IT101-8 (Module 4 Programs and Apps: Productivity, Graphics, Security, and Other Tools)
Photo Management Software
you can view, organize, sort, catalog, print, and share digital photos
desktop app
Applications stored on a laptop computer or desktop
Tasks Personal Assistants do
Activate your device's personal assistant Change phone settings Dial a number Obtain information Obtain driving instructions Run an app Schedule a meeting Send a text message Set a reminder Set a timer Set an alarm
Browser
Allows users to access and view webpages on the Internet Requires browser software Integrated in most operating systems Many alternative browsers are available
security suite
(Internet security programs) Collection of individual security tools available together as a unit
Graphics and Media Software
- Computer - Aided Design (CAD) Software - Desktop Publishing Software - Paint/ Image editing Software - Photo editing software - Clip Art / Image Gallery - Video and audio editing software
personal interest applications
- Lifestyle applications(Access the latest news or sports scores, check the weather forecast, compose music, research genealogy, find recipes, meet or chat with friends online near you, or locate nearby restaurants, gas stations, or points of interest.) - Medical applications (Research symptoms, establish a fitness or health program, track exercise activity, refill prescriptions, count calories, or monitor sleep patterns.) - Entertainment applications (Listen to music or the radio, view photos, watch videos or shows, read a book or other publication, organize and track fantasy sports teams, and play games individually or with others.) - Convenience applications (Obtain driving directions or your current location, convert speech to text instead of typing, set an alarm or timer, check the time, calculate a tip, use your phone as a flashlight, or use a personal assistant that acts on your voice commands) - Education applications (Access how-to guides, learn or fine-tune a particular skill, follow a tutorial, run a simulation, assist children with reading and other elementary skills, or support academics.)
communication applications
-Blog -Browser -Chat -Online Discussion -Email -File Transfer -Internet Phone -Internet Messaging -Mobile (Text) Messaging -Videoconference
ENTERPRISE COMPUTING A large organization, commonly referred to as an enterprise, requires special computing solutions because of its size and geographic distribution
-Human resources software (manages employee information, such as pay rate, benefits, personal information, performance evaluations, training, and vacation time.) -Accounting and finance software (A manages everyday transactions, such as sales and payments to suppliers. F helps managers budget, forecast, and analyze.) -Engineering or product development software (allows engineers to develop plans for new products and test their product designs) -Manufacturing software (assists in the assembly process, as well as in scheduling and managing the inventory of parts and products.) -Marketing software (allows marketing personnel to create marketing campaigns, target demographics, and track their effectiveness.) -Sales software (enables the salesforce to manage contacts, schedule meetings, log customer interactions, manage product information, and take customer orders.) -Distribution software (analyzes and tracks inventory and manages product shipping status) -Customer service software (manages the day-to-day interactions with customers, such as phone calls, email messages, web interactions, and messaging sessions.) -Information technology software (use a variety of programs and apps to maintain and secure the hardware and software in an enterprise.)
Web App
a special type of cloud app that is accessed by visiting a website in a browser.
Programs and apps are distributed in a variety of forms
-Retail software (mass-produced, copyrighted software that meets the needs of a wide variety of users, not just a single user or company) -Custom software (performs functions specific to a business or industry.) -Shareware (copyrighted software that is distributed at no cost for a trial period) -Freeware (copyrighted software provided at no cost by an individual or a company that retains all rights to the software) -Open source software (software provided for use, modification, and redistribution. May have restrictions form copyright holder) -Public domain software (has been donated for public use and has no copyright restrictions.)
Productivity applications can assist you in becoming more effective and efficient while performing daily activities at work, school, and home
-Word processing -Presentation -Spreadsheet -Database -Note taking -Calendar and contact term-57 -management -Project management -Accounting -Personal finance -Legal -Tax preparation -Document management -Support services -Enterprise computing
word processing software
-allows users to create and manipulate documents containing text and graphics -to develop documents such as letters, memos, reports, mailing labels, and newsletters Word processing software has many features to create professional and visually appealing documents. Word processing software allows users to incorporate graphics, such as digital photos and clip art, in document The page setup feature of word processing software allows you to define the size of the paper on which to print and to specify the margin Word processing software typically includes tools to assist you with the writing process
presentation software
-allows users to create visual aids for presentations to communicate ideas, messages, and other information to a group -provides tools for creating slides with content arranged in a variety of formats. typically provides a variety of predefined presentation formats that suggest complementary colors for backgrounds, text, and graphical accents on the slides. Can set up slide timing, apply special effects, include images, photos, videos, clips, and audio clips, can be viewed in a variety of formats (including hard copy)
users often used process with productivity applications
-create a project -edit a project -format a project -save a project -distribute a project
The technologies that developers use to create apps often depends whether they will be installed on a user's device or accessed via a network
-native app -cloud app -web app -mobile web app
Database
A collection of data organized in a manner that allows access, retrieval, and use of that data Computer stores the data on a storage medium, such as a hard drive or flash drive, or the cloud.
worksheet
A computerized spreadsheet in Excel. columns and rows collectively
Function
A predefined formula that performs a calculation. EX) =SUM(B9:B16) Spreadsheet applications contain many built-in functions to perform financial, mathematical, logical, date and time, and other calculations. Many spreadsheet applications allow users to write their own customized functions to perform special purpose calculations.
computer-aided design (CAD)
A type of application that assists professionals and designers in creating engineering, architectural, and scientific designs and models. For example, home design/landscaping software is an application that assists users with the design, remodeling, or improvement of a home, deck, or landscape.
Internet Phone
Allows users to speak to other users via an Internet connection Requires a microphone, a speaker, a high-speed Internet connection, and VoIP software Some subscription services also require a separate phone and VoIP router With a webcam, some services also support video chat or videoconferences
When Should You Use a Database Instead of a Spreadsheet Program?
Although databases and spreadsheets both store data, these programs have different purposes and capabilities. Spreadsheet programs are ideal for calculating results or creating charts from value in the worksheet. You should use a database program, however, if want to collect, reorganize and filter data, and/or create reports from the data.
legal software
An application that assists in the preparation of legal documents and provides legal information to individuals, families, and small businesses Legal software provides standard contracts and documents associated with buying, selling, and renting property; estate planning; marriage and divorce; and preparing a will or living trust.
note taking software
An application that enables users to enter typed text, handwritten comments, drawings, sketches, photos, and links anywhere on a page and then save the page as part of a notebook. Users also can include audio recordings as part of their notes. Some enable users to sync their notes to the cloud so that they can access the notes on any computer or mobile device. Many note taking applications also include a calendar feature.
Trial Version
An application you can use at no charge for a limited time, to see if it meets your needs. Limited functionality
How to download apps safely?
Choose apps from Google Play for Android devices or the App Store for Apple devices. Choose software from reputable shareware, freeware, and public-domain download websites that offer products for your computer or device. Be wary of apps that do not have many reviews or apps that were added recently, unless you can verify the developer or publisher. Search for reviews from reputable websites. Obtain the latest versions of shareware, freeware, and public-domain software and apps.
Photo Editing Features
Crop: removes unwanted areas of a photo Remove red-eye: removes the appearance of red eyes caused by the camera flash Resize: changes the physical dimensions of the photo Compress: decreases the photo's file size Adjust Sharpness: increases or decreases crispness of objects in the photo Adjust brightness: adjusts lightness or darkness in the photo
Licence Agreement
End User License Agreement (EULA) the right to use a program or app provides specific conditions for use of the software, which a user typically must accept before using the software
Using Personal Finance Apps Safely
Evaluate the apps Use strong passwords Guard smartphone Verify transaction
Actions a virus performs
First, a virus replicates by attaching itself to program files. Viruses conceal themselves to avoid detection. Finally, viruses watch for a certain condition or event and activate when that condition or event occurs.
Hard Copy
Information that exists on a physical medium such as paper Many users opt for electronic distribution because it contributes to green computing.
Health and Fitness
Losing weight, training for a race, or following a low-calorie diet are some uses of health and fitness apps.
News, Sports, and Weather
Many apps provide access to the latest news, stories, current events, sports scores, sporting events, and weather forecasts. You also can configure these apps to deliver text messages and other types of alerts to your device when certain events occur,
videoconference
Meeting between geographically separated people who use a network to transmit video/audio Requires videoconferencing software, a microphone, a speaker, and a webcam
File Transfer
Method of uploading files to and downloading files from servers on the Internet May require an FTP client program Integrated in some operating systems Many applications (such as web authoring software) that require frequent transfer of files to the Internet have built-in FTP capabilities
Mobile (Text) Messaging
Short text, picture, or video messages sent and received, mainly on mobile devices over a mobile carrier's network May require messaging plan from mobile service provider Requires messaging software Integrated in most mobile devices
Online Discussion
Online forums where users have written discussions May require a reader program to manage and follow discussion posts Integrated in some operating systems, email programs, online social networks, and browsers
Streaming Audio and Video
Podcasts, video blogs, clips or episodes from a television show, or even entire movies are available through a variety of streaming media web and mobile apps Streaming media enables you to view and listen to content without downloading it to your computer or device.
Portable Document Format Developed by Adobe Systems To interact with a PDF file, you need a PDF reader application, such as Adobe Reader With a document reader, you can view, create, search, convert, annotate, edit, share, and print documents
Virus
Potentially damaging computer program that affects, or infects, a computer negatively by altering the way the computer works without the user's knowledge or permission. The programmer of a virus, known as a virus author, intentionally writes a virus program
Text Editor
used to type information when it does not need to be formatted with fonts, page numbers, or other styles
Internet Messaging
Real-time exchange of messages, files, images, audio, and/or video with another online user Requires messaging software Provided by some online social networks Also available as a browser plug-in
Chat
Real-time, online typed conversation with one or more users Requires chat client software Integrated in some operating systems and built into some websites Included with some paid ISPs
Why Would You Use a Software Suite Instead of a Stand-Alone Application?
SS offer: Ease of use; Integration; and Lower Cost
Academic
Schools often subscribe to educational apps that provide students with games, quizzes, and lessons about course topics. Using these apps, teachers can keep track of students' progress and pinpoint areas where they may need extra help.
How Are Productivity Web Apps Different from Productivity Desktop Apps?
Some word processing, spreadsheet, and presentation software applications are available as web apps. These online versions often have limited functionality compared to their desktop counterparts. Online productivity apps save your work on the cloud instantly as you type. Both the apps and the documents created with them are stored on the cloud. In contrast, desktop apps are installed on your computer. Documents created with desktop apps may be stored on your computer, on the cloud, or synchronized between both locations.
Media Sharing
you use the digital camera on your mobile device to take quality photos and/or videos and then instantly can share the photos or videos on online social networks.
Payload
The destructive event or prank the virus was created to deliver.
Blog
Time-stamped articles, or posts, in diary or journal format, usually listed in reverse chronological order Bloggers (author) use blogging software to create/maintain blog Some blog services provide blogging software so users do not have to install it on their own servers
How to protect your phone when making purchases
Use a password on your phone. Select an approved payment app from your device's app store that requires you to enter a password to start the transaction. Use a secure Internet connection when making a purchase online. When using a mobile web app, be sure that the browser shows https:// in the website's web address and a padlock symbol appears. Be vigilant about checking receipts and mobile transactions against monthly statements from the credit card company.
Mapping
Using your mobile device's GPS capability, you can use mapping mobile apps to obtain directions, maps, and recommendations for restaurants or other points of interest based on your current location.
Developing Projects
With productivity applications, users often create, edit, format, save, and share projects. Projects include documents, presentations, spreadsheets, notes, calendars, contact lists, budgets, drawings, and more.
clip art/image gallery
a collection of clip art and photos Many clip art/image galleries also provide fonts, animations, sounds, video clips, and audio clips.
Hardware firewall
a device that controls computers from one point.
media player
a program that allows you to view images and animations, listen to audio, and watch video files on your computer or mobile device
Query
a request for information from a database
personal firewall
a security tool that detects and protects a personal computer and its data from unauthorized intrusions Personal firewalls constantly monitor all transmissions to and from a computer or mobile device and may inform a user of attempted intrusions.
personal finance software
a simplified accounting application that helps home users and small/home office users balance their checkbooks, pay bills, track personal income and expenses, verify account balances, transfer funds, track investments, and evaluate financial plans determine where, and for what purpose, you are spending money so that you can manage your finances. financial planning features, such as analyzing home and personal loans, preparing income taxes, and managing retirement savings. Other features include managing home inventory and setting up budgets
Product Activation
a technique that some software manufacturers use to ensure that you do not install the software on more computers than legally licensed Usually, the software can be run a preset number of times, has limited functionality, or does not function until you activate it via the Internet or by phone. Thus, activation is a required process for programs that request it.
Web Based Training (WBT)
a type of CBT that uses internet technology and consists of application software on the web CBT and WBT typically consist of self-directed, self-paced instruction about a topic. WBT is popular in business, industry, and schools for teaching new skills or enhancing existing skills of employees, teachers, and students.
Computer Based Training (CBT)
a type of education in which students learn by using and completing exercises with instructional software
Photo Editing Software
a type of image editing software that allows users to edit and customize digital photos users can enhance photos, add lighting filters, crop images, remove red-eye, create collages, crop and resize images, color-correct images, straighten images, remove or rearrange objects in a photo, and more
Mobile Web App
a web app that runs on a mobile device Mobile web apps often have a responsive web design, which means the app is optimized for display in a browser on a mobile device, regardless of screen size or orientation. Examples of web apps include websites for shopping, banking, and online social networks accessed in a browser.
multimedia authoring software
allows users to combine text, graphics, audio, video, and animation in an interactive application With this software, users control the placement of text and images and the duration of sounds, video, and animation
database software
allows users to create, access, and manage a database Using database software, you can add, change, and delete data in a database; sort and retrieve data from the database; and create forms and reports using the data in the database. Each row, called a record, contains data about a given item in the database, such as a person, product, object, or event. Each column, called a field, contains a specific category of data within a record.
spreadsheet software (AKA workbook)
allows users to organize data in rows and columns and perform calculations allow users e columns and rows collectively it can contain thousands of related individual worksheets (this is why it is referred to as a workbook) Each worksheet usually can have thousands of columns and rows. A cell is the intersection of a column and row. The spreadsheet software identifies cells by the column and row in which they are located.
paint software
also called illustration software, allows users to draw pictures, shapes, and other graphical images with various on-screen tools such as a pen, brush, eyedropper, and paint bucket.
Software as a Service (SaaS)
describes a computing environment where an Internet server hosts and deploys applications and makes them available to users via the internet
project management software
an application that allows a user to plan, schedule, track, and analyze the events, resources, and costs of a project helps users manage project variables, such as the tasks required to complete a project and the allotted time and resources for each, allowing them to complete a project on time and within budget.
Video Editing Software
an application that allows professionals to modify a segment of a video, called a clip For example, users can reduce the length of a video clip, reorder a series of clips, or add special effects, such as words that move across the screen.
tax preparation software
an application that can guide individuals, families, or small businesses through the process of filing federal taxes These programs forecast tax liability and offer money-saving tax tips, designed to lower your tax bill. After you answer a series of questions and complete basic forms, the software creates and analyzes your tax forms to search for missed potential errors and deduction opportunities.
Desktop Publishing Software (DTP)
an application that enables designers to create sophisticated publications that contain text, graphics, and many colors
Audio Editing Software
an application that enables users to modify audio clips, produce studio-quality soundtracks, and add audio to video clips Most television shows and movies and many online videos are created or enhanced using video and audio editing software.
accounting software
an application that helps businesses of all sizes record and report their financial transactions business users perform accounting activities related to the general ledger, accounts receivable, accounts payable, purchasing, invoicing and payroll functions enables business users to write and print checks, track checking account activity, and update and reconcile balances on demand. cost of accounting software for small businesses ranges from less than one hundred to several thousand dollars. Accounting software for large businesses can cost several hundred thousand dollars.
Image Editing Software
an application that provides the capabilities of paint software and also includes the capability to enhance and modify existing photos and images
Marketplace
app store native apps can be downloaded from these
Native App
app written for a specific platform and installed on a computer or mobile device Native apps can take advantage of specific features of the devices on which they are installed, such as a smartphone's camera or contacts list.
slide show
displayed on a large monitor or on a projection screen from a computer or mobile device.
Format a Project
change its appearance Formatting is important because the overall look of a project significantly can affect its capability to communicate information clearly. Examples of formatting tasks are changing the font (name assigned to specific design of character), font size (indicates the size of the characters in a particular font), and font style (adds emphasis to a font)
program or software
consists of a series of related instructions, organized for a common purpose, that tells the computer what tasks to perform and how to perform them
Projects you can work on with Programs and Apps
creating letters, memos, reports, and other documents; developing presentations; preparing and filing taxes; drawing and altering images; recording and enhancing audio and video clips; obtaining directions or maps; playing games individually or with others; composing email messages; protecting computers and mobile devices from malware; organizing media; locating files;
Creating a project
enter text or numbers, insert images, add contacts, schedule appointments, and perform other tasks using a variety of input methods, such as a keyboard, a mouse, touch, or voice.
Automatic Update
feature that regularly provides new features or corrections to the program
website authoring software
helps users create business websites for a variety of purposes such as online stores, restaurants, small businesses, or personal interests, generally without requiring advanced HTML skills.
calendar and contact management software
helps you organize your calendar, keep track of contacts, and share this information with other users provides a way for individuals and workgroups to organize, find, view, and share appointment and contact information easily.
software suite
is a collection of individual related applications available together as a unit Productivity software suites typically include, at a minimum, word processing, presentation, spreadsheet, and email applications.
operating system
is a set of programs that coordinates all the activities among computer hardware devices ex. tools and utilities (enable you to perform maintenance-type task usually related to managing devices, media, and programs used by computers and mobile devices) system software (they consist of the programs that control or maintain the operations of the computer and its devices.) Desktop operating systems includes (macOS, Windows, Linux, and Chrome OS. Mobile operating systems include Android, iOS, and Windows) serves as the interface between the user, the applications and other programs, and the computer's or mobile device's hardware
Editing a Project
make changes to its existing content. Common editing tasks include inserting, deleting, cutting, copying, and pasting. Inserting involves adding text, images, or other content. Deleting involves removing text, images, or other content. Cutting is the process of removing content and storing it in a temporary storage location, called a clipboard. Copying is the process of placing content on a clipboard, with the content remaining in the project. Pasting is the process of transferring content from a clipboard to a specific location in a project.
Cloud app
makes use of software and data that are not stored on your computer or mobile device You can access the software and data using a computer or mobile device, with or without a browser, as long as it is connected to a network, such as the Internet. Examples include apps for accessing online social networks, web-based email services, and online calendars.
Gaming
offer a social component, enabling you to chat within the game environment, find friends who play the same game apps, and post your scores on social media.
A Massive Open Online Course (MOOC)
offers access to quality education anywhere the Internet is available through a combination of video instruction and interaction with an instructor and students in an online classroom most involve videos of lectures, assigned readings, assignments, and interactive discussions. Khan Academy is one of the more popular MOOCs,
augmented reality app
overlays information and digital content on top of physical objects or locations EX) used in medical field
virtual reality app
provides an immersive user experience Some require a specialized viewer, which may have a built-in display, or make use of a smartphone to display 360-degree images or video content.
Worm
resides in active memory and replicates itself over a network to infect computers and devices using system resources and possibly shutting down the system
mobile app
runs on a mobile device
document conversion software
saves documents created in any application into a common format that has the same appearance as the original document
application (or app)
sometimes called application software, consists of programs designed to make users more productive and/or assist them with personal tasks
QR code
square-shaped coded graphic that corresponds to a web address or other information
e-filing
the process of filing your tax forms electronically
software registration
typically is optional and usually involves submitting your name and other personal information to the software manufacturer or developer