Overview of Basic Application Software
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ScribdTranslationsOverview of Basic Application Software
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ScribdTranslations3. APPLICATION SOFTWARE.
TOOLS
BASIC
Most computer users use several applications that allow them to
complete specific tasks. Among the most common are: the word processor,
electronic spreadsheets, graphic programs, database managers
data, the communication programs and the software that groups these tasks,
called suite or integrated packages. These applications are widely used in
all professional areas, which is why they are referred to as basic applications here.
Common characteristics: Application programs often share some
common characteristics listed in what follows.
WYSIWYG: "What you see is what you get"
"you get") is a design philosophy for applications, in which commands affect
the appearance of the work on screen so that what is seen on the screen corresponds
exactly to its appearance when printed.
Version and publication: The software is constantly evolving, improving, and being corrected.
the first appearance of a package is identified with the number 1.0. With each
Modification of the application, the number changes. A change in the version, which is the
The number before the point indicates significant changes (for example, 2.0). Minor changes.
of the same version, are reflected by the number after the dot, which is the
publication (example 1.5).
Insertion point: This element indicates where data can be entered.
It is generally a small vertical and intermittent line on the screen, although
it can take various forms. To control its movement in the work area,
the mouse or the arrow keys are used.
Menu: They are usually found in all applications. They are presented in a bar of
menus and when selected, they present the list of commands that can be executed.
Common characteristics in application programs with graphical interface
Toolbar or functions: It displays graphic objects or icons that represent
the commands and provide a graphical way to select them. It is generally located
under the menu bar.
Shortcuts: They are combinations of one or more special purpose keys for
speed up the selection of frequently used commands. They regularly use the keys of
function (F1, F2, F3, among others) or combinations of the Alt, Ctrl, or Shift keys alongside
a number, letter or a function key.
Dialog boxes: Allow the user to specify command options
additions. They frequently appear after invoking a command.
Editing: It is a common menu in the menu bar. It allows you to manipulate the information.
. Some common commands for editing options are cut, copy and
to grab, which allows you to delete, move, or copy information. An interesting command is
"Undo", which restores the work to the state prior to the last command.
Help: It is customary to place a help menu within the menu bar. The
the menu contains help options. It generally allows you to consult explanations
about the use of various commands and other details of the application.
Working Area: It can also be called the document area and is located in the
central part of the screen; allows viewing the documents to create them and
modify them. If the file is too long to be displayed on the screen, the area of
work shows a part of the document potentially available.
Scroll bars: They are generally located on the right and at the bottom end.
from the screen. They allow to display additional information that may not be visible
in the work area of the screen at any given moment.
Basic tools: There are different software distributors in the market.
Each product or program has its own characteristics, however it can be
group these products into the following categories:
Word processors: Word processing programs, or
word processors, as they are commonly called, are used to create
documents that consist essentially of text, from memoranda and letters to
brochures, curricula, and more extensive documents. It is one of the application programs.
most used.
Current processors contain special features. They can allow
add graphs and images, and even sound to the documents. They can do review.
orthographic and stylistic, having models or templates. They even manage to create
HTML type documents that can be used on the Web. Examples of the
the most known processors are: Word, WordPerfect, Writer, Apple Page, and Word
Pro.
Spreadsheet programs: A spreadsheet program allows
manipulate, calculate and analyze sets of numerical data. The file created with
this type of programs is called a worksheet or spreadsheet. The format of these
Work sheets are a two-dimensional matrix composed of columns and rows of cells.
The worksheet is similar to the one used in accounting.
Cells can contain headers, labels, values, and formulas. The address
a cell is determined by the combination of its column headers and
for example B6 (the cell located at the intersection of column B and row 6).
Inside a cell, a formula can be placed that allows the creation of a value based on
in the values of other cells. The numbers in the cells can have various
formats as needed, such as monetary format, decimal, percentage, of
fractions, date, time, among others.
A database management system (DBMS) is a tool that
allows users to create database tables, which provide access to the
data to multiple users and generate meaningful results that can be presented
on the printer or on the screen.
Linking Fields in tables of a Relational Database
The management functions that can be performed on a database
son: The creation of tables, introduction and editing of data, classification and
sorting of records, inquiries of specific information and generation of
reports. Examples of Packages for managing Databases are: Access,
Approach, mySQL.
• Graphs: Graphic programs display results from data manipulation
and allow for easier analysis, presentation, and illustration. Three types of programs
Graphs are: analytical, presentation, and drawing.
Communications. The Communications software allows users
connect and share resources with other users. Communication programs
they offer a very powerful feature, connectivity; that is, they allow for the
computers connect with other information resources.
Within the applications that take advantage of connectivity in the
computers have browsers such as: Internet Explorer, Konqueror and
Mozilla. We can also mention some email clients: Mozilla Thunderbird,
Outlook, Outlook Express andEudora.
The quantity and type of programs included in the software suite do not follow a
fixed standard. They generally contain at least a word processor and a spreadsheet
calculation. Additionally, they may contain a presentation program, a
database administrator and simple tools for graphics and
communications. Some popular suites are:
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, etc.)
[Link] (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw). Suite of
open source.
WordPerfect Office (WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, etc.)
Lotus Smartsuite (Word Pro, Lotus 1-2-3, etc).
Gnome Office.
AppleWorks.
[Link]
4. Application software. Advanced tools
The advanced tools of application software, as they have the characteristic of being the
result of combining the simplicity of using computers with direct applications and
innovative tools that bring with them in different fields
Through Application Software, the machine becomes an assistant of the
man, freeing him from repetitive tasks. Some examples of software
Applications are: > Word processors. (Notepad) > Editors. (PhotoShop)
for Graphic Design) > Database management systems. (MySQL) >
Communication programs. (MSN Messenger) > Integrated packages.
Office software: Word, Excel, PowerPoint… > Computer-aided design programs
computer. (AutoCAD) Application Software.
Your programs must be independent of the specific hardware used and must be
transported without major adaptation issues to other computers and other environments
operational. Within the application programs, it may be useful to make a distinction between
vertical applications, specifically designed for a very limited type of users
(doctors, lawyers, architects...), and horizontal applications, useful for a wide
user range of any kind. Computer Programs.
Business productivity application
Software used for business purposes to improve productivity. Includes: >
Office applications > Text editors > Spreadsheets > Simple databases >
Graph applications > Project management software... Productivity application
business.