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Charlemont High School

Information Technology

Application Software

Application software consists of programs written to solve end user problems.

Application software is available in a variety of forms: general purpose, specialised package, custom written
and customization of general purpose.

General purpose software is software packages that can be purchased off the shelves. These packages are
used for routine tasks and usually allows the user to perform a number of task. Examples: word processing
software, , spreadsheet, database management, communication and graphics/presentation packages. However
there may be some limitation to the quality of the task provided. General purpose software can be obtained
as an integrated software or software suite.
Advantages general purpose software
 You can install it yourself and follow the easy instructions in installation manual that comes with it.
 It is cheaper than hiring an employee to write the software for you.
 Easy updating and revising since each new version can be had at a reduce price. If the owner can
show proof of the purchase of an earlier version.
 Most users may be already familiar with the previous version of the software so no intensive training
program is required to use it.
 Several person use the software therefore help is easy to find.

Disadvantages of general purpose software

The package may:
 Poorly documented
 Have hidden problems
 Not fit the users need exactly
 Not be user friendly.

Specialised software package is software packages that can be purchased off the shelves and are used to
perform a single specific tasks. Examples: payroll package, stock control, keeping business accounts,
theatre booking and expert system. Because these software are dedicated to a particular task, usually will do
fairly good job. Expert system is a computer program which makes a decision of solves problems in a
particular field such as banking or architecture, by using knowledge and analytical rules defined by events in
the field. For example a doctor could employ an expert system that asked a patient series of questions and
make a diagnosis.
Advantages of specialised software package
 Tasks of purposes are carried out more accurately and precise.
 Mistakes or errors are minimized or easily removed
 Scientific simulation can be carried out.
Disadvantages of specialised software package
 It is expensive to purchase
 Software is limited to a particular discipline or use of study.

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Custom written software is software that has been designed or created by a programmer to meet the unique
need of a user or organisation. For example, if a company wants to computerise its Accounting department it
can commission a software firm or company's technical team to create the exact software they require.
Advantages of custom written software
 The software meets the need of the user specificity.
 The software can grow with the company.
 Business owner can relieve the stress placed on overburdened employee and save money from hiring
additional staff.
Disadvantages of custom written software
 Expectation can change midstream when developing custom written software, making a relastic
budget difficult to project. As a result businesses often run out of money before the project is
completed.
 An experienced software team is need. Acquiring the right can be cost.
 If the people who are trained to use the program resigned, then it will be some time before new
persons are trained, slowing the business function.

Customisation of general purpose software package is the modification of a general purpose software to
meet the specific needs of the user or organisation.

An integrated software is the term for a program that includes all the major types of application, e.g.
Microsoft works which contain word processing, spreadsheet and database in a single software package.

Advantages of both integrated software and software suite

 They cost less than buying individual programs
 Learning will be easier since similar screen displays are used.
 Transfer from one program to another is hassle-free as there no compatibility issues.
 Installation will be less time-consuming.
 It take up less memory than separate application.

Disadvantages of both integrated software and software suite

 Programs that may not be used have to be installed as they come as a single package, especially in
integrated software.
 Some features that are available individually may not be available in these packages.

Popular application software includes:

 Word processing software (word processor) allows user to create and manipulate documents that
contain text and graphics. Documents such as letters, memorandums, and brochures.
 Spreadsheet software allows you to organize data in rows and columns and perform calculations on
the data. Users perform financial tasks such as budgeting and forecasting with spreadsheet software.
This software is usually used by: Bursar, Accountants etc.
 Database software (database management system (DBMS)) allows you to create, access and manage
a database. It enables user’s to add, change, delete, and sort and retrieves data from the database.
This software is use by the Supplies department, Secretary for storing files of records.
 Presentation graphics software allows you to create documents called presentations, which are useful
to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group or audience. The presentation can

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be viewed as slides, sometimes called a slide show, that display on a large monitor or on a projection
screen. Speakers in presentation usually use this software.
 Accounting software helps companies to record and report their financial transactions.
 Desktop publishing (DTP) software enables professional’s designers to design and produce
sophisticated documents that contain text, graphics and brilliant colors. DTP software is ideal for the
production of high-quality color documents such as textbooks, corporate newsletters, marketing
literature, product catalogs and annual reports.
 Computer aided design (CAD) is a sophisticated type of application software that assists a
professional user in creating engineering, architectural and scientific designs. For examples,
engineers can create and design plans. Users would include fashion and fabric designers, graphic
artist.
 Video and Audio editing software: With video editing software you can modify a segment of a
video, called a clip. You can reduce the length of a video clip, record a series of clips or add special
effects such as words that move horizontally across the screen. With audio editing software you can
modify audio clips and produce studio quality sound tracks. You can remove a distracting
background noise from the audio clip.
 Multimedia authoring software also called authorware allows you to combine text, graphics, audio,
video and animation into an interactive presentation.
 Web page authoring software helps users of all skill levels create fascinating Web pages that include
graphical images, video, audio, animation, and other special effects.
 Communication software: Email software enables user to create, send, receive, forward, store, print
and delete e-mail messages. Web browser or browser allow you to access and view Web pages on
the Internet. Chat room permits users to chat with each other via the computer. Newsgroups also
called a discussion are an online area on the Web where users conduct written discussion about a
particular subject. Instant messaging is a real-time communication service that notifies you when one
or more people are online and then allows you to exchange messages or files with them or join a
private chat room. Groupware is a software application that helps groups of people work together
and share information over a network. Videoconferencing is a meeting between two or more
geographically separated people who use a network or the Internet to transmit audio and video data.
It allows participants to collaborate as if they were in the same room.
 Expert system is a management information system that captures and stores the knowledge of human
experts and then imitates human reasoning and decision-making.

Compiled by: H. Wilson