Chapter 3, Basic Application Software

Not long ago, trained specialists were required to perform many of the operations you can now do with a microcomputer. Secretaries used typewriters to create business correspondence. Market analysts used calculators to project sales. Graphic artists created designs by hand. Data processing clerks created electronic files to be stored on large computers. Now you can do all these tasks—and many others—with a microcomputer and the appropriate application software.


Think of the microcomputer as an electronic tool. You may not consider yourself very good at typing, calculating, organizing, presenting, or managing information. A microcomputer, however, can help you to do all these things—and much more. All it takes is the right kinds of software.


Competent and knowledgeable end users need to understand the capabilities of basic application software, which includes word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation
programs. They need to know how to effectively use application programs and how to share data between applications.

Word Processor

Spreadsheet

Database Management System

Application Software
 Application software can be described as end user software. It is used by end users to accomplish a variety of different tasks.


Application software in turn can be divided into two categories.


One category is basic applications. These programs, also known as general-purpose applications and productivity applications, are widely used in nearly every discipline and occupation. They include word processors, spreadsheets, database management systems, and presentation graphics as describe previously.


The other category, specialized applications, also known as special purpose applications, includes thousands of other programs that are more narrowly focused on specific disciplines and occupations. Some of the best known are graphics programs, audio/video editors, multimedia creation programs, Web authoring, and virtual reality programs.

Graphics Programs

Video Editors

 

Multimedia Creations Program

        

Common Features
A user interface is the portion of the application that you work with. Most applications use a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays graphical elements called icons to represent familiar objects and a mouse. The mouse controls a pointer on the screen that is used to select items such as icons. Another feature is the use of windows to display information. A window is simply a rectangular area that can contain a document,
program, or message. (Do not confuse the term window with the various versions of Microsoft’s Windows operating systems, which are programs.)More than one window can be opened and displayed on the computer screen at one time. For example, one window might contain a graphics program, another a spreadsheet program, and yet another a word processing program.




APPLICATION SOFTWARE Basic and specialized are the two categories of application software. Common interface features include icons, windows, menus, dialog boxes, help, toolbars, and buttons. ASPs provide access to Web-based applications. On the Web Explorations Microsoft is one of the leaders in creating software applications. Typically, menus are displayed in a menu bar at the top of the screen. When one of the menu items is selected, a pull-down or drop-down menu appears. This is a list of options or commands associated with the selected menu. Selecting one of these options may display an additional list of menu options or a dialog box that provides additional information and requests user input. One of the commands on the menu bar is Help. This option provides access to a variety of Help features and acts as an online reference manual for the application. It is an invaluable resource for learning and using application programs. Toolbars typically are below the menu bar. They contain small outlined areas called buttons that provide shortcuts for quick access to commonly used commands. For example, the standard toolbar contains a variety of buttons that are common to most applications including those to open, save, and print files.  All Microsoft Office applications have a common user interface, including similar commands and menu structures.

MAKING IT WORK FOR YOU
What is sPEEch Recognition?

• These are exciting technologies that change the way you interact with your computer. Now you can speak to your computer and it can speak back. The speech that you and your computer exchange is scripted. In other words, you can't just ask your computer how he/she is feeling? Rather, you can talk to your computer using a set of pre-defined commands and instructions (i.e., a script). Your computer will respond in the same way (also using a scripted language). For example, you can say: "File Open", and the computer would respond: "Select the file". Or you can say: "Edit Find" and the computer would ask: "Find What?". (www.e-specking.com)

Why Speak to yoUR Computer?

• People have been speaking to each other for tens of thousands of years. Our brains have evolved to perform a fantastic and complex set of analyses of auditory input (i.e., sounds). Our brains convert the sounds we hear into conceptual ideas and thoughts which in turn form the basis of instructions, commands, information, and entertainment. Though the computer is just beginning its evolution in this area, most computers are capable of hearing your speech and acting on it. This is the promise of voice recognition technology today. Using speech to interact with your computer--both you speaking to your computer and your computer speaking back.(www.e-specking.com)

How Does It Work?

• Utilizing Microsoft's Speech Application Program Interface (SAPI) and Microsoft's .NET Framework, we have developed a very small and efficient voice command and recognition application. SAPI and .NET are both required to use this software.(www.e-specking.com)

For the best RESULTS, use YOUR VOICE, MOUSE or KEYBOARD

1. Train The Software
2. Control the Program
3. Dictate a Document

WORD PROCESSORS

•  Word processors create text-based documents and are one of the most flexible and widely used software tools. 
• All types of people and organizations use word processors to create memos, letters, and faxes. Organizations create newsletters, manuals, and brochures to provide information to their customers.

Memo

• Students and researchers use word processors to create reports. Word processors can even be used to create personalized Web pages. 
• The three most widely used word processing programs are 

Corel WordPerfect

Apple Pages

Microsoft Word

WORD PROCESSORS FEATURES

• 
  
  

Using a computer to create, edit, and print documents. Of all computer applications, word processing is the most common. To perform word processing, you need a computer, a special program called a word processor, and a printer. A word processor enables you to create a document, store it electronically on a disk, display it on a screen, modify it by entering commands and characters from the keyboard, and print it on a printer.

The great advantage of word processing over using a typewriter is that you can make changes without retyping the entire document. If you make a typing mistake, you simply back up the cursor and correct your mistake. If you want to delete a paragraph, you simply remove it, without leaving a trace. It is equally easy to insert a word, sentence, or paragraph in the middle of a document. Word processors also make it easy to move sections of text from one place to another within a document, or between documents. When you have made all the changes you want, you can send the file to a printer to get a hardcopy.

Word processors vary considerably, but all word processors support the following basic features:

insert text: Allows you to insert text anywhere in the document.

delete text: Allows you to erase characters, words, lines, or pages as easily as you can cross them out on paper.

cut and paste : Allows you to remove (cut) a section of text from one place in a document and insert (paste) it somewhere else.

copy : Allows you to duplicate a section of text.

page size and margins : Allows you to define various page sizes and margins, and the word processor will automatically readjust the text so that it fits.

search and replace : Allows you to direct the word processor to search for a particular word or phrase. You can also direct the word processor to replace one group of characters with another everywhere that the first group appears.

word wrap : The word processor automatically moves to the next line when you have filled one line with text, and it will readjust text if you change the margins.

print: Allows you to send a document to a printer to get hardcopy.

Word processors that support only these features (and maybe a few others) are called text editors. Most word processors, however, support additional features that enable you to manipulate and format documents in more sophisticated ways. These more advanced word processors are sometimes called full-featured word processors. Full-featured word processors usually support the following features:

file management : Many word processors contain file management capabilities that allow you to create, delete, move, and search for files.

font specifications: Allows you to change fonts within a document. For example, you can specify bold, italics, and underlining. Most word processors also let you change the font size and even the typeface.

footnotes and cross-references: Automates the numbering and placement of footnotes and enables you to easily cross-reference other sections of the document.

graphics graphics: Allows you to embed illustrations and graphs into a document. Some word processors let you create the illustrations within the word processor; others let you insert an illustration produced by a different program.

headers , footers , and page numbering: Allows you to specify customized headers and footers that the word processor will put at the top and bottom of every page. The word processor automatically keeps track of page numbers so that the correct number appears on each page.

layout : Allows you to specify different margins within a single document and to specify various methods for indenting paragraphs.

macros : A macro is a character or word that represents a series of keystrokes. The keystrokes can represent text or commands. The ability to define macros allows you to save yourself a lot of time by replacing common combinations of keystrokes.

merges: Allows you to merge text from one file into another file. This is particularly useful for generating many files that have the same format but different data. Generating mailing labels is the classic example of using merges

spell checker : A utility that allows you to check the spelling of words. It will highlight any words that it does not recognize.

tables of contents and indexes: Allows you to automatically create a table of contents and index based on special codes that you insert in the document.

thesaurus: A built-in thesaurus that allows you to search for synonyms without leaving the word processor.

windows : Allows you to edit two or more documents at the same time. Each document appears in a separate window. This is particularly valuable when working on a large project that consists of several different files

WYSIWYG (what you see is what you get): With WYSIWYG, a document appears on the display screen exactly as it will look when printed.

The line dividing word processors from desktop publishing systems is constantly shifting. In general, though, desktop publishing applications support finer control over layout, and more support for full-color documents.(www.webopedia.com)

WORD PROCESSORS CASE

1.Creating Flyer

Watch And Learn

2. Creating a report

better way to manage your report

Spreadsheets.

Programs that manipulate numeric data

Spreadsheet programs

• Ms Excel
• Corel Quattro Pro

Features:

• Workbook Files
• Formulas
• Functions
• What-if Analysis

Case:

• Creating a Sales Forecast
• Creating a Chart
• Analyzing your data

Creating a Sales Forecast

Creating a Chart

Analyzing your Data

Database Management System (DBMS)

Definition:  

A database management system (DBMS) is the software that allows a computer to perform database functions of storing, retrieving, adding, deleting and modifying data. Relational database management systems (RDBMS) implement the relational model of tables and relationships. 

Examples:

Microsoft Access, MySQL, Microsoft SQL Server, Oracle and FileMaker Pro are all examples of database management systems.

Database Case

Database Case can be divided into two type which is contains Database and Query. This type of database used for save the information about customer systematically.

Create a Database

Microsoft Access provides three methods to create an Access database (Microsoft Access database: A collection of data and objects (such as tables, queries, or forms) that is related to a particular topic or purpose.).

• You can create a database by using the Database wizard. The wizard lets you choose from one of the built-in templates, and customize it to some extent. Then it creates a set of tables, queries, forms, and reports, and also a switchboard for the database. The tables do not have any data in them. Use this method if one of the built-in templates closely match your requirements.

Create a database by using a Database Wizard

You can use a Database Wizard to create in one operation the required tables, forms, and reports for the type of database you choose — this is the easiest way to start creating your database. The wizard offers limited options to customize the database.

1. Click New on the toolbar.
2. In the New File task pane, under Templates, click On my computer.
3. On the Databases tab, click the icon for the kind of database you want to create, and then click OK.
4. In the File New Database dialog box, specify a name and location for the database, and then click Create.
5. Follow the instructions in the Database Wizard.

• If you are using Access 2003, you can search <Office Online> for Access templates. Downloading a template is the quickest way to create a database. If you find a template that closely matches your requirements, follow this method. A template is an Access database file (*.mdb) and includes tables, queries, forms, and reports. The tables do not have any data in them. After opening the database, you can customize the database and the objects.

Create a database by using a template

This is the quickest way to create a database. This method works best if you can find and use a template that very closely matches your requirements.

1. Click New on the toolbar.
2. In the New File task pane, under Templates, either search for a specific template or click Templates on Office Online to browse for a suitable template.
3. Locate the Access template you want, and click Download.

• If you want to start creating a database based on your design, create a blank database, then add the tables, forms, reports, and other objects individually — this is the most flexible method, but it requires you to define each database element separately.

Create an empty database without using a Database Wizard

1. Click New on the toolbar.
2. In the New File task pane, under New, click Blank Database.
3. In the File New Database dialog box, specify a name and location for the database, and then click Create.

The Database window (Database window: In Access 2003 and earlier, the window that appears when a database or project is opened. It displays shortcuts for creating new database objects and opening existing objects. In later versions, it is replaced by the Navigation Pane.) appears, and you can create the objects (database objects: An Access database contains objects such as tables, queries, forms, reports, pages, macros, and modules. An Access project contains objects such as forms, reports, pages, macros, and modules.) that you want in your database.

 

Create Query in Access

---

On the way to creating a report, it is useful to create a query in Access. As was mentioned before, a report should not be just a dump of the data in the order in which it was entered. Some massaging of the data, in terms of selection of records and fields, and sort order, helps to create a report that enlightens the reader. This massaging can be done in the report, but it is usually easier to do it in a query. We'll leave the report function for formatting the data. The result of a query is a temporary table that reflects the choices made in the design of the query. The temporary table is used as input for the report.

Let's assume we want a report of all open issues, sorted by date received, in ascending order.

To start designing a query, click on the Query button, then double-click on Create Query in Design view. 

You will next get a panel as shown below. This allows you to pick what tables will supply data to the query. You can have multiple tables (and even other queries) as sources of data. 

Since we've only defined one Correspondence table, select it, then click on Close. The Correspondence Table with its data elements will appear at the top of the Query Design Screen.  The bottom portion of the Query Design Screen will be blank until you select the data elements to be included in the query.  Below is the screen, filled out to reflect the specifications discussed above. 

The top part shows the tables that supply data for this query. The lower part is where we enter data reflecting our specification. Think of each column below as the specification for a field in the temporary table. We want to work with the IDNumber, DateReceived, SenderName, SenderOrganization, and AssignedTo fields.

Some comments on how the query has been specified:

• You can "drag-and-drop" fields from the upper part of the screen to the lower part, to include them in the query.
• See that the Sort item for DateReceived has been set to Ascending. This means that the resulting temporary table will be sorted according to DateReceived, in ascending order (earlier dates first).
• Note that the Criteria item for Closed? has been filled out with "=No". This means that only records with "No" in the Closed field will be selected.
• Note that the "Show" box for Closed? has been unchecked. This means that although we are using Closed for processing, we don't necessarily want to see it in the temporary table. Based on the criterion entered, all records in the temporary table will have a Closed value of "No", anyway.

Presentation Graphic

• Programs that create visually interesting presentations.
• Software that enables users to create highly stylized images for slide shows and reports.
• Presentation programs:
• Microsoft Power Point
• Corel Presentations
• Lotus Freelance Graphics

1. Microsoft Power Point
   is a presentation software program that is part of the Mstunning presentation that look like they were design by a professional. Power Point can For
   For marketing field, make a presentation into a web page for emailing purposes or as a promotion displayed on company website.

PowerPoint Slides

Stunning Presentation

2. Corel Presentation can contour text around graphics objects in your slides. multimedia slide show presentation program that provides the tools to produce:

Interactive Reports

Project Proposal

Slideshow Project

Multimedia Presentation

PDF File

Sign

3) Lotus Freelance Graphics presentation graphics into an everyday visual communications tool for  individuals and teams. Gives users a faster, eaier way to develop plans, reports and proposals by helping organize and summarize the ideas. 

Freelance

Freelance Graphic

Presentation Graphics Features

• Slides
• Auto Content Wizard
• Design Templates
• Master Slide

Creating Presentation

Integrated Packages

A single program that provides the functionality of several widely used programs.

• Combines several applications in one program: word processing, spreadsheet and database management.
• Include:presentation graphics, page layout, paint, calendar, address book, e-mail and etc.
• All programs in an integrated package are accessed via a common launching pad.
• Microsoft Works and Apple Works are two primary examples of integrated software packages.

Advantages:

Cost: integrated packages are often already installed on new computers, so they might not cost you any more than the original purchase price of the computer.


Simplicity: these programs tend to be smaller, older versions of larger programs, so they might be less complicated to use.

Disadvantages:


Limited Functions: With the advent of graphic user interfaces and modern operating systems, programs have become more and more standard even if they were written by completely different companies.

Software Suites

Collection of separate application programs sold as a group.

Four types of suites:

- Productivity Suite or Office Software Suite 

- Alternative Office Suite

- Specialized Suites

- Utility Suites

CHAPTER 2: The Internet, The Web & Electric Commerce

Introduction

The Internet is often referred to as the Information Superhighway where highway connects you to millions of other people and organizations.  Unlike typical highways that move people and things from one location to another, the Internet moves your ideas and information. The web provides easy-to-use, intuitive, multimedia interfaces to resources available on the Internet. It has become an everyday tool for all of us to use.

1.The Internet and Web

• The Internet was launched in 1969nwhen the United States funded a project that developed a national computer network called Advanced Research Project Agency Network (ARPANET).

• The Web was introduced in 1991 at the Centre for European Nuclear Research (CERN) in Switzerland.

• The Internet was all text-no graphics, animations, sound, or video but Web include these elements.

• The Internet is the actual network. It is made up of wires, cables, satellites, and rules for exchanging information between computers connected to the network.

• Being connected to this network is often described as being online.

2. Common Internet Uses:

• Communicating: the most popular Internet activity.

Ex: Exchange email with your family and friends anywhere in the world.

        Join and listen to discussion and debates on a wide variety of special interest topics.

• Shopping: fastest growing Internet application.

    Ex: window shop, look for the latest fashion, search for bargains, make purchases.

• Searching: information has never been more convenience.

   Ex: Virtual Libraries, international news

• Entertainment: options are nearly endless.

Ex: live concerts, movie previews, book clubs and interactive live games.

• Education or e-learning: rapidly emerging Web application.

                        Ex: take classes on almost any subject- just for fun and for high school, college 
                                and graduates school credit.

3.Access
The Internet and the telephone system are similar-you can connect a computer to the Internet much like you connect a phone to the telephone system. When provided with a connection to the Internet, you can use a browser program to search the Web. 


1.  Providers - The most widely used commercial Internet service providers are national and wireless providers.

• National Service Providers like America Online (AOL) are the most widely used. They provide access through standard telephone or cable connections.

• Wireless Service Providers offer Internet connections for computers with wireless modems and a wide array of wireless devices.

2.  Browsers - are programs that provide access to Web resources. This software connects you to remote computers, opens and transfers files, displays text and images, and provides in one tool an uncomplicated interface to the Internet.

• Three well-known browsers including :

Google Chrome

Mozilla Firefox

Microsoft Internet Explorer

3.  URLs - Uniform Resource Locators is a location or address of the resources must be specified.

• The first part presents the protocol used to connect to the resource. Protocol are rules for exchanging data between computers. The protocol http is the most widely used Web protocol.

• The second part presents the domain name. It indicates the specific address where the resource is located.

• The last part of the domain name following the dot (.) is the top-level domain (TLD). It identifies the type of organization.

Basic part of a URLs

4.Communication

TYPE OF COMMUNICATION

[A] Electronic Mail (E-Mail)

Transmission of electronic message over the internet

SPAM is a JUNK and/or UNWANTED EMAIL. COMPUTER VIRUS or DESTRUCTIVE PROGRAMS are often attached to unsolicited email. SPAM BLOCKERS known as JUNK MAILS FILTERS / ANTI-SPAM PROGRAMS incorporate a myriad of approached to IDENTIFY and CONTROL SPAM.

[B] Instant Messaging

extension of email

live communication between two / more people

First IM launch before YAHOO messanger

To use this badge, copy and paste the HTML code below into your web page. If the site that hosts your web page does not support direct HTML editing or embedded frames then click 'Edit' to select a style of badge that does not use frames. If you want to include your badge in an email message, you should use the 'Hyperlink only' or 'Url only' styles.

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~ ~We CAn Do Video Conferencing, file Sharing and REmote ASSistance Through IM~ ~[C] Social Networking

REUNITING SITE

FRIEND OF A FRIEND SITES

COMMON INTEREST SITES

http://www.facebook.com/

http://twitter.com/

http://flicker.com/

http://www.friendster.com/

WEB LOGS / BLOGS

Posting that are timestamped and arranged with the newest item first

MICROBLOGS

Publishes short sentences like twitter

WIKIS

A web site specially designed to allow visitor to fill in missing information

5.Search Tools

1. Search Engine
2. Metasearch Engine
3. Specialized Search Engine
4. Content Evaluations

1. SEARCH ENGINE

• Specialized programs in locating information on the Web and the Internet
• Lecture By Madam Sharin Hazlin  on  17th Jan 2011 ; "Results are very important of the search". If you put the wrong keyword, you may not get what you want".
• Types of searches;

               a) Keyword Search

               b) Directory Search 

a) KEYWORD SEARCH

b) Ex: PRODUCT DIRECTORY SEARCH

Search Engine Optimization (SEO)related links

This video reviews the two most popular search engines, Google and Yahoo as well as the two newest search engine, Bing and Wolfram Alpha

2) METASEARCH ENGINES

• Programs that automatically submit your search request to several engine.
• The engine receive the results, eliminates duplicates, order hits and then provides the edited list to you.

Example of Metasearch site: 

The best Metasearch engine, www.dogpile.com

www.ixquick.com

www.metacrawler.com

3) SPECIALIZED SEARCH ENGINES

• Programs that focus on subject specific sites (specific type of search)
• It can save your time by narrowing your sites

Examples of specialized search engines:

www.eco-web.com

www.historynet.com

www.medsite.com

4)CONTENT EVALUATION

• Not all information on the web is accurate
• Ways to evaluate accuracy of Web information include:

                       a)Authority

               b)Accuracy

               c)Objectivity
               d)Currency

6.Electric Commerce (E-Commerce)


What it is ?
E-Commerce is a short form from word Electric Commerce. It is a business transaction via electronic network such as the internet. Anyone who wish to buy or sell online  must have a computer and internet connection. 
Types

1. Business-to-consumer (B2C) - sell goods or services to public

 Allows the customer to make purchases by enter personal data and the method of payment into a secure internet connection

    

     2. Consumer-to-consumer (C2C) - Occur when one customer sell directly to another such 

         as in an online auction. With online auction, users bid on an item being sold with someone

         else. The highest bidder with no one reply is considered winner and have the right on 

         that product. 

     eBay is one of the most popular online auction website                                                                                                                                                                  

      3. Business-to-business (B2B) - Many business provide services and products to other 
          business such online advertising, recruiting, credit, sales, market research, technical 
          support and training.

Most E-commerce actually take place between business

7.WEB BASED APPLICATION


FTP

• Refer to File Transfer Protocol (FTP) and Secure FTP (SFTP) are Internet standards for transferring files.

• Using FTP software, you can copy files to your computer from specially configured FTP servers. This is call downloading.

• You can also use FTP to copy files from your computer to another computer on the Internet. This is call uploading.

Internet Security Suites

Nowadays, there are many internet security software to provide best for users demand. The main invention of this software is to give parental control from blocking any unwanted website which can be harmful to computer as well as users. Usually internet security suites provide firewall, POP email scanning and spam filtering, as a tool to keep an eye on the other devices connect to your local network and many more. 


Some of the best internet security suites :

BitDefender Total Security

CA Internet Security Suite

Zone Alarm Internet Security

1. AVG internet security
2. BitDefender total security
3. CA internet security suite
4. Kapersky internet security
5. Norton internet security
6. Panda internet security
7. McAfee total protection
8. Zone alarm extreme security