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IT Era_ MID L8 - Programs and Applications

Lesson 8: Programs and Applications

Lesson 8: Programs and Applications

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I. Understanding Application Programs

A. Definition of Apps and Applications

Apps, web apps, online apps, and applications are all types of software used to accomplish various tasks.

Applications (Application Software)

Complex programs designed for use with a mouse and keyboard.

Require significant system resources (processor power, video resolution, memory).

Perform a wide range of functions.

Example: Web browser — used for navigating the web, downloading files, playing videos, emailing, chatting, checking weather, online shopping, and more.

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II. Types of Application Software

A. Word Processing Applications

Used to create, edit, format, save, and print documents.

Capable of inserting pictures and objects.

Common Uses: Letters, memos, invoices, newsletters, forms, brochures, flyers, and web pages.

Popular Word Processing Software:

Microsoft Word (Microsoft) — Advanced features like tables, indices, and outlines.

WordPerfect (Corel) — Early popular word processor for DOS and Windows.

Pages (Apple) — Word processor for Mac and iOS devices, offers advanced design tools.

B. Desktop Publishing (DTP) Applications

Designed for manipulating large amounts of text and graphics with specialized page layouts.

Used for creating professional print materials like magazines, newspapers, and brochures.

Popular DTP Software:

Microsoft Publisher (Microsoft) — Lightweight, easy-to-use alternative for home and small business users.

Adobe InDesign (Adobe Systems) — Professional layout software for digital and print media.

QuarkXPress (Quark, Inc.) — Used by large publishing houses for complex layouts.

Scribus (Open Source) — Free page layout software for various operating systems.

C. Spreadsheet Applications

Perform calculations, analyze data, and create visual representations like charts and graphs.

Useful for sorting, filtering, and managing large data sets.

Popular Spreadsheet Software:

Microsoft Excel (Microsoft) — Part of Microsoft Office suite, supports advanced tools like pivot tables and Visual Basic for Applications (VBA).

Quattro Pro (Corel) — Spreadsheet program often packaged with WordPerfect Office suite.

D. Graphic Design and Image Editing Applications

Used to create and edit visual content like logos, layouts, and digital art.

Popular Graphic Design Software:

Adobe Illustrator (Adobe Systems) — Creates vector images using mathematical algorithms.

Adobe Photoshop (Adobe Systems) — Edits pixel-based raster images and photos.

Microsoft Paint / Fresh Paint (Microsoft) — Simple graphics program for drawing and bitmapped images.

E. Web Development Applications

Help design and manage websites through a WYSIWYG (What You See Is What You Get) interface.

Automatically generate web markup code.

Popular Web Development Software:

Adobe Dreamweaver (Adobe Systems) — Full-featured HTML and programming editor.

Microsoft Visual Studio (Microsoft) — Comprehensive development tools for web, desktop, and mobile apps.

Microsoft Web Matrix (Microsoft) — Free website builder with coding and publishing features.

F. Video Editing Applications

Edit and manipulate video footage and audio tracks.

Popular Presentation Software:

Microsoft PowerPoint (Microsoft) — Part of Microsoft Office suite with integrated tools.

Keynote (Apple) — Apple’s equivalent of PowerPoint with graphics tools and templates.

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III. Web Applications (Web Apps)

Applications that run on the web, accessed via a browser without local installation.

Provide similar functionality to installed software.

Often referred to as Software as a Service (SaaS).

Examples:

Microsoft Online Apps — Web-based versions of Microsoft Office applications.

Google Drive Suite:

Google Docs — Online word processor with real-time collaboration.

Google Sheets — Online spreadsheet with collaborative features.

Google Slides — Online presentation app with multimedia support.

IV. Creativity Apps

Description: Apps that enable creative expression and tool utilization.

Examples:

Afterlight:

Image editing app for shooting and editing images.

Draw Something:

Game where players draw pictures for their partners to guess the word.

Smart Tools:

App that transforms your smartphone into various tools:

Level

Flashlight

Ruler

Magnetic field detector, and more.

V. Social Media Apps

Description: Websites and applications for connecting with people and sharing content.

Examples:

Facebook:

View personal and other users' pages.

Post comments and view notifications.

Twitter:

Send and read short 140-character messages ("tweets").

Registered users can post tweets.

Unregistered users can only read tweets.

Instagram:

Photo and video sharing app.

Each user has a profile and news feed.

Posted photos and videos appear on the user's profile.

VI. Audio Apps

Description: Apps for streaming and playing audio content.

Examples:

Audible:

Provides spoken audio entertainment:

Digital audiobooks

Radio and TV programs

Audio versions of magazines and newspapers.

iTunes Music:

Access to Apple's streaming music catalog.

Stream songs to your device.

Pandora:

Streams "radio station style" music.

Create "custom radio stations" by selecting:

Genres of music

Artists

Albums

Specific songs.

Spotify:

Streams music from a vast library.

Offers free and subscription-based versions.

Includes a radio feature with playlists based on genres and decades.

VII. Video Apps

Description: Apps for streaming video content on various devices.

Examples:

Hulu:

Streams TV shows, clips, movies, and other media.

Netflix:

Streams movies and TV shows in over 40 countries.

UStream.tv:

Watch and broadcast live video via Wi-Fi.

WatchESPN:

Provides 24/7 access to live sports and studio shows:

ESPN

ESPN2

ESPN3

ESPNU, and related networks.

YouTube:

View, rate, share, upload, and comment on videos.

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