Applications Software.

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Software Applications are the programs that we use on the computer. They are used for business, education and leisure. An example of some of these are:

• Word Processor: for typing letters,
• Spreadsheet: for accounts and charts,
• Database: for mass storage of records,
• Presentation: for slideshows,
• E-mail: for communication,
• Web browser: for surfing the Internet,
• Computer Aided Design: for engineering.

Word Processing: A word processing program allows you to enter and manipulate text on screen. The text can be saved as a file and printed. It is the most commonly used application. Once the basics have been learnt, it is easy to produce professional-looking documents. These documents can be stored on a disk so that they can be recalled and altered at a later date. Microsoft Word is a word processing language.

Spreadsheet: This program has some aspects of a filing system and some of a calculator. It consists of a large area, or grid, in which you can enter data and text and work out sums. The program will do instructions as instructed by you. When changes are made, the spreadsheet automatically recalculates new values. It is very fast, accurate and flexible. You can save the spreadsheets to disk and print them. It is used in accounting to produce budgets, balance sheets, payrolls and in scientific modelling and 'what if' analyses. Microsoft Excel is a spreadsheet program.

Database: This is a program that allows you to store data in an organised record format. It is sometimes known as an 'electronic filing system'. It is structured so that it can be used to retrieve, sort and search data quickly and in many different ways. Databases can be saved to disk and can be printed. It is much faster than using a paper database, where filing cards are stored in a manual card-index system, and has a much greater storage capacity. Databases are extensively used in all types of business and commerce. Microsoft Access is a database program.

Presentation: This software allows you to create, organise and design effective presentations. These can produce overhead transparencies, 35mm slides or automated presentations on the computer. Microsoft Power-Point is a presentation program.

Desktop Publishing: This software allows you to create professional-looking manuals and brochures. Microsoft Publisher is a Desktop Publishing program.

Multimedia: There are many programs available to use with multimedia i.e. combining graphics, text, sound, video and user interaction. Image manipulation programs such as Adobe Photoshop and web design programs such as Microsoft Front Page are examples of multimedia programs.