Application Software

Learning Objectives

1. Describe what application software is, the different types of

ownership rights, and the difference between installed and
cloud software.
2. Detail some concepts and commands that many software
programs have in common.
3. Discuss word processing and explain what kinds of
documents are created using this type of program.
4. Explain the purpose of spreadsheet software and the kinds of
documents created using this type of program.

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 Learning Objectives

5. Identify some of the vocabulary used with database software

and discuss the benefits of using this type of program.
6. Describe what presentation graphics and electronic slide
shows are and when they might be used.
7. List some types of graphics and multimedia software that
consumers use frequently.
8. Name several other types of application software programs
and discuss what functions they perform.

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 Overview

• This chapter covers:

– General characteristics of application software
– The most widely used types of application software,
including:
• Word processing
• Spreadsheet
• Database
• Presentation graphics
• Graphics and multimedia software
– Overview of other types of application software

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 The Basics of Application Software

• Software Ownership Rights

– Specify the allowable use of the program
– Software license
• Gives you the right to use a software program
• Specifies the conditions under which the
buyer can use the software
– Open source software
• Programs with source code made available to the
general public

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition 5

 Inside the Industry Box

Open Source Software

– Use is growing
– In addition to Linux and other open source operating
systems, there are many
open source apps
– Open source is typically
cheaper
– Can also be more stable
and
– secure

Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition 6

 The Basics of Application Software

• Commercial Software
– Copyrighted software developed and sold for profit
– Typically comes with a single-user license
• Shareware
– Copyrighted software distributed on the honor system
– Consumers should either pay for it or uninstall it after the trial
period
• Freeware
– Copyrighted software programs that are given away by the
author for others to use free of charge
• Public Domain Software
– Software that is not copyrighted and ownership rights have
been donated to the public domain
Understanding Computers: Today and Tomorrow, 15th Edition 7
The Basics of Application Software

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 Desktop vs. Mobile Software

• Personal computers use

desktop software
• Smartphones and other
mobile devices
typically require mobile
software called apps
– Specifically designed for a
specific type of device
– Wide range of software
available via app stores
(Google Play, Apple App
Store, etc.)
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 Technology and You Box

Mobile Ticketing
– Download ticket to mobile
device to use for
admittance
– Tickets for movies,
sporting events, concerts,
etc.
– Boarding passes
– Custom tickets

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 Installed vs. Cloud Software

• Installed Software
– Must be installed on the
computer before it can
be run
– Can be purchased in
physical form
– Can be downloaded
from the Internet

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 Installed vs. Cloud Software

• Cloud Software
– Is delivered on-demand via the Web
– Also called Software as a Service (SaaS) and cloudware
– Includes free software and fee-based software
– Advantages of cloud software
• Files can be accessed from any computer with an
Internet connection
• Ease of implementation
• Improved collaboration capabilities
• Always working with the most current version of
software

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 Installed vs. Cloud Software

– Potential disadvantages of cloud software

• Online applications tend to run more slowly
• Have file size limits
• Cost may eventually exceed the cost of purchasing a
similar installed version of the software

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Installed vs. Cloud Software

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 Trend Box

Airline Apps
– American Airlines is issuing media tablets to all cabin
personnel and iPads to all pilots
– Replaces paper manuals and maps
– Expected to be able to provide
passengers with additional services
such as connection and weather
info and food purchases and other
in-flight transactions

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 Software Suites

• Software Suites
– Collection of software programs bundled together and sold
as a single software package
– Office suites are used by most businesses/individuals to
produce documents and typically include:
• Word processing software
• Spreadsheet software
• Database software
• Presentation graphics-software
– Provide a common interface among programs in the
suite
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 Software Suites

• Latest version of Office is 2013 (traditional installed)/365

(subscription)
– Office on Demand
– Read mode

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 Common Software Commands

• Toolbars, Menus, Keyboard

Shortcuts, and the Ribbon
– Provide access to most
commands in
application programs
– Keyboard shortcuts
can be used

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 Common Software Commands

• Ribbon used in Microsoft Office 2007 and later

– Commands are organized into groups located on tabs
– Contextual tabs appear on the Ribbon as needed and
contain special commands

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 Common Software Commands

• Editing a Document
– Changing the content of the document, such as inserting
or deleting words
– Insertion point
• Indicates the current location in a document, which is
where the changes will be made
– Typing text inserts the text at the insertion point location
– Delete and Backspace keys delete text
– Text and objects can typically be selected and moved,
copied, deleted, or formatted

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 Common Software Commands

• Formatting a Document
– Changes the appearance of the document
• Changes font face, font size, and/or font color
• Changes line spacing or margins
• Adds page numbers and/or borders

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 Common Software Commands

• Getting Help
– Often built into the program and typically contains:
• Table of Contents
• Browsing
• Search
– Online help (via manufacturer’s Web site and independent
sites)
– Offline help (periodicals, books, tutorial videos, classes)

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 Quick Quiz

1. Software programs that are distributed on the honor system and can
be legally and ethically shared with others to try out the software
are referred to as .
a. shareware programs
b. commercial software
c. public domain software
2. True or False: Software purchased via the Internet is always in
downloaded, not packaged, form.
3. A group of related software programs sold together as one unit is
called a(n) .

Answers:
1) a; 2) False; 3) software suite

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 Word Processing Concepts

• What Is Word Processing?

– Using a computer and word processing software to create,
edit, save, and print written documents such as letters,
contracts, and manuscripts
– Common Word Processing Software Programs
• Microsoft Word
• Corel WordPerfect
• Apple Pages

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 How It Works Box

Gesture Input with Microsoft Office

– Microsoft Office and Windows 8 support gestures to
replace mouse commands
– Tap, Press and hold, Slide, Swipe, Pinch, and Stretch

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 Word Processing Concepts

• Creating a Word Processing Document

– Word wrap
• Automatically returns the insertion point to the next
line when the end of the screen line is reached
– Character formatting (font face, size, style, or color)
– Paragraph formatting (line spacing, indentation, alignment,
and styles)
– Page formatting (margins, paper size, orientation, headers,
footers, etc.)
– Document formatting (footnotes, end notes, table of
contents, index, background, theme)

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Word Processing Concepts

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 Word Processing Concepts

• Tables, Graphics, and Templates

– Tables
• Allow content to be organized in a table consisting of
rows and columns
– Graphics or Drawing Features
• Allow images to be inserted into a document (clip art,
photographs, drawn images, etc.) and then modified
– Templates
• Help users create new documents quickly

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 Word Processing Concepts

• Word Processing and the Web

– Most word processing programs today include Web-
related features allowing you to:
• Send a document as an e-mail message
• Include Web page hyperlinks in documents
• Create or modify Web pages
• Create and publish blogs
• Collaborate with others online

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 Spreadsheet Concepts

• What Is a Spreadsheet?
– Documents containing a group of numbers and other data
organized into rows and columns
– Spreadsheet software includes the following tools
• Formulas, data analysis tools, charts, and graphs
– Most widely used spreadsheet programs:
• Microsoft Excel
• Corel Quattro Pro
• Apple Numbers

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 Spreadsheet Concepts

• Creating a Spreadsheet
– Worksheet: a single spreadsheet
– Workbook: a collection of worksheets saved in a single file
– Worksheets are divided into rows and columns
– Cell
• The intersection of a row and a column
• Each cell is identified by a cell address, such as A1
• Cell pointer is used to select a cell
• Cell pointer can be used to select more than one cell
(range or block)

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Spreadsheet Concepts

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 Spreadsheet Concepts

• Entering Data into a Spreadsheet Cell

– Labels
• Text-based entry in a worksheet cell that identifies data on
the worksheet
– Constant Values
• Numerical entry in a worksheet cell
– Formulas
• Perform mathematical operations on the content of other
cells
• Usually reference the cell address, not the current data in a
cell
• Use mathematical operators; begin with an = sign

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 Spreadsheet Concepts

• Function
– A named, pre-programmed formula
– Hundreds of functions that can be used in
spreadsheets

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 Spreadsheet Concepts

• Absolute vs. Relative Cell Referencing

– Relative cell references
• Cell addresses are adjusted as the formula is copied
– Absolute cell references
• Formulas are copied exactly as they are written
• Appropriate when you want to use a
specific cell
address in all copies of the formula
• Use $ to make cell references absolute: $B$6

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Spreadsheet Concepts

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 Spreadsheet Concepts

• Charts and What-If Analysis

– Most spreadsheet programs include some type of charting
or graphing capability
– Can create charts from the data in the spreadsheet (do not
have to reenter it)
– Charts change accordingly if the data in the spreadsheet
changes
– When cell contents are changed, formulas are
automatically recalculated
– What-if-analysis
• Tool frequently used to help make
business decisions
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 Spreadsheet Concepts

• Spreadsheets and the Web

– Most spreadsheet programs have built-in Web capabilities
enabling the user to:
• Save the current worksheet as a Web page
• Insert hyperlinks inserted into worksheet cells
• Select and copy ranges of cells to a Web publishing or
word processing program to insert spreadsheet data
into a Web page as a table
• Send a workbook as an e-mail message
• Collaborate online

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 Quick Quiz

1. Changing the line spacing of a document is an example of

which word processing feature?
a. word wrap
b. editing
c. formatting
2. True or False: A label is a special type of named formula, such
as SUM to add up a group of cell values.
3. A spreadsheet document created in a spreadsheet program is
often called a(n) .

Answers:
1) c; 2) False; 3) worksheet
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 Database Concepts

• What Is a Database?
– A collection of related data that is stored in a manner
enabling information to be retrieved as needed
– Database Management System (DBMS)
• Software that allows the creation and manipulation of
an electronic database
– Most widely used relational database programs
• Microsoft Access
• Oracle Database
• IBM’s DB2

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Database Concepts

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 Database Concepts

– Data in a database is organized into fields (columns),

records (rows), and tables
• Field (column)
– A single type of data to be stored in a
database
• Record (row)
– A collection of related fields
• Table
– A collection of related records
• Database file
– Collection of related tables
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 Database Concepts

• Creating a Database
– Database file is created first
• Contains objects, such as tables, forms, and queries
– Tables can then be created
– Typically, the table structure is specified first
– Table structure includes:
• Field name (unique identifying name)
• Data type (text, number, date, object)
• Field size (maximum number of characters)
• Default value (initial content of the field)
– The table is named and saved
– Tables can be created in either Datasheet or Design view

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Database Concepts

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 Database Concepts

– Data can be displayed

using a form or
Datasheet view
– Data can be edited

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 Database Concepts

• Queries and Reports

– Query
• A question; a request for specific information from the
database
• Contains criteria to specify the records and fields to be
included in the query results
• Is named and saved so it can be run again at a later
time

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Database Concept

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 Database Concepts

– Reports
• Created when a more formal output is desired
• Associated with either a table or a query
• Data is displayed in the specified location
• Databases and the Web
– Many Web sites use one or more databases to:
• Keep track of inventory
• Allow searching for people, documents, products, or
other information
• Searching for products on a retail store’s Web site
• Place real-time orders

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 Presentation Graphics Concepts

• What Is a Presentation Graphic?

– An image designed to visually enhance a presentation
– Can be used in electronic slide shows, as well as in printed
reports

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 Presentation Graphics Concepts

– Slide
• A one-page presentation graphic that can be displayed in a
group with others to form an electronic slide show
– Electronic Slide Show
• A group of electronic slides that are displayed one after the
other on a computer monitor or other display device
– Presentation Graphics Software
• Used to create presentation graphics
– Most common presentation graphics programs
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Corel Presentations
• Apple Keynote

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 Presentation Graphics Concepts

• Creating a Presentation
– Preformatted slide layouts can often be used
– New slides can be added to a new or existing presentation
as needed
– Slides can contain a variety of elements
• Text
• Images
• Charts
• Audio clips
• Video clips

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Presentation Graphics Concepts

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 Presentation Graphics Concepts

• Finishing a Presentation
– Slide Sorter View
• Shows thumbnails of all slides in presentation
• Used to rearrange the slide order
– Show can be set up to run automatically or manually
– Speaker Tools
• Speaker notes and pens
• Presenter view
• Recorded narration
• Can print the slides to create overhead transparencies
or an audience handout

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Presentation Graphics Concepts

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 Presentation Graphics Concepts

• Presentation Graphics and the Web

– Presentation graphics programs can be used to generate
Web pages or Web page content
– Slides can include hyperlinks
– Users can usually control Web-based presentations
accessed via a Web browser

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 Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

• Graphics
– Graphical images, such as digital photographs, clip art, scanned
drawings, and original images created using a software program
• Multimedia
– Technically refers to any application that contains more than
one type of media
– Often used to refer to audio or video content
• Large variety of graphics and multimedia software used to:
– Create or modify graphics
– Edit digital audio or video
– Play multimedia files
– Burn CDs and DVDs
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 Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

• Graphics Software (Digital Imaging Software)

– Used to create or modify images
– Painting Programs
• Typically used to create bitmap images (Microsoft
Paint)
– Drawing Programs (Illustration programs)
• Typically create images using mathematical
formulas
• Popular programs include Adobe Illustrator,
CorelDRAW, and Corel Painter

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 Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

– Image Editing or Photo Editing Programs

• Designed for touching up or modifying images
– Correcting brightness/contrast
– Cropping/eliminating red eye
– Optimize file size for the Web
– Adobe Photoshop, Apple iPhoto, etc.

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 Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

• Audio Capture and Editing Software

– Used to create and edit audio files
• Sound recorder software captures
sound from a microphone
• Ripping software captures sound
from a CD
– Edits and applies special effects
– Common consumer products
• Windows Sound
Recorder, Apple
GarageBand, Audacity

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 Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

• Video Editing and DVD Authoring Software

– Video Editing Software
• Modifies existing videos
• Prepares video clips for presentations or Web sites
– DVD Authoring Software
• Organizes content to be transferred to DVD
– DVD Burning Software
• Records data on recordable or rewritable DVDs
– Common consumer video editing programs include Roxio
Creator, Apple iMovie, etc.

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Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

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 Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

• Media Players
– Programs designed to play audio and video files
• Music CDs, downloaded music, online audio
• Downloaded and online video
– Important to adhere to copyright laws when using digital
music
– Media players include:
• RealPlayer, Apple QuickTime, Windows
Media Player, etc.

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 Graphics and Multimedia Concepts

• Graphics, Multimedia, and the Web

– Often used by individuals and businesses to create Web
sites or content to be shared via the Web
• Company logos
• Web site banners
• Games
• Tutorials
• Videos
• Demonstrations
• Other multimedia content

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 Other Types of Application
Software
• Desktop and Personal Publishing
Software
• Educational, Entertainment, and
Reference Software
• Note Taking Software and Web
Notebooks

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 Other Types of Application
Software
• CAD and Other Types of Design Software
• Accounting and Personal Finance Software
• Project Management, Collaboration, and Remote Access
Software

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 Quick Quiz

1. A single type of data to be included in a database (viewed as a

column in a table) is called a .
a. record
b. field
c. table
2. True or False: Each slide in a slide presentation can contain
only one
type of element, such as text, an image, or a video clip.
3. Recording content on a CD or DVD disc is referred to as
the disc.

Answers:
1) b; 2) False; 3) burning

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 Summary

• The Basics of Application Software

• Word Processing Concepts
• Spreadsheet Concepts
• Database Concepts
• Presentation Graphics Content
• Graphics and Multimedia Concepts
• Other Types of Application Software

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