understanding computers ch.71 chapter 7 application software

Understanding Computers Ch.7 1

Chapter 7

Application Software


Learning Objectives Describe what application software is and the different types,

ownership rights, and delivery methods available.

Detail some characteristics of a software suite and some ways of getting help with a software program.

Discuss word processing and identify the basic operations involved in creating, editing, and formatting documents.

Explain the purpose of spreadsheet software and identify the basic operations involved in creating, editing, and formatting worksheets.


Learning Objectives, Cont’d.

Identify some of the vocabulary used with database software and discuss the basic operations involved with creating, editing, and retrieving information from a database.

Describe what presentation graphics are and how they are created.


Overview

This chapter covers:

Basic characteristics and concepts of application software in general

A look at a variety of types of application software, including: Word processing Spreadsheet Database Presentation graphics


The Basics of Application Software

Types of application software

Word processing software

Spreadsheet software

Database software

Presentation graphics software


Ownership Rights and Delivery Methods

Rights of software use determined by the type of software and the conditions of the software license.


Ownership Rights and Delivery Methods Common types of software:

Commercial software—developed and sold for a profit.

Shareware—available free of charge for trial purposes; can usually be copied and given away to others for them to try.

Freeware—can be used, copied, and shared with others without charge.

Public domain software—non-copyrighted software that can be used without restriction.


Installed Software vs. Web-based Software

Installed software—installed on the PC before it can be run (most software today).

Can be bought in physical form or downloaded via the Internet.

Web-based software—can only be accessed through the Internet, such as through an application service provider (ASP).


Software Suites

Related software programs are often sold bundled together in software suites.

Common office-oriented suites are Microsoft Office, Corel WordPerfect Office, Lotus SmartSuite, and Sun StarOffice.

Advantages include overall lower cost (versus buying the programs separately) and a common interface and set of commands.


Object Linking and Embedding (OLE)

Objects created in one program can be inserted into documents in other programs.

Embedding—object is just copied to the second document.

Linking—object is linked to the original copy, so any changes to the original object are displayed in the second document.


Desktop vs. Handheld PC Software

Require specially designed application software.

Some handheld PC programs can exchange data with their desktop PC counterparts.


Getting Help Application-based help—within a program, such as

Windows, Word, or TurboTax.

Table of contents feature Index feature Search feature

Web-based help—via software manufacturer Web sites, online tutorials, and discussion groups.

Offline help—books, periodicals, videos, etc.


Word Processing Concepts Word processing—using a computer and word

processing software to create, manipulate, and print text materials such as letters, legal contracts, manuscripts, and other documents. Microsoft Word Corel WordPerfect Lotus WordPro

Advantages include being able to save and retrieve the document, as well as include graphics, formatted text, hyperlinks, videos, and other features.


Creating and Editing a Word Processing Document Scrolling and moving the insertion point.

Editing text—inserting or deleting characters; moving or copying text.

Line breaks and paragraph breaks (let the computer perform word wrap within a paragraph).

Editing tools, such as spellcheckers and grammar checkers are often available.


Formatting a Document

Character formatting (font face, font size, and font style).

Paragraph formatting (line spacing, left and right margins, tabs, alignment, and styles).

Page and document formatting (paper size, orientation, headers, footers, top and bottom margins, etc.).


Graphics, Tables, and Templates

Most word processors allow insertion of graphics, (e.g. clip art, photographs, and drawn objects) into documents.

Tables can be used to neatly organize data.

Templates and wizards can help users quickly create standard documents.


Word Processing and the Web

Most recent word processors include features to:

Save documents as Web pages.

Open and edit existing Web pages.

Include hyperlinks in documents.

Compose and send e-mail messages.


Spreadsheet Concepts

Spreadsheet—a document containing values and other data organized into rows and columns; created with spreadsheet software.

Microsoft Excel Corel Quattro Pro Lotus 1-2-3

Worksheet = a single spreadsheet.

Workbook = a group of worksheets saved in a single file.


Creating and Editing a Worksheet

Data is entered into cells (where rows and columns meet).

Cells are identified by their cell address, such as A1 or E5.

Cells can contain: Labels Constant values

Formulas Functions


Creating and Editing a Worksheet, Cont’d. Entering labels and constant values.

Entering formulas and functions.

Begin with the appropriate symbol (= or @).

Use the addresses of the numbers in the formula, not the numbers themselves.

Enter the formula into the cell where the result of the formula should be displayed.


Creating and Editing a Worksheet, Cont’d. Editing the contents of a cell.

Inserting and deleting rows or columns.

Moving and copying cells.

Relative vs. absolute cell referencing. Relative—cell addresses are adjusted as the

formula is copied. Absolute—cell addresses are not adjusted as the

formula is copied.


Formatting a Worksheet

Cell formatting (font face, font size, font style, alignment, and numeric format).

Row or column formatting (row height, column width).

Worksheet formatting (paper size, orientation, headers, footers, margins, etc.).


Charts and What-If Analysis

A charting or graphing feature allows charts to be quickly created from spreadsheet data.

What-if analysis allows you to change certain numbers on a spreadsheet and look at the results of that change.


Spreadsheets and the Web

Many spreadsheet programs include some Web capabilities, such as being able to save a worksheet as a Web page and include hyperlinks in worksheet cells.

More commonly, blocks of cells on a spreadsheet are copied into Web pages.


Database Concepts Database—a collection of data that is stored and

organized in a manner that enables information to be retrieved as needed.

Database software is used to create, maintain, and organize data in a computer-based database.

Most PC-based databases are organized into fields (columns), records (rows), and tables.

Microsoft Access Corel Paradox Lotus Approach


Creating a Database Databases can contain a variety of objects (tables,

queries, forms, reports, etc.).

The table structure is created first and given a table name. Field name Data type Other properties

After the table structure is complete, data can be entered into the table.


Modifying a Database

Design view is used to create or change the table structure (add a new field, change a field property, etc.).

Table (Datasheet) view or a form can be used to add, edit, or delete table data.

Objects such as forms, queries, and reports can be created to be used with the table, as needed.


Queries and Reports

Queries are questions used to retrieve information from a database.

Queries contain criteria to specify the records and fields to be included in the query results.

Queries are named and saved so they can be run again at a later time.

Reports are created when a more formal printout is

desired.


Databases and the Web

Once a database is created, it can be linked to a Web site, if needed.

Many Web sites use a database to keep track of inventory and allow individuals to search for or order products via the Web site.

Search sites also utilize a database.


Presentation Graphics Concepts

Presentation graphics—an image designed to visually enhance a presentation.

Often take the form of electronic slides (like this one) and created with presentation graphics software.

Microsoft PowerPoint Corel Presentations Lotus Freelance Graphics


Creating a Presentation

Individual slides are typically created and can either be printed or used in electronic slide shows.

Text can be formatted and toolbar buttons can be used to insert clip art, photographs, video clips, audio clips, etc.

Different types of charts (bar, pie, line, text, organizational) are also available.


Enhancing and Finishing a Presentation Animation—animated elements (text, images, etc.)

on the slide.

Transitions—animation that occurs between slides.

Slide order can be rearranged as needed and then the slide show can be run.

Typically, options are available to print slides or speaker notes, if needed.


Presentation Graphics and the Web

Presentation graphics programs can be used to create Web pages.

Slides can contain hyperlinks.

Slide shows are often available through the Web.


Summary Basics of application software

Word processing concepts

Spreadsheet concepts

Database concepts

Presentation graphics concepts

understanding computers ch.71 chapter 7 application software

Documents

installed software

software license

type of software

designed application

ownership rights

basic operations

handheld pc programs

basic characteristics