College of Computing and Informatics

CS001: Computer Essentials

Computer Essentials

Module 5

Computer Software-Part-II
 1. Application Software

Contents
 • WLOC1: Defining Application Software
• WLOC2: Understanding Different Types of Application
Software

Weekly Learning
Outcomes
 Required Reading
1. Chapter 1 - (Introduction to Computers and Information
Technology: Preparing for IC3 Certification)

Recommended Reading
1. Chapter 7 - Essential for Computing Studies, Profession And
Entrance Examinations
2. Link1: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tC1b7oiGQg8

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 • Application Software

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software

Application software or apps are computer programs

designed to perform specific activities or address
specific issues for end users. It differs from system
software, which consists of operating systems, drivers,
and utilities that allow computer hardware to function.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Is a term used to describe software that is designed to perform specific tasks for users. Unlike
system software, which is responsible for running a computer's hardware, application
software offers the end-user specific functionalities, from writing texts to playing games or
managing financial data.

Word Processing Software Spreadsheet Software Presentation Software

Microsoft Word Microsoft Excel Microsoft PowerPoint
Google Docs Google Sheets Google Slides
LibreOffice Writer LibreOffice Calc Apple Keynote
Apple Pages Apple Numbers LibreOffice Impress

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software

Based on cost, application software can be categorized into the

following types:
• Freeware: Software that is available for free and can be
downloaded and used by anyone. Examples: VLC Media Player,
Adobe Acrobat Reader, Google Chrome.
• Shareware: Software that is available for free on a trial basis.
After the trial period, users may need to pay to continue using
all features. Typically includes a limited set of features or is
time-restricted. Examples: WinZip (before purchase), some
versions of Nero CD/DVD writer.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software

Based on cost, application software can be categorized into the

following types:
• Open Source: Software for which the original source code is made
freely available and may be redistributed and modified. It's not
necessarily always free; the "open" refers to the source code being
open, not the cost. Examples: Linux, LibreOffice, GIMP.
• Commercial Software (Proprietary Software): Software that is
developed for sale to consumers or businesses. Users typically
cannot see or modify the source code. Examples: Microsoft Office
Suite, Adobe Photoshop, Windows Operating System.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Types of applications based on the number of users:
• Vertical Application Software (User Vertical):
is software that is defined and built according to a user’s specific
requirements to achieve specific functions and processes that are
unique to that user. These applications may support the business or Medical billing

organization in different business units like sales, marketing, inventory

and overall management, but may not work for another business that
do not have very similar processes.
Restaurant Billing
Examples: Medical billing software.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Types of applications based on the number of users:
• Horizontal Application Software (General-Purpose):
A horizontal application is any software application that is designed to be used by many different
types of users and businesses. It is a type of generic application that has usability and utility within
a broad range of users.
Examples: Office Suites: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software

Before downloading and installing an application, it's important to ensure that your system meets the
application's system requirements:
• Compatibility: Some applications are designed for specific operating systems. For instance, a
Windows application won't work on macOS and vice versa unless there's a version available for that
OS.
• Hardware Needs: Some applications might require specific hardware features. For instance, graphic-
intensive software or games might require a certain type of graphics card.
• Storage: You need to ensure you have enough disk space not just for the application itself but also
for its data, updates, and other related files.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Documentation
Is written text or illustration that provides information about an application or other software product.
Documentation is important for explaining how the software works, how to use it, and any other
information that may be helpful for users. To view the documentation for an application, you can follow
these general steps.
• Built-in Help or Manual:
Many applications have a built-in help or manual section. This is often accessible from the menu, usually
under "Help," "About," "Documentation," or similar. Some software might also have a "Readme" file in
their installation directory that contains information about the application.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software

Documentation
• Official Website:
Almost every software has an official website, and many of them offer user manuals, FAQs, or
tutorials in a dedicated section. If you purchased the software online, check the website where you
bought it. They might have links to documentation.
• Physical Copies:
If you have a physical copy of the software (like a CD or DVD), it might come with a printed manual.
Alternatively, the disc might contain a digital manual or readme file.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software

Application licenses
Define the terms under which software can be used and
distributed. They are legal agreements between the software
developer or publisher and the software user. Understanding the
type of license an application comes with is essential because it
dictates how you can use, distribute, modify, or share the
software. Here are some of the most common types of
application licenses:
• single license is typically designed for individual users and
allows the software to be installed on a single machine or
device.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Application licenses
• Volume licensing: is a scheme where organizations can
purchase licenses in bulk, often at a discounted rate,
based on the number of users or devices that need
access.
• Site license: allows the software to be used by an
unlimited number of users within a specific
geographical location, such as a company's office, a
campus, or a corporate building.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Web application: often referred to as web apps, are software programs that
run on web servers and are accessed via web browsers over the internet. They
provide users with a wide range of functionalities through a web interface, and
users don't usually need to install anything on their local devices to use them.
Some examples of popular web applications include:
• Google Docs
• Google Sheets
• Google Slides
• Gmail
• Google Drive

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software

Web applications have several advantages over traditional

desktop software, including:
• Accessibility: Web applications can be accessed from
any device with a web browser, regardless of the
operating system.
• Cost: Web applications are typically less expensive to
develop and maintain than traditional desktop software.
• Updates: Web applications can be updated
automatically without any intervention from the user.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Web applications have some disadvantages, including:
• Internet connection: Web applications require a reliable
internet connection to function. If you lose your internet
connection, you will not be able to use the web application.
• Security vulnerabilities: Web applications can be more
vulnerable to security attacks than native applications. This is
because they are hosted on servers that are accessible to the
public.
• Limited offline functionality: Most web applications cannot
be used offline. This can be a problem if you need to use the
application in an area with no internet access.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
In Application software design, the user interface (UI)
is the space where interactions between humans and
the application occur. Effective UIs ensure the user
can easily interact with the software, leading to an
intuitive and user-friendly experience.
Common application interface elements:
• Main Window: The primary screen of the
application.
• Dialog Box: A secondary window that captures
user input or provides important notifications.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
• Main Menu: Often found at the top of an application
window or along the side, providing access to key
functionalities.
• Dropdown Menu: Allows users to select an option from a
list.
• Text Fields: Allow users to input text.
• Labels: Descriptive text accompanying fields, buttons, or Label
Text filed
other UI elements.
• Checkboxes: Users can select multiple options from a list.
• Radio Buttons: Users select only one option from a list.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
The Ribbon
Is a user interface element introduced by Microsoft in its Office suite of applications with Office 2007.
It represents a significant shift from the traditional menus and toolbars that were common in earlier
versions.
Purpose and Design:
• Goal: The Ribbon was designed to help users find commands more easily and to make the interface
more intuitive.
• Contextual Tabs: These tabs only appear when they are relevant, reducing clutter. For instance,
when you select an image in Word, the "Picture Tools" tab will appear, offering image-related
options.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
The Ribbon Structure:
• Tabs: The Ribbon is organized into tabs, with each tab relating to a type of activity, such as
"Home", "Insert", "Design", etc.
• Groups: Within each tab, tools are grouped together based on their function. For example, the
"Font" group on the "Home" tab includes options for font size, font color, and font style.
• Commands: These are the individual tools or options within each group, like bolding text or
changing its alignment.

Tabs

Groups
Commands

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 Application Software
Beta version of a software application is a pre-release version that is
typically released to a limited group of users for testing purposes. Here
are some of the reasons why software developers release beta
versions:
• To get feedback from users on the features and functionality of the
software.
• To identify and fix any bugs before the software is released to the
public.
• To test the software in a real-world environment with a variety of
users and devices.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
 References

• Weixel, S., (2018). Introduction to Computers and Information

Technology. Pearson.

Restricted - ‫مقيد‬
Thank You