Chapter 3

Basic Application Software

McGraw-Hill

Copyright 2011 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Competencies (Page 1 of 2)
Discuss common features of most software applications. Discuss word processors and word processing features. Describe spreadsheets and spreadsheet features. Discuss database management systems and database management features.

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Competencies (Page 2 of 2)
Describe presentation graphics and presentation graphics features. Discuss integrated packages. Discuss software suites and the different types of suites.

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Introduction
Not long ago, trained specialists were required to perform many of the operations you can now do with a microcomputer. A microcomputer can be an electric tool. Competent end users need to understand the capabilities of basic application software including:
Word processors Spreadsheets Database management systems Presentation programs

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Application Software
Application software is end user software that is used to accomplish a variety of tasks Two categories
Basic applications (focus of this chapter) Specialized applications

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Common Features
Graphical User Interface (GUI) Icons Windows Menus Toolbars

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Toolbars
Quick access to commonly used commands Contain buttons that provide shortcuts Examples Standard Toolbar Speech Recognition

Standard

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Microsoft Office 2007

Newest version of Microsoft Office New Interface
Ribbons Contextual Tabs Galleries

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Copyright 2011 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc. All rights reserved.

Making IT Work for You

Speech Recognition
Allows your voice to control application software For best results, use your voice and mouse or keyboard
Train the software Control a program Dictate a document

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Word Processors
Used to create text-based documents
Memos, letters, and faxes
Newsletters, manuals, and brochures

Word processing programs

Microsoft Word Corel WordPerfect Apple Pages

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Word Processor Features

Word Wrap Editing
Thesaurus Find and Replace Spelling and grammar checkers

Formatting
Font and font sizing Character effects Bulleted and numbered lists

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Word Processor Case

Creating a Flyer Creating a Report

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Creating a Flyer

Return
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Creating a Report

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Spreadsheets
Programs that manipulate numeric data Spreadsheet programs
Microsoft Excel Corel Quattro Pro Apple iWork's Numbers

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Spreadsheet Features
Workbook files Worksheet or spreadsheet or sheet Formulas Functions Analytical graphs or charts What-if Analysis

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Spreadsheet Case
Creating a Sales Forecast Creating a Chart Analyzing Your Data

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Creating a Sales Forecast

Return
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Creating a Chart

Return
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Analyzing Your Data

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Database Management Systems (DBMS)

A collection of related data Sets up a structure for data storage Database programs
Microsoft Access Corel Paradox Lotus Approach

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Database Features
Relational Tables Records Fields Record sorting Queries Forms Reports

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Database Case
Creating a Database Creating a Query

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Creating a Database

Return
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Creating a Query

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Presentation Graphics
Programs that create visually interesting presentations
Presentation programs Microsoft PowerPoint Corel Presentations Lotus Freelance Graphics

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Presentation Graphics Features

Slides AutoContent wizard Design templates Master slide

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Presentation Graphics Case

Creating a Presentation Updating a Presentation

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Creating a Presentation

Return

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Integrated Packages
A single program that provides the functionality of several widely used programs
Popular with many home users Classified as personal or home software

Advantages are cost and simplicity Disadvantages are limited functions The most widely used package is Microsoft Works
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Software Suites
Collection of separate application programs sold as a group Four types of suites
Productivity suite or Office Software Suite Alternative office suite Specialized suite Utility suite

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A Look to the Future

Agents will help write papers, pay bills, and shop on the internet
Intelligent programs Primitive agents currently exist Next generation may provide the most efficient way to locate information on the Web

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Open-Ended Questions (Page 1 of 2)

Explain the difference between generalpurpose and special-purpose applications. Discuss the common features of most software programs. Describe the new interface introduced with 2007 Microsoft Office. What is the difference between a function and a formula? How is a formula related to what-if analysis?

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Open-Ended Questions (Page 2 of 2)

What are presentation graphics programs? How are they used? What is the difference between an integrated package and a software suite? What are the advantages and disadvantages of each?

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