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Computer Basics - Understanding Applications (Handout)

The document discusses different types of applications that can be used on computers and mobile devices. It explains that applications allow users to perform specific tasks and provides examples of common applications like word processors, web browsers, games, and media players. It also discusses how to install applications and understand their associated file formats.

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daig0803
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Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
40 views

Computer Basics - Understanding Applications (Handout)

The document discusses different types of applications that can be used on computers and mobile devices. It explains that applications allow users to perform specific tasks and provides examples of common applications like word processors, web browsers, games, and media players. It also discusses how to install applications and understand their associated file formats.

Uploaded by

daig0803
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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5.

COMPUTER BASICS: UNDERSTANDING APPLICATIONS


What is an application?
• You may have heard people talking about using an application or an app.
• But what exactly does that mean? An app is a type of software that allows you to
perform specific tasks.
• Applications for desktop or laptop computers are sometimes called desktop
applications, and those for mobile devices are called mobile apps.
• When you open an application, it runs inside the operating system until you close
it.
• Most of the time, you will have more than one application open at the same time,
and this is known as multitasking.
• App is a common term for an application, especially for simple applications that
can be downloaded inexpensively or even for free. Many apps are also available
for mobile devices and even some TVs.

Types of desktop applications


There are countless desktop applications out there, and they fall into many different
categories.
• Some are more full-featured (like Microsoft Word), while others may only do
one or two things (like gadgets).
• Below are just a few types of applications you might use:
• Word processors: A word processor allows you to write a letter, design a flyer,
and create many other types of documents. The most well-known
wordprocessor is Microsoft Word.
• Personal finance: Personal finance software, such as Quicken, allows you to
keep track of your income and expenses and create a budget, among other tasks.
Most personal finance programs can automatically download information from
your bank so you don't have to manually type in all of your transactions.
• Web browsers: A web browser is the tool you use to access the Internet.
– Most computers come with a web browser pre-installed, but you can also
download a different one if you prefer.
– Examples of browsers include Internet Explorer, Firefox, Google
Chrome, and Safari.
• Games: There are many different games you can play on your computer.
– They range from card games such as Solitaire to action games like Halo 2.
– Many action games require a lot of computing power, so they may not
work unless you have a newer computer.
• Media players: If you want to listen to MP3s or watch movies you've
downloaded, you'll need to use a media player.
– Windows Media Player and iTunes are popular media players.
• Gadgets: Sometimes called widgets, these are simple applications you can place
on your desktop (or on the Dashboard if you're using a Mac).
– There are many different types of gadgets, and they include calendars,
calculators, maps, and news headlines.

Installing applications
• In order to work, an application usually has to be installed on your
computer.
• Typically, installation is as simple as inserting the installation disc and
following the instructions on the screen.
• For software downloaded from the Internet, you can usually double-
click it after it is finished downloading and then follow the instructions on
the screen.
• Many applications include a readme file (for example, readme.txt), which
includes installation instructions and other information.
• Use caution when downloading software because it can contain viruses or
other malware.
• If you have an antivirus program, you should scan the downloaded
software before installing it.

Computer Basics Course – 24 May – 9 June, 2016 ∙ OLOG Primary School ∙


UB - MPIT ∙ D. Garcia MSc. DIS/ M. Medina MSc. ∙ Page 1 of 2 ∙
5. COMPUTER BASICS: UNDERSTANDING APPLICATIONS
Files and applications
• Each application on your computer has a group of file types—or formats—it is
able to open.
• You generally won't have to figure out which application will open your files.
• When you double-click a file, your computer will automatically use the correct
application to open it, as long as the application is installed on your computer.
• If you don't have the correct application installed, you may not be able to open
the file.
• However, in some cases you can open the file with a web application that runs
in your browser.
• For example, if you don't have Microsoft Word, you can open Word documents
with Google Docs.
• If you're not sure what a file's format is, you can look at the extension at the end
of the file name (such as .docx, .txt, or .jpg).
• On some computers, the extension may be hidden, and you may need to look at
the icon to determine the file format.

Mobile apps
• Desktop and laptop computers aren't the only devices that can run apps.
• You can also download apps for mobile devices like smartphones and tablets, which opens up many new
possibilities.
• Here are a few examples of mobile apps:
– Flipboard: Flipboard allows you to create a personal news
feed by choosing topics, authors, and publications you like.
The app will keep track of what you like and deliver content
that interests you. You can even create your own online
magazine for other Flipboard users to read.
– Wolfram|Alpha: Wolfram|Alpha is basically a giant
searchable encyclopedia for any kind of science, language, or
math question you might have. You can access
Wolfram|Alpha on the Web or download the app for your
mobile device, and the company makes specific reference
apps for different subjects as well. But the basic
Wolfram|Alpha app will give you access to data on the
greatest number of subjects from your tablet or phone.
– TuneIn Radio: TuneIn Radio allows you to stream talk
radio, music, and podcasts from around the world. It can be
downloaded on your computer as well as to your phone or
tablet, so you can listen to whatever interests you anywhere
you have Internet access.
• Compared with traditional applications, mobile apps are relatively
inexpensive. Some of them cost as little as $0.99 and others are free,
although they may require you to make in-app purchases to access
some functions.
• If your mobile device has an Internet connection, you can download
apps directly onto it.
• Otherwise, you can sometimes download them to your computer and
then transfer them over.

Challenge!
Think about the activities you perform or want to perform using a computer (email, online shopping, etc.).
Think about all of the computers that are necessary for day-to-day activities:
• How are magazines, books, letters, and other documents written and created?
• How does the cashier scan and calculate your grocery items?
• Does the grocery store you visit use a computer to order its inventory?
• Is the weather map on television a computer-generated one?

Computer Basics Course – 24 May – 9 June, 2016 ∙ OLOG Primary School ∙


UB - MPIT ∙ D. Garcia MSc. DIS/ M. Medina MSc. ∙ Page 2 of 2 ∙

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