Application Programs/Packages
Application packages can be defined as the readymade software or program designed in a standardized form for solving various problems that are common to users.
They are written by users themselves or acquired from manufacturers as packages come in various format on compact disc (CD/DVD) or available on developer or manufacturers server on the internet that can be downloaded for usage at a cost or no cost.
Types Of Application Packages/Software/Program
1. Word processing packages e.g. MS WORD
2. Spreadsheet packages e.g. MS EXCEL
3. Database Management System e.g. MS ACCESS
4. Graphics packages e.g. COREL DRAWS
5. Presentation packages e.g. MS POWERPOINT
6. Anti-virus packages e.g. NORTON,AVAST
Word Processing Packages
Word processing is simply the use of computer to type text, letters and various documents. It is text processing software that helps in various manipulations of texts in order to produce the desire documents. The software designed for word processing is called WORD PROCESSOR.
Examples of Word Processing Packages
· Microsoft word
· Word perfect
· Word star
· MultiMate
Some Features of Word Processing Packages
· Text Area Save
· Ruler Print
· Cursor Mail merge
· Copy Paste
· Underline Centre
Spreadsheet Packages
A spreadsheet is a program or software that is made up of imaginary paper that contains information in rows and columns meant for numerical, statistical and accounting calculations.
The horizontal part of the spreadsheet is called ROW and the vertical part is called COLUMN.
The intersection of the row and the column is known as CELL
Examples of Spreadsheet Packages
· Microsoft Excel
· Lotus 123
· Super cal
· Quattro pro
Some Basic Features of Spreadsheet
· Copy Save
· Sort Add sum
· Formula bar Edit
Uses of Spreadsheet Package
· Payroll report
· Sales analysis
· Inventory
· Tax estimation
· General ledger
· Statistical projection
Advantages of Application Packages
1. Acquisition of an application package is a better alternative sometimes to the development of an individual.
2. Provides savings in programming cost
3. Provide savings in system development cost and time
4. It is transferable from one PC to another with ease
5. Easy to install with instructional manual that comes with it
6. Cheap to acquire
Disadvantages of Application Packages
1. Maintenance may be expensive for organisational use.
2. It is very porous in terms of security.
3. Over dependence of its usage produces inefficient programmers.
4. May not be compatible with some computers.
Common Sources of Application Package
1. Computer manufacturer
2. Software developer (Online or Software development house)
3. Computer software vendors
Characteristics of an Application Package
1. Stability: Package must stay for a certain period of time before it is placed out.
2. Accuracy: Package must produce accurate result.
3. Reliable: User must be confident in the result the package produced.
4. Speed: Faster execution which means the package must produce information on a very high speed.
5. Portability: Package must be easy to be transfer from one computer system to another.
6. Storage capacity: Package must not occupy too much memory space on the computer.
Tests and Exercises
1. Which of the following is an example of spreadsheet application package?
a. MS Word b. MS Excel c. MS Access d. Outlook express Answer: MS Excel
2. Which of the following is not an example of Application program?
a. MS Word b. MS Excel c. Linux d. MS Access Answer: Linux
3. One of the most designed Application programs by system manufacturer is known as ___________
a. Spread Sheet package b. Word processing c. Graphics d. Window XP Answer: Window XP
4. Which of the following is an example of Word processing application package?
a. MS Word b. MS Excel c. MS Access d. Outlook express Answer: MS Word
5. Lotus 123 is regarded as an example of which of the application packages.
a. Word processing b. Spreadsheet c. Communication package d. All of the listed Answer: Spreadsheet
6. _________ is text processing software that helps in various manipulations of texts.
a. Word processor b. Editor c. Service program d. Spreadsheet Answer: Word processor
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