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Application Software

The document discusses different types of application software including general purpose software, customized software, custom written software, specialized software, and integrated software. It defines each type and provides examples and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Uploaded by

Nathefa Layne
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© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
55 views

Application Software

The document discusses different types of application software including general purpose software, customized software, custom written software, specialized software, and integrated software. It defines each type and provides examples and advantages and disadvantages of each.

Uploaded by

Nathefa Layne
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
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Software

Objectives
At the end of the lesson, students should be
able to:
1.Distinguish between the two categories of
software
2.Define application software
3.Give examples of 5 types of application
software
4. Explain the terms: general purpose,
Integrated, specialized ,customized and
custom-written
Software

● The term software is used to refer to the


computer programs used in a computer system.
Software can be divided into two main
categories namely:

● a) Applications Software
● b) System Software
Application Software

An Application software is a
software that is used to perform
tasks other than the operation and
management of the computer
system. An application program
performs a variety of related task.
Application programs are written to solve
end-user problems. These include:
● educational programs – used in schools for
teaching various subjects
● administration programs – used by many
organizations for maintaining records of staff
● library control programs – used by libraries for
maintaining records of books and borrowers,
in order to provide faster, more efficient
service.
● word processing programs – used by all kinds
of people for the efficient preparation of
letters, documents and reports.
Application software can be classified as one
or
more of the following:

 General-Purpose
 Customized software
 Custom –written
 Specialized
 Integrated software
General Purpose

General-purpose application software is used by a large number


of people in a variety
of jobs and personal situations as this type of software is not
specific to any
organization or business.

The five main types of general-purpose application software are:


●  Word Processing
●  Spreadsheet
●  Database Management
●  Communication
●  Graphics/Presentation
Advantages of using General Purpose Software
 You can install it yourself by following the easy
instruction in the installation manual that
comes with the software.
 Cheaper than employing a programmer

Disadvantages of General Purpose Software


 The package may not fit the user’s need
exactly
The package may not be user friendly
Custom Written Software

This is software that has been designed or


created
by a programmer to meet the unique need of a
user
or organization.

For example, you could hire a system


analyst to look at the accounting principles
employed by your company and then
set a team of programmers to write a program to
meet the requirements. This
program would be custom written software.
Advantages of Custom Written Software
 The software meets the need of the user
specifically
 The software can grow with the company

Disadvantages of Custom Written Software


 An experienced software team is needed.
Acquiring the right team can be costly.
 If the people who are trained to use the
program resign then it will be some time
before new
persons are trained, slowing down the business
functions.
Customized Software

This software is where the software is slightly


modify in an effort to better suit the purpose of
the client. Most general purpose software
provides facilities for customization through
writing codes or recording macros (a single
instruction that expands automatically to
perform a particular task).
Eg. Microsoft Access, Database and Excel can be
customized.
Areas of the software that can be customized
include:

●  Screen Colour
●  Page size and arrangement on the desktop
●  Navigation to available menus
Specialized software

This is a software that is designed to perform


expert systems in particular fields to make
decisions or solve problems.
Examples: Airline Reservation such as banking
or architecture, by using knowledge and
analytical
rules defined by experts in the field.
Advantages of Specialized Software:
 Tasks or processes are carried out more
accurately and precise.
 Mistakes or errors are minimized or easily
removed.
Disadvantages of Specialized Software:
 It is expensive to purchase
 Software limited to a particular discipline or
area of study
Integrated Software

ntegrated software is the term for a program


I

that includes all the major types of application


For example, word processing, spreadsheet and
database) and brings them together into a single
Software package.
Microsoft Works is an example of integrated
software.
Advantages of Integrated Software
 You can get value for your money (all in one
package)
 Data can be easily transferred from one
integrated application to another, using cut,
copy and paste.

Disadvantages of Integrated Software


 Some integrated packages do not include all
of the applications that may be required.

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