Computer Software
Applications Software
Complete the table to describe the different types of applications software
Applications software Examples
word processing Microsoft Word, Corel Word- Perfect,
Lotus Word Pro
spread sheets Microsoft Excel, Lotus 1-2-3, Corel
Quattro Pro
graphics Microsoft Paint, Corel Draw, Corel
Painter, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe
illustrator, JASC Paint Shop Pro,
Macromedia Freehand
desktop publishing Microsoft Publisher, Serif Page Plus,
Adobe Page Maker, Quark Express
Presentation programs Microsoft PowerPoint, Corel
Presentations, Lotus Freelance
Web authoring Edit Plus, Expression Web Designer
First Page, FrontPage
database management MySQL, PostgreSQL, Microsoft Access,
SQL Server, FileMaker, Oracle, RDBMS,
dBASE, Clipper, FoxPro
Communications: Chrome, Firefox, Brave, Microsoft Edge,
Internet Browser Safari, Internet Explorer, Opera,
Chromium
Graphics Editing GIMP, Adobe Photoshop, CorelDRAW,
Pizap, Microsoft Publisher, Picasa
Multimedia Authoring Adobe Captivate, Composica, Lectora
Knowledge Presenter
© ICT Resources for Schools 2012
What is this software used for?
Word Processing is used for writing letters, reports and other
documents.
Spread sheets are commonly used for finance, budgeting and so
called ‘number crunching’. It is also used for creating models,
simulations and ‘What if Queries’.
Graphics are used for painting and drawing.
Desktop Publishing is used to produce newsletters, leaflets and
posters.
Presentation Programs are used for delivering slideshows and
presentations to an audience- normally using a large screen.
A web authoring software is used to allow Web pages to be
visually created like a desktop publishing program. A Web
authoring program generates the required HTML and JavaScript,
and users can switch back and forth between the rendered
pages and the code.
A database management software (DBMS) is used for storing,
manipulating, and managing data, such as format, names of
fields, and record and file structures in a database environment.
Communications internet browser software allows a user to
access and interact with websites on the internet.
Graphics editing software is used for editing and sharing digital
photos, creating logos, drawing and modifying clip art, creating
digital fine art, creating web graphics, designing advertisements
and product packaging, touching up scanned photos, and
drawing maps or other diagrams
Multimedia authoring software is used for collating, structuring
and presenting information in the form of a digital multimedia,
which can incorporate text, audio, and still and moving images
 Computer Software

Operating Systems Software (Also known as Systems Software)

Why is an operating system needed?

An operating system is the most important software that runs the entire computer by
controlling how all software applications, games or other programs work on the
computer. Without an operating system a computer just would not work. It manages the
computer's memory and processes, as well as all of its software and hardware. It also
allows you to communicate with the computer without knowing how to speak the
computer's language.

List the features and functions that come with the operating system that you are using at home or at
school:
-Protected and supervisor mode
-Memory management Virtual Memory Multitasking
-Handling I/O operations
-Manipulation of the file system
-Error Detection and handling
-Resource allocation
-Information and Resource Protection
-File management
-Device Management
-Process management
-Security

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 Computer Software
Your task

Write down the tasks you have completed using various different applications software.
Example:

“I have used word processing software to write a report for my History project”
Applications software Tasks I have completed using this software

Desktop publishing I have used desktop publishing software to create a poster for
my Family and Resource Management project

Graphics I have used graphics software to draw a diagram of the human

skeletal system for my Physical Education class

Presentation Software I have used presentation software to create a slideshow

depicting the different parts of the human internal system and
their functions

Word Processing I have used word processing software to write my letter for my
English Language assignment

Computer-aided design I have used computer-aided design software to create a 3D

image of the human body
© ICT Resources for Schools 2012

Computer Software

Now list the Applications software you would like to use and the tasks you would perform,

Example:
“I would like to use sound editing software to mix sound tracks”
Applications software Tasks I would like to complete using this software

Spreadsheets I would like to use spreadsheets software to forecast future

performance, calculate tax, completing basic payroll, producing
charts and calculating revenues for my upcoming business

Scheduling Software I would like to use scheduling software to help organize my

upcoming business. This would help me to organize assign
shifts and understand exactly who is working and what
individuals are paid for that work

Graphics Editing I would like to use graphics editing software to create my own
logo for my business and create logos for other businesses

Educational Software I would like to use educational software to help me in areas of

different subjects that I am weak in

Multimedia Software I would like to use multimedia software to edit videos that I
create for future use

© ICT Resources for Schools 2012