Competencies (Page 1 of 2)

• Discuss common features of most software

applications
Chapter 3 • Discuss word processors and word
processing features
• Describe spreadsheets and spreadsheet
Basic Application Software features
• Discuss database management systems and
database management features

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Competencies (Page 2 of 2) Introduction

• Describe presentation graphics and • Tasks such as business correspondence, sales
presentation graphics features projections, graphic design, and data processing
used to require trained specialists.
• Discuss integrated software and software • All these tasks, and many more, can be
suites accomplished using microcomputers and
• Describe ways to share data between application software.
applications • Competent end users in today’s word need to
understand the capabilities of basic application
software including word processors, spreadsheets,
database management systems, and presentation
programs.

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Application Software Basic Applications

• Application software is end user software that • Basic applications are also called general-
is used to accomplish a variety of tasks purpose
• Two categories • Common types
– Basic applications (focus of this chapter) – Word processors
– Specialized applications – Spreadsheets
– Database management systems
– Presentation graphics

Return

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1
 Specialized Applications Common Features
• Also known as special-purpose applications • Graphical User Interface (GUI)
• Includes thousands of other programs that • Icons
are more narrowly focused on specific
disciplines and occupations • Windows
• Best known • Menus
– Graphic programs (Photoshop, CorelDraw,Picasa)
– Audio & video editors(SoundForge9, VegasPro8)
• Toolbars
– Multimedia creation programs
(Video Avatar, CyberLink PowerDirector)
– Web authoring (MacroMedia Dreamweaver,
Microsoft FrontPage)
– Virtual reality programs (Real Space Viewer 2.0)

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Toolbars Microsoft Office 2007

• Quick access to commonly used commands • Newest version of Microsoft Office
• Contain buttons that provide shortcuts • New Interface
• Examples – Ribbons
– Standard Toolbar – Contextual Tabs
– Galleries
– Speech Recognition

Standard

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Web-Based Applications Speech Recognition

• Access to applications stored on Web sites • Allows your voice to control application
• Application service providers (ASP) software
– Special sites • For best results, use your voice and mouse
– Allows access to Web-based applications or keyboard
– Train the software
– Control a program
– Dictate a document

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2
 Word Processors Word Processor Features
• Used to create text-based documents • Word Wrap
– Memos, letters, and faxes • Editing
– Newsletters, manuals, and brochures – Thesaurus
• Word processing programs – Find and Replace
– Microsoft Word – Spelling and grammar checkers
– Corel WordPerfect • Formatting
– Lotus Word Pro – Font and font sizing
– Character effects
– Bulleted and numbered lists

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Word Processor Case Creating a Flyer

• Creating a Flyer

• Creating a Report

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Creating a Report Spreadsheets

• Programs that manipulate numeric data
• Spreadsheet programs
– Microsoft Excel
– Corel Quattro Pro
– Lotus 1-2-3

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3
 Spreadsheet Features Spreadsheet Case
• Workbook files • Creating a Sales Forecast
• Worksheet or spreadsheet or sheet
• Formulas • Creating a Chart
• Functions
• Analytical graphs • Analyzing Your Data
or charts
• What-if Analysis

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Creating a Sales Forecast Creating a Chart

Return Return
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Analyzing Your Data Database Management Systems

(DBMS)
• A collection of related data
• Sets up a structure for data storage
• Database programs
– Microsoft Access
– Corel Paradox
– Lotus Approach

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4
 Database Features Database Case
• Relational • Creating a Database
• Tables
– Records • Creating a Query
– Fields
• Record sorting
• Queries
• Forms
• Reports

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Creating a Database Creating a Query

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Presentation Graphics Presentation Graphics Features

• Programs that create visually interesting • Slides
presentations • AutoContent wizard
• Presentation programs • Design templates
– Microsoft PowerPoint
• Master slide
– Corel Presentations
– Lotus Freelance Graphics

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5
 Presentation Graphics Case Creating a Presentation

• Creating a Presentation

• Updating a Presentation

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Updating a Presentation Integrated Packages

• A single program that provides the
functionality of several widely used
programs
– Popular with many home users
– Classified as personal or home software
• Advantages are cost and simplicity
• Disadvantages are limited functions
• Popular packages are
Microsoft Works & Apple Works

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Software Suites Careers In IT

• Collection of separate application programs • Computer trainers instruct new users on the
sold as a group latest software or hardware
• Four types of suites • Attributes
– Productivity suite or Business suite – Good communication skills
– Personal suite or Home suite – Teaching experience
– Specialized suite – Detail oriented
– Utility suite – IT Experience
– Comfort speaking to groups is a plus
• Earning potential of $26,000 to $54,000
Return
annually
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6
 A Look to the Future Discussion Questions (Page 1 of 2)
• Agents will help write papers, pay bills, and • Explain the difference between general-
shop on the internet purpose and special-purpose applications.
– Intelligent programs • Discuss the common features of most
– Primitive agents currently exist software programs. Describe the new
– Microsoft and “Clippy” interface introduced with 2007 Microsoft
– Next Generation Office.
• What is the difference between a function
and a formula? How is a formula related to
what-if analysis?

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Discussion Questions (Page 2 of 2)

• What are presentation graphics programs?
How are they used?
• What is the difference between an integrated
package and a software suite? What are the
advantages and disadvantages of each?

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