Module 1.
4 Software Part 2
Application software
Office suites
Component of Function
office suite
Word processor Used to create, edit, format or work with text based
documents.
Spreadsheet Spreadsheets are for working with numbers, calculations and
graphs. Businesses depend on spreadsheets for budgeting,
financial planning, analysis, etc.
Presentation Used in classrooms, lecture halls and boardrooms to create
and collate slides to get your message across to the
audience.
Database Used to store, search, filter and report on data.
Schools marks and POS systems are powered by databases.
Productivity software for mobile users
Mobile users have access to a wide variety of productivity apps, many of
which are free.
Tasks like meeting scheduling, video conferencing, note taking, project
management, and to-do lists can all be handled via mobile apps.
Cloud storage options (e.g., Dropbox, OneDrive, Google Drive) make file
access and sharing easy.
Full office suites are available on mobile (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Docs,
Docs To Go, iWork).
Users can view and edit documents on mobile devices, reducing the need to
carry laptops.
Reference software Previously available on CDs/DVDs (e.g. encyclopedias,
dictionaries).
Now mostly replaced by the web – easier and more up
to date.
4
People use Google and tools like Google Translate for
quick information.
Mobile apps are used for quick access to guides and
reference tools.
Web browsers Examples: Microsoft Edge, Firefox, Google Chrome.
Used to browse and interact with web content
(websites, videos, PDFs).
Support features like RSS feeds, video downloaders,
and note-taking extensions.
Email software Basic functions: send, receive, read, and reply to
emails (with/without attachments).
Advanced features in apps like Outlook: contacts
database, groups, to-do lists, calendar, rules, spam
filters, and meeting scheduling.
Document management software – using PDF
PDF (Portable Document Format) is widely used for sharing documents.
PDF readers (e.g. Adobe Reader) are free and preserve layout/formatting.
PDFs are viewable on any device, even without the original software.
To create a PDF:
o Use "Save As" and choose PDF format, or
o Use PDF creation software (some free, Adobe’s is paid).
PDFs are ideal for invoices and reports because they can be locked to
prevent editing.
5
Software that enhances accessibility, efficiency and productivity
Voice recognition
Converts spoken words into commands or text.
Types: Command & dictation software, and virtual assistants.
Uses pattern matching and trigger phrases (e.g. "Hey Siri").
Advantages Limitations
Helps disabled users. Requires training to understand
Speeds up text input. your voice.
Useful in hands-free scenarios (e.g. Background noise/microphone
cars). quality can affect accuracy.
Voice Recognition on Computers
Common tools: Google Docs Voice Typing, Siri (iOS), Windows Speech
Recognition, Google Voice Search, Dragon (Nuance).
Dragon is popular for advanced use.
Virtual Assistants
Use natural language to carry out tasks based on context.
Examples: Check weather, set reminders, GPS navigation.
Learn from user habits.
Can control smart home devices via pods (e.g. Alexa, Siri).
Note-Taking Software
Allows handwritten notes, integrates multimedia (text, sound, video).
Can convert handwriting to editable text.
Links audio recordings to handwritten notes.
Popular apps: Evernote, Microsoft OneNote.
Education/Training Software
Used in e-learning and self-paced study.
Offers instant feedback and progress tracking.
Encourages motivation via gamified features.
Promotes collaboration and green computing.
MOOCs (e.g. Khan Academy) are free large-scale online courses.
Software Choice – Based on Task & User Need
6
Writing: Google Docs (basic), MS Word (professional), mobile word
processors for students.
Photos: Paint 3D (basic), Photoshop Express (web-based), Adobe
Photoshop (advanced users).
Calculations: Spreadsheets for general use, specialized payroll software for
businesses.
Communication: Email, web browsers, RSS feeds.
Complete WMA on page 66-67 Question 16-30