Computing Essentials 2008

Chapter 3: Basic Application Software

• Application software features (62)
o User Interface

Usually Graphical User Interface (GUI)

Uses Icons and a mouse for easy navigation and input in an application.

Uses windows to display programs, documents, and/or messages

Has a drop-down menu with a list of options or commands associated with
the selected menu.

Toolbars contains small buttons that provide shortcuts to the options and
commands listed in the menu.
• Standard - contains buttons common to most applications, such as
open, print, and save
• Formatting – contains buttons that help with formatting the
document, such as font types, styles and sizes.

Input via speech recognition is being integrated into new applications,
such as the latest version of Microsoft Office.
• Making it Work for you (64)
o This shows how to setup voice recognition software using Microsoft Office 2003.
o You need to setup the microphone and test the settings.
o It shows how you can control a program and dictate text
• Word Processors (66)
o Create text based files called documents
o Can use them to create memos, letters, newsletters, or brochures
o The three most widely used word processing programs are Microsoft Word, Corel
WordPerfect, and Lotus Word Pro.

Features
• Word wrap - automatically moves the insertion point to the next
line once the current line is full. (Also called a soft return)
• Thesaurus - provides synonyms, antonyms, and related words for a
selected word or phrase.
• Spelling and grammar checkers - look for misspelled words and
problems with capitalization,
• Case (66)
o Applying Microsoft Word to a real-world scenario. Use Figures 3-4 and 3-5 on
pages 69 & 70.
• Spreadsheets (69)
o They organize, analyze, and graph numeric data such as budgets and financial
reports.
o Spreadsheet programs manipulate numeric data and create workbook files.
o The three most widely used spreadsheet programs are Microsoft Excel, Corel
Quattro Pro, and Lotus 1-2-3.
o Features

Spreadsheets are organized in a tabular fashion with columns being
designated by letters and rows by numbers.

A cell can contain text or numeric entries.

A numeric entry can be a number or a formula.
• A formula is an instruction to calculate or process.

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Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 3: Basic Application Software
• Functions are prewritten formulas provided by the spreadsheet
program that perform more complex calculations.

Analytical graphs or charts - visual representations of data in a worksheet.

What-If analysis - the process of observing the effect of changing one or
more cells.
• Case (70)
o Applying Microsoft Excel to a real-world scenario. Use Figures 3-8 through 3-10
on pages 71 - 73.
• Databases (74)
o A database is a collection of related data.
o A database management system (DBMS) is a program that sets up, or structures, a
database and provides tools to enter, edit, and retrieve data from the database.
o Three of the most widely used database management systems designed for
microcomputers are Microsoft Access, Corel Paradox, and Lotus Approach.
o Features

A relational database is the most widely used database structure. In which,
data is organized into related tables.

Tables are organized into columns called fields and rows called records.

DBMS give a variety of tools to create, organize, and manage tables and
databases.
• Its greatest power is the ability to quickly find and bring together
information stored in separate tables using queries, forms, and
reports.
• A query is a question or a request for specific data contained in a
database.
• Forms reflect the contents for one record in a table and used to
enter new records and to make changes to existing records.
• Reports are printed information from the database.
• Case (74)
o Applying Microsoft Access to a real-world scenario. Use Figures 3-11 and 3-12
on pages 75 and 76.
• Presentation graphics (77)
o Programs that combine a variety of visual objects to create attractive, visually
interesting presentations.
o Three of the most widely used presentation graphics programs are Microsoft
PowerPoint, Corel Presentations, and Lotus Freelance Graphics.
o Features

An electronic presentation consists of a series of slides.

Most include a wizard that steps you through the process of creating a
presentation.

They can contain design templates which use consistent color schemes,
font, styles and bullet graphics through out the presentation.

Visual effects – such as object animation and slide transitions that help
make the presentation more interesting.

Master slide- a slide that governs the layout of every slide in a
presentation. When a change is made to the master it is reflected on all the
slides in the presentation.

Chapter Outline 3
Computing Essentials 2008
Chapter 3: Basic Application Software
• Case (77)
o Applying Microsoft PowerPoint to a real-world scenario. Use Figures 3-13 and
3-14 on page 78.
• Integrated Packages (79)
o An integrated package is a single program that provides the functionality of a
word processor, spreadsheet, database manager, and more.
o The primary advantages are cost and simplicity.
o The primary disadvantage of an integrated package is that the capabilities of each
function are not as extensive as in the individual programs.
o Popular with home users.
o The most widely used integrated packages are Microsoft Works and AppleWorks.
• Case (79)
o Using an integrated package to a real-world scenario. Use Figures 3-16 on page
79.
• Software Suites (80)
o A software suite is a collection of separate application programs bundled together
and sold as a group.
o The applications function the exactly the same as if purchased individually, but
they are significantly cheaper to purchase.
o There are four types:

Productivity software - also known as business suites, contain
professional-grade application programs, including a word processor,
spreadsheet, database manager, and more.

Personal suite - these contain personal software applications or programs
intended for home use.

Specialized suite - they focus on specific applications. These include
graphics suites, financial planning suites.

Utility suite - these suites include a variety of programs designed to make
computing easier and safer.
• Careers in IT (81)
o Computer Trainers

instruct new users on the latest software or hardware.

Employers look for good communication skills and teaching experience.

Though a teaching degree may not be required, it may be preferred.

Experience with the latest software and/or hardware is essential but this
varies depending on the position.

Computer trainers can expect to earn an annual salary of $26,000 to
$54,000.
• A Look to Future (81)
o Personal agents that help write term papers, shop, pay bills, etc.
o An agent is an intelligent program that can understand your needs and act to fulfill
those needs.
o Today, primitive agents already exist in many help tools to interpret user
questions and to formulate appropriate responses.
o In the future, they will locate Web sites that not only have the words you are
looking for but also the meaning.

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