Application Software Basic and Advanced Tools
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ScribdTranslations3. APPLICATION SOFTWARE.
BASIC TOOLS
Most computer users use various applications that allow them to complete certain
tasks. Among the most common are: the word processor, electronic spreadsheets,
graphics programs, database managers, communications programs and the software
that groups these tasks together, called suite or integrated packages. These
applications are widely used in all professional areas, which is why they are called
basic applications here.
Common Features: Application programs typically share some common features that
are listed below.
WYSIWYG: "What You See is what you get" is a design philosophy for applications, in
which commands affect the appearance of work on the screen so that what you see is
what you get. what you see on the screen corresponds exactly to how it will appear
when printed.
Version and publication: The software constantly evolves, improves, and is corrected.
The first appearance of a package is identified with the number 1.0. With each
modification of the application the number changes. A change in version, which is the
number before the dot, indicates breaking changes (example 2.0). Minor changes to
the same version are reflected by the number after the point, which is the publication
(example 1.5).
Insertion Point: This element indicates where data can be entered from. It is generally
a small, intermittent vertical line on the screen, although it can have various shapes.
To control your movement in the work area, use the mouse or the directional arrow
keys.
Menu: These are usually found in all applications. They are presented in a menu bar
and when selected, they present the list of commands that can be executed.
Common features in application programs with graphical interface
Tool or Function Bar: Presents graphical objects or icons that represent commands and
provide a graphical means to select them. It is generally located under the menu bar.
Shortcuts: These are combinations of one or more special-purpose keys to speed up
the selection of frequently used commands. Typically, they use the function keys (F1,
F2, F3, among others) or combinations of the Alt, Ctrl or Shift keys together with a
number, letter or a function key.
Dialog Boxes: Allow the user to specify additional command options. They frequently
appear after invoking a command.
Edit: It is a common menu in the menu bar. Allows you to manipulate the captured
information. Some common editing options commands are cut, copy, and paste, which
allow you to delete, move, or copy information. An interesting command is “Undo”,
which restores the work to the state before the last command.
Help: It is customary to place a help menu within the menu bar. The menu contains
the help options. It generally allows you to consult explanations about the use of
various commands and other details of the application.
Work Area: It can also be called the document area and is located in the central part
of the screen; allows you to view documents to create and modify them. If the file is
too long to be displayed on the screen, the work area displays a potentially available
portion of the document.
Scroll bars: They are generally located to the right and at the bottom of the screen.
They allow additional information to be displayed that may not be visible in the work
area of the screen at a given time.
Basic tools : There are different software distributors on the market. Each product or
program has its own characteristics, however these products can be grouped into the
following categories:
• Word processors: Word processing programs, or word processors as they are also
often called, are used to create documents that consist essentially of text, from memos
and letters, to brochures, resumes and longer documents. It is one of the most used
application programs.
Today's processors contain special features. They can allow you to add graphics and
images, and even sound to documents. They can check spelling and style, and have
models or templates. They even manage to create HTML type documents that can be
used on the Web. Examples of the best-known processors are: Word, WordPerfect,
Writer, Apple Page and Word Pro.
• Spreadsheet programs: A spreadsheet program allows you to manipulate,
calculate, and analyze numerical data sets. The file created with this type of program
is called a worksheet or spreadsheet. The format of these worksheets is a two-
dimensional array made up of columns and rows of cells. The worksheet is similar to
the one used in accounting.
Cells can contain headers, labels, values, and formulas. The address of a cell is
determined by the combination of its column and row headers, for example B6 (the
cell located at the intersection of column B and row 6). A formula can be placed inside
a cell, which allows creating a value based on the values of other cells. The numbers in
the cells can have various formats as needed, such as monetary format, decimal,
percentage, fractions, date, time, among others.
• A database management system (DBMS) is a tool that allows users to create
database tables, providing access to data to multiple users and generating meaningful
results that can be presented in the printer or on the screen .
Linking Fields in tables of a Relational DB
The administration functions that can be carried out on a database are: The creation of
tables, introduction and editing of data, classification and ordering of records, queries
for specific information and generation of reports. Examples of Packages to manage
Databases are: Access, Approach, mySQL.
• Graphics: Graphic programs display results of data manipulation and facilitate
their analysis, presentation and illustration. Three types of graphics programs are:
analytical, presentation and drawing.
• Communications. Communications software allows users to connect and share
resources with other users. Communications programs offer a very powerful feature,
connectivity; That is, they allow computers to connect with other information
resources.
Among the applications that use the advantages of connectivity on computers are
browsers such as: Internet Explorer, Konqueror and Mozilla. We can also mention
some email clients: Mozilla Thunderbird, Outlook, Outlook Express and Eudora .
The number and type of programs included in the computer suite do not follow a fixed
standard. They generally contain at least a word processor and a spreadsheet.
Additionally, they may contain a presentation program, a database manager, and
simple tools for graphics and communications. Some popular suites are:
Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point, Access, etc.)
OpenOffice.org (Writer, Calc, Impress, Draw). Open source
suite.
WordPerfect Office (WordPerfect, Quattro Pro, etc.)
Lotus Smartsuite (Word Pro, Lotus 1-2-3, etc).
GnomeOffice.
AppleWorks.
http://mariaestelaperez.blogspot.com/2012/07/3-software-de-aplicacion-herramientas_04.html
4. App software. Advanced tools
The advanced tools of application software, as they have the characteristic of being the result of
combining the simplicity of using computers with the direct and innovative applications that
these tools bring with them in different areas.
Through Application Software, the machine becomes an assistant to man, freeing
him from repetitive tasks. Some examples of software applications are: > Word
processors. (Notepad) >Editors. (PhotoShop for Graphic Design) > Database
management systems. (MySQL) > Communications programs. (MSN Messenger) >
Integrated packages. (Office automation: Word, Excel, PowerPoint...) > Computer-
aided design programs. (AutoCAD) Application Software.
Its programs must be independent of the specific hardware used and must be transported
without major adaptation problems to other computers and other operating environments.
Within application programs, a distinction may be useful between vertical applications, with a
specific purpose for a very limited type of users (doctors, lawyers, architects...), and horizontal
applications, useful for a wide range of users of any type. . Computer Programs.
Business Productivity App:
Software used for business purposes to improve productivity. Includes: > Office applications >
Text editors > Spreadsheets > Simple databases > Graphics applications > Project management
software... Business productivity application.