5.3.1 Software: Applications Software

Application programs or packages (groups of programs) are designed to enable the computer to tackle a specific task, such as writing a letter.

Examples:

Word processing - for writing letters, reports and other documents.
Examples: Microsoft Word, Word Perfect.
Facilities include: editing of text, font & size changing, find & replace, spell checker, word count, mail merging (combining data from a database with text in a standard letter to produce customised letters).

Desk-top Publishing (DTP) - for producing posters, leaflets and newspapers.
Examples: Microsoft Publisher, Adobe PageMaker.
Facilities include: ability to import text and images from other programs or from disk plus ability to position them individually on the page. Usually have some text editing tools included.

Data handling - for creating databases.
Examples: Datapower2, Pinpoint, Microsoft Access.
Facilities include: creation & editing of fields, sorting and searching records and displaying data in graphical or chart form.

Spreadsheet modelling - for producing invoices and cost plans. Can be used to create models, simulations or expert systems for others to use.
Examples: Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3.
Facilities include: entry of formulas to perform calculations, also ability to display data in graphical and chart form. Acts rather like a multifunction pocket calculator, but once set up for a particular purpose there is no need to remember all the formula and functions each time you use it.

Graphics package - for drawing and painting.
Examples: Microsoft Paintbrush, Serif Photoshop.
Facilities include: cropping, resizing, various digital filters, drawing, painting and editing tools.

Computer-Aided Design (CAD) - for floor layouts and product design.
Examples: 2D Design, AutoCad. Facilities include: various drawing and editing tools and ability to scale accurately, sometimes in three dimensions and with ability to rotate in any direction.

Presentation software - for demonstrations and lectures to live audiences.
Examples: Microsoft Powerpoint, RM Illuminatus.
Facilities provided to produce and edit on screen multimedia presentations involving text, images, video and sound.

Music software - for composing a musical performance.
Example: Sibelius.
Facilities provided to create, edit, store, print and play scripts; to record, process and replay a variety of sounds via input from a music keyboard and other "midi" instruments.