Chapter 3

Chapter 3: Software for Systems

Application software is a program installed on a computer to aid users in various ways. This realises the relationship between human and computer in working together because it made various tasks more efficient and effective. Simply said it is easier and more convenient. We can expand application software into 4 main sectors which are:
1) Business- to make business activities more efficient.
2) Graphics and Multimedia- To assist with graphic and multimedia project.
3) Home/Personal/Educational- To support home, personal and educational tasks.
4) Communications- To facilitate communications.

  Forms of application software:
1) Packaged software- software that is produced in mass and mainly for sale to consumers. For example, Microsoft Office.
2) Custom software- software that is custom made for specific purpose upon a request. For example, an organisation may require a custom made accounting software.
3) Web application- application that can only be used on web browser. For example, Blogger.
4) Open source software- software that can be inspect, modify and enhance by any users with no restrictions. For example, Free Computer Aided Design (CAD).
5) Shareware- software that is available for free and may require fees after certain period. For example, AVG Antivirus.
6) Freeware- software that is free of charge or any fees. For example, Google Chrome.
7) Public-domain software- software that has no ownership such as copyright, trademark or patent. For example, Basic Local Alignment Search Tool (BLAST).

Let's go back to the 4 main sectors of application software and see some of the software that is under each of them.

  First is Business software:
1) Word processing software- software that allow users to input letters to create or edit documents. For example, Microsoft Office Word.
2) Spreadsheet software- software that allow users to organise data in rows and columns and perform calculations. For example, Microsoft Office Excel.
3) Database software- software that allow users to manage database. For example, Microsoft Access.
4) Presentation software- software that aids in presentation to group or public with utilisation of text, image, audio or video. For example, Microsoft Power Point.
5) Note taking software- software that allow users to create or edit note with features like sketches, drawings, comments, typed text or handwritten. For example, Microsoft One Note.
6) Personal Information Manager (PIM) software- a personal organiser software that can manage personal information such as calender or address book. For example, Essential PIM.
7) Project Management software- software that allow users to plan, schedule, track and analyse event, resources and costs of a project. For example, Microsoft Project.
8) Accounting software- software that manage accounting data and perform calculations. For example, BillQuick.
9) Document Management software- software that allow users to create, edit, share or search through documents. For example, M-Files DMS.
10) Enterprise software- software that aid enterprises in areas such as human resources, marketing or customer service. For example, customer relationship management, enterprise resource planning and transaction processing systems.

  Second is Graphics and Multimedia software:
1) Computer aided design (CAD) software- software that allow users to create drawings, technical illustrations and 2D/3D models.
2) Desktop publishing software- software that allow users to create documents with features such as layouts and typographic quality text and images comparable to traditional typography and printing. Can be used for news, articles or reports. For example, Scribus.
3) Paint/Image editing software- software that allow users to create, edit, or make enhancement on images. For example, paint.net.
4) Photo editing software- software that allow users to edit and make enhancement on photos. For example, Adobe Photoshop.
5) Video and audio editing software- software that allow users to create, edit and make enhancement on video and audio. For example, Microsoft Movie Maker.
6) Multimedia authoring software- software that allow users to create electronic presentations and software demonstrations that can include text, graphics, video, audio, animation and screen captures. For example, Adobe Director.
7) Web page authoring software- software that allow users to create and edit web pages visually, meaning that no coding is required. For example, Microsoft Expression Web.

  Third is Home/Personal/Educational software:
1) Personal finance software- software that allow users to manage personal financial data.
2) Legal software- software that help users to organise and deal with legal related matter.
3) Tax preparation software- software that help users to organise, create and record data for tax preparation.
4) Personal DTP software- software that allow users to create documents with features such as layouts and typographic quality text and images comparable to traditional typography and printing. Can be used for news, articles or reports.
5) Personal Paint/Image editing software- software that allow users to create, edit, or make enhancement on images.
6) Personal photo editing software- software that allow users to edit and make enhancement on photos.
7) Video and Audio editing software- software that allow users to create, edit and make enhancement on video and audio.
8) Home design/landscaping software- software that allow users to design or sketch ideas for home or landscape.
9) Travel and mapping software- software that help users in information and guide on travel and map data.
10) Educational software- software that has educational purpose.
11) Entertainment software- software that has entertainment purpose.

  Fourth is Communication software:
1) E-mail- allow users to send letters, documents or files to others through internet.
2) Instant messaging- allow users to send messages to others in real time.
3) Chat room- a space where users can chat with each other.
4) Blogging- an application used for sharing articles.
5) File Transfer Protocol (FTP)- allow file transferring between client and server.
6) Voice over IP (VoIP)- allow users to send voice information through the internet.

In conclusion, application software is what makes the computer so efficient in helping in human tasks.