Software
Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be
able to:
[Link] between the two categories of
software
[Link]fine application software
[Link] examples of 5 types of application
software
4. Explain the terms: general purpose,
Integrated, specialized ,customized and
custom-written
Software
● The term software is used to refer to the
computer programs used in a computer system.
Software can be divided into two main
categories namely:
● a) Applications Software
● b) System Software
Application Software
An Application software is a
software that is used to perform
tasks other than the operation and
management of the computer
system. An application program
performs a variety of related task.
Application programs are written to solve
end-user problems. These include:
● educational programs – used in schools for
teaching various subjects
● administration programs – used by many
organizations for maintaining records of staff
● library control programs – used by libraries for
maintaining records of books and borrowers,
in order to provide faster, more efficient
service.
● word processing programs – used by all kinds
of people for the efficient preparation of
letters, documents and reports.
Application software can be classified as one
or
more of the following:
General-Purpose
Customized software
Custom –written
Specialized
Integrated software
General Purpose
General-purpose application software is used by a large number
of people in a variety
of jobs and personal situations as this type of software is not
specific to any
organization or business.
The five main types of general-purpose application software are:
● Word Processing
● Spreadsheet
● Database Management
● Communication
● Graphics/Presentation
Advantages of using General Purpose Software
You can install it yourself by following the easy
instruction in the installation manual that
comes with the software.
Cheaper than employing a programmer
Disadvantages of General Purpose Software
The package may not fit the user’s need
exactly
The package may not be user friendly
Custom Written Software
This is software that has been designed or
created
by a programmer to meet the unique need of a
user
or organization.
For example, you could hire a system
analyst to look at the accounting principles
employed by your company and then
set a team of programmers to write a program to
meet the requirements. This
program would be custom written software.
Advantages of Custom Written Software
The software meets the need of the user
specifically
The software can grow with the company
Disadvantages of Custom Written Software
An experienced software team is needed.
Acquiring the right team can be costly.
If the people who are trained to use the
program resign then it will be some time
before new
persons are trained, slowing down the business
functions.
Customized Software
This software is where the software is slightly
modify in an effort to better suit the purpose of
the client. Most general purpose software
provides facilities for customization through
writing codes or recording macros (a single
instruction that expands automatically to
perform a particular task).
Eg. Microsoft Access, Database and Excel can be
customized.
Areas of the software that can be customized
include:
● Screen Colour
● Page size and arrangement on the desktop
● Navigation to available menus
Specialized software
This is a software that is designed to perform
expert systems in particular fields to make
decisions or solve problems.
Examples: Airline Reservation such as banking
or architecture, by using knowledge and
analytical
rules defined by experts in the field.
Advantages of Specialized Software:
Tasks or processes are carried out more
accurately and precise.
Mistakes or errors are minimized or easily
removed.
Disadvantages of Specialized Software:
It is expensive to purchase
Software limited to a particular discipline or
area of study
Integrated Software
ntegrated software is the term for a program
I
that includes all the major types of application
For example, word processing, spreadsheet and
database) and brings them together into a single
Software package.
Microsoft Works is an example of integrated
software.
Advantages of Integrated Software
You can get value for your money (all in one
package)
Data can be easily transferred from one
integrated application to another, using cut,
copy and paste.
Disadvantages of Integrated Software
Some integrated packages do not include all
of the applications that may be required.