Marketing Essentials

 Chapter 9 Computer Applications and Skills

Section 9.2 Computer Applications

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 1

SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications

What You'll Learn

 Eight types of popular computer

application programs
 How these programs are used in
business

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 2

SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications

Why It's Important

Computer technology is the driving force

behind the most productive economy the world
has ever known. It is likely that you will use
computer hardware and software on the job; in
fact, your career success may be measured by
your understanding and skillful use of these
applications.

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SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications

Key Terms

 word processing  home page

programs  Web page editors
 database programs
 Web page
 spreadsheet programs
 desktop publishing  hyper text markup
programs language (HTML)
 graphics and design  communications
programs programs
 presentation software

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 4

SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software
Software application programs have been
developed to help us manage just about every
facet of our lives. There are eight common types
of software applications:
 word processing  graphics and design
 database management  presentation
 spreadsheet  Web page editors
 desktop publishing  communications

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 5

SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software: Word Processing
Word processing programs are used to create
documents that are primarily text, but may also
contain some graphics. Businesses use word
processing programs for the following purposes:
 To write letters and memos.
 To produce research papers and reports.
 To write business plans.
 To create contracts.
 To record meeting minutes.
 To create announcements.
Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 6
SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software: Database Programs
Database programs are used to collect related data,
which can be sorted, searched through, and printed
as needed. Businesses use database programs for
the following purposes:
 To maintain customer lists for mass mailings.
 To keep information about guests and vendors
for parties and events.
 To catalog assets for insurance records.
 To manage time and track billable hours.
 To catalog personnel records.
Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 7
SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software: Spreadsheet Programs
Spreadsheet programs are used to organize,
calculate, and analyze numerical data. Spreadsheets
are used in business for the following purposes:
 To develop budgets.
 To analyze financial performance.
 To track loans or mortgages.
 To track stock and bond performance.
 To schedule projects.
 To manage business assets.
 To produce profit-and-loss statements.
 To calculate and produce a payroll.
Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 8
SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software: Desktop Publishing
Desktop publishing programs are used to design
and produce professional printed materials.
Businesses may use desktop publishing for the
following purposes:
 To create layouts for newsletters, books,
brochures, advertisements.
 To create professional-looking forms, such
as invoices and project planning sheets.

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 9

SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software: Presentation Software
Presentation software is used to create slide
shows or multimedia presentations. Presentation
software can be used by businesses for the following
purposes:
 To prepare verbal and visual copy for meetings.
 To present ideas interactively with clients who
are located in other cities or countries via the
Internet.
 To create slide shows using pictures or
Web pages.
Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 10
SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software: Web Page Editors

Web page editors are used to create Web

pages. Web pages are written in a language
called hyper text markup language (HTML),
so Web page editors are also called HTML
editors. HTML coding tells the Web browser
how to display the text, when and how to
display images, and when to link to another page.

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 11

SECTION 9.2 Computer Applications
Software: Communications Programs

Communications programs are software

applications used to establish communication
between your computer and other computers.
Capabilities include e-mail, teleconferencing,
and videoconferencing.

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 12

 9.2 ASSESSMENT

Reviewing Key Terms and Concepts

1. What are eight types of software
applications commonly used by
businesses?
2. What are three tasks that a database
program simplifies for businesses?
3. What did businesses have to do to create
marketing materials before the creation of

desktop publishing programs?

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 9.2 ASSESSMENT

Reviewing Key Terms and Concepts

4. What is presentation software for?
What are some examples of presentation
software?
5. What is the process of videoconferencing?

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9.2 ASSESSMENT

Thinking Critically
You have been asked to track the financial
performance of your company. What type
of software would you use to help you with
this task?

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Marketing Essentials

End of Section 9.2

Chapter 9  Computer Applications and Skills 16