Applications

software

a set of instructions that tells the computer what to do.

Macro

a small program that groups a series of commands so that they will run as a single command. These are best used to automate a routine task or a complex series of commands that must be run frequently. Financial Planning Software: helps users manage their daily finances. These tend to include electronic checkbook registers and automatic bill payment tools.

Program

an instruction set that provides a means for users to interact with and use the computer without the need for programming skills.

Template

are included in many productivity applications and provide the basic structure for a particular kind of document, spreadsheet, or presentation.

Productivity Software

programs that lets users perform various tasks required at home, school, and business and includes word processing, spreadsheet, presentation, database, and personal information management programs.

Application Software

software used to do tasks at home, school, and work (includes productivity software, business software, and media/entertainment software).

System Requirements

specifies the minimum recommended standard for the operating system, processor, primary memory, and hard drive capacity needed to run a software program.

Computer Aided Design (CAD)

: programs used by engineers to create automated designs, technical drawings, and 3-D model visualizations. An example would be Autodesk's AutoCAD.

Desktop Publishing (DTP) Software

allows professionals to design books and other publications that require complex layouts. An example would be Microsoft Publisher.

Presentation Software

allows users to create high-quality presentations without a lot of training. They are generally considered simple to use. An example would be Microsoft PowerPoint.

Drawing Software

allows users to create or edit 2-D, line based drawings

Custom Installation

allows users to decide which features they want installed on their hard drive, which allows them to save space on their hard drive.

Image-Editing Software

allows users to edit their photos. An example would be Adobe Photoshop which allows users to remove red-eye from photos, modify the contrast and sharpness in an image, among many other features.

Simulation Programs

allows users to experience or control the software as if it were an actual event. These are utilized to teach military flight training, surgical instrument training, and machine operation training. These allow users to take risks and learn from their mistakes without any real life consequences.

Personal Information Manager (PIM) Software

allows users to manage e-mail, contacts, calendars, and tasks all in one place. The most commonly used one can be considered Microsoft Outlook.

Digital Video-Editing Software

allows users to refine their videos by cutting out unwanted segments and adding audio tracks as well as other editing tools. Examples include Adobe Premiere Pro, Apple's Final Cut Pro, and Windows Movie Maker.

Database Software

allows users to store and organize data. It is generally used for larger and more complicated data that would be burdensome to use in a spreadsheet. Examples include Oracle, MySQL, and Microsoft Access.

Full Installation

copies all the most commonly used files and programs from the distribution disc to a user's computer's hard drive.

Multimedia Software

includes digital image- and video-editing software, digital audio software, and other specialty software required to produce computer games, animations, and movies.

Accounting Software

helps small business owners manage their finances more efficiently by providing tools for tracking accounts receivable and accounts payable. They also offer inventory management, payroll, and billing tools.

Financial Planning Software

helps users manage their daily finances. These tend to include electronic checkbook registers and automatic bill payment tools.

Wizard

helps walks users through the steps necessary to complete a complicated task. At each step in the process the wizard will ask the users questions and based on their responses, it helps them complete that portion of the task. This is most commonly used when installed new software on a computer.

Course Management Software

in addition to traditional classroom tools such as calendars and grade books, these programs provide special areas for students and instructors to exchange ideas and information through chat rooms, discussion forums, and e-mails. The most notable course management software utilized by higher education is Blackboard.

Vertical Market Software

is software designed for a specific industry, such as property management software for real estate professionals.

Audio -Editing Software

includes tools that make editing audio files as easy as editing text files. An example would be the open source software Audacity.

End User License Agreement (EULA) or Software License

is an agreement between the user and the software company. Users accept this agreement before installing the software on their machine. It is a legal contract that outlines the acceptable uses of the program and any actions that may violate the agreement.

Beta Version

is an application that is still undergoing development. Developers distribute Beta Versions in hopes users will report errors and bugs they come across.

Freeware

is copyrighted software that users can use for free. However, users need to be on guard for viruses and malware as some use freeware to get users to allow them to breach the security of their personal computer.

Open Source Software

is free software that is available with few licensing and copyright restrictions. This allows a community of users to improve and alter the software.

Software Suite

is proprietary software that is bundled as a package such as Microsoft Office or Apple iWork. Word Processing Software: allows users to create and edit documents such as research papers, and class notes. Spreadsheet Software: allows users to make calculations and perform numerical analyses. It is often used to keep track of expenses and budgets. An example would Microsoft Excel.

System Software

is software that helps run the computer and coordinate instructions between application software and the computer's hardware devices. Proprietary Software (or Commercial Software): is software users buy, such as Microsoft Office. These can be purchased online or on a CD or DVD.

Proprietary Software

is software users buy, such as Microsoft Office. These can be purchased online or on a CD or DVD.

Web-Based Applications

is software which the vendor hosts online and users can access over the internet without having to install it on their computer.

Copyleft

is the concept of redistributing modified open source software under the same terms as the original software. Thus, all enhancements, additions, and other changes to copyleft software must also be distributed as free software.