Program Control Languages: Most people using a database management program can accomplish everything they need to do by making choices from the menus. Many database management programs include a programming control language so that advanced users can create sophisticated applications.

 

(d) Graphics Packages: A graphics program can display numeric data in a visual format for analytical or presentation purposes. Any other types of presentation graphics displays are possible. Draw and Input graphics packages support freehand drawing, while desktop publishing programs provide pre drawn clip art graphics for insertion into documents. Popular business graphics packages are Harvard Graphics, Freelance, Corel Draw, and etc.

There are two types of graphics programs. Analytical graphics programs are used to analyze data. Presentation graphics programs are used to create attractive finished graphs for presentations or reports.

1. Analytical Graphics: Analytical graphics make numerical data much easier to grasp than when it is as rows and columns of numbers. Graphics may take the form of bar charts, line graphs, and pie charts. The bar chart gives an instant visual profile of some figures. The line graph shows a visual profile in another way. The pie chart shows the proportion of some figures as slices of pie. High-low graph shows a range, such as house prices. Most analytical graphics programs come as part of spreadsheet programs, such as Lotus 1-2-3 and Quattro-Pro. They are helpful in displaying economic trends, sales figures, and the like for easy analysis. Analytical graphics may be viewed on a monitor or printed out.
2. Presentation Graphics: Users can use presentation graphics to communicate a message or to persuade other people, such as supervisors or clients. Thus, presentation graphics are used by marketing or sales people, for example. Presentation graphics look more sophisticated than analytical graphics, using colour, titles, a three- dimensional look, and other features a graphic artist might use. High-end presentation graphics packages even include animation capabilities. These packages allow users to create and edit animated graphics on user microcomputer.

 

(e) Communications Packages: Communications software packages for microcomputers are also viewed as general-purpose application packages. These packages can connect a microcomputer equipped with a modem to a public and private network. Communications software enables a microcomputer to send and receive data over a telephone or other communications line.

Communications programs are used by all kinds of people inside and outside business. Examples are students doing research papers, travelers making plane reservations, consumers buying products, investors getting stock quotations, and economists getting government statistical data.

Communications programs give microcomputers a powerful feature, which is connectivity. Connections with microcomputers open a world of services. Popular communications software includes ProComm, Smartcom, and Crosstalk.

Some common features of microcomputer communications programs are as follows:

1. Data Banks: With a communications program, users can access enormous computerized databases – data banks of information. Some of these, such as Dialog, resemble huge electronic encyclopedias.
2. Message Exchanges: Communications programs enable users to leave and receive messages on electronic bulletin boards or to use electronic-mail services. Electronic bulletin boards exist for people interested in swapping all kinds of software or information. Many organizations now have electronic mailboxes. For instance, users can transmit a report users have created on users’ word processor to a faraway company executive or to a college instructor.
3. Financial Services: With communications programs, users can look up airline reservations and stock quotations. Users can order discount merchandise and even do home banking and bill paying.

 

(e) Integrated Packages: Integrated packages combine the abilities of several generalpurpose applications in one program. Integrated software is an all-in-one application package that includes word processing, spreadsheet, database manager, graphics, and communications. An integrated package works together and shares information from one program with another.

Integrated packages were developed to solve the problems caused by the inability of individual programs to communicate and work with common files of data.

Some integrated packages require significant amounts of memory and may compromise on the speed, power, and flexibility of some of their functions to achieve integration. Powerful microcomputers available these days, however, allow users to accomplish all their works without sacrificing computers’ speed and flexibility.

 

Packages for Specialized Area

1. Multimedia Software: They allow users to create and play audio and video files. They are capable of playing media files. Audio converters, audio players, burners, video encoders and decoders are some forms of multimedia software. Examples of this type of software include Real Player and Media Player.
2. Enterprise Software: It deals with the needs of organization processes and data flow. Customer relationship management or the financial processes in an organization are carried out with the help of enterprise software.
3. Information Worker Software: Individual projects within a department and individual needs of creation and management of information are handled by information worker software. Documentation tools, resource management tools and personal management systems fall under the category of this type of application software.
4. Educational Software: It has the capabilities of running tests and tracking progress. It also has the capabilities of a collaborative software. It is often used in teaching and self-learning. Dictionaries like Britannica and Encarta, mathematical software like Matlab and others like Google Earth and NASA World Wind are some of the well-known names in this category.
5. Simulation Software: Used to simulate physical or abstract systems, simulation software finds applications in both, research and entertainment. Flight simulators and scientific simulators are examples of simulation software.
6. Content Access Software: It is used to access content without editing. Common examples of content access software are web browsers and media players.
7. Application Suites: An application suite is an important type of application software. It consists of a group of applications combined to perform related functions. OpenOffice.org and Microsoft Office are the best examples of this type of application software. These application suites, as you know, come as bundles of applications like word processors, spreadsheets, presentation software, etc. Applications in the suite can work together or operate on each other’s files.
8. Software that aid Engineering and Development of Products: These software are used in the design and development of hardware and software products. Integrated development environments (IDE) and computer language editing tools falls under this type of application software. Interestingly, software products are developed using other software, and software communicate with one another through software. Application programming interfaces which aid the communication of two or more software are examples of this application software type.
9. Statistical Software: Statistical software is specialized computer programs for statistical analysis.