Chapter 3Applications Software: Getting the Work Done

Operating system vs. Applications Software

Operating system Controls the hardware provide a user interface must be loaded BEFORE application

software can run

Application software

apply to real-world tasks solve problems user works directly with

“applications”

Forms of Applications Software

Custom Software written for a specific company meets company's exact needs takes a lot of time to write more expensive than package

software

Forms of Applications Software

Packaged Software

sold in stores or on the Internet some may be downloaded usually available on CD or DVD also available for large business

applications

Forms of Applications Software Freeware

    - free, but may have restrictions on use    - copyrighted

Open-source software variation of freeware source code is provided programmers can modify it and understand it

Shareware free for a short time small fee must be paid after the trial period copyrighted

Forms of Applications Software

Public-domain software uncopyrighted may be used or altered without

restriction

Installing Software

Purchase the CD Download it from the web Businesses sometimes use an

Application Service Provider (ASP)

Task Oriented Software

Word processing most widely used pc software create, edit, format, store documents for reports, memos, letters, ads,

flyers, etc

Task Oriented Software

Desktop publishing more than word processing typesetting color reproduction used by magazines, newspapers, and

book publishers

Task Oriented Software

Electronic spreadsheets perform calculations on rows and

columns of numbers automatically recalculates includes charting

Task Oriented Software

Database management

manage a collection of data store, update, retrieve and report

features useful for large amounts of data quick retrieval of select data using

queries

Task Oriented Software

Presentation graphics develop slide shows include audio, video, clip art deliver presentations electronically

through a digital projector

Task Oriented Software

Communications communicate between computers web browser email messaging

Software suite

Group of software applications Applications have similar "look and

feel“ Cheaper than buying several

separate applications

Microsoft Office is a suite

Getting Software Help at Work

Information Center (    Help Desk  ) install software provide troubleshooting answer questions by phone or email provide training

NMSU Help Desk 646-1840

Restrictions on Software Use

Single user license install on one computer only no copying

Site license may install software on multiple computers used by businesses cheaper than buying individual licenses

Ethical Issues

Software piracy illegally copying software illegally installing software on multiple

computers

Counterfeiting copying and selling large numbers of CDs in

packages that look like the real thing Software companies lose billions of dollars

annually due to piracy and counterfeiting.

Computer Professionals

Data entry operators key in or scan in data

Computer operators monitor computer systems keep equipment running load tapes add paper, toner, ink to printers

Computer Professionals

Librarians catalog disks and tapes keep them secure

Computer programmers design, write, test, and maintain

programs   

Computer Professionals

System analysts work with entire systems know about programming work with users typically paid more than programmers

Network managers installs and maintains networks

Computer Professionals

Chief information officer

must understand the entire organization

makes strategic decisions manages other computer

professionals typically reports to the CEO