The document explains the types of application software, emphasizing general-purpose software that performs various tasks such as word processing and spreadsheets. It contrasts this with specialist software designed for specific tasks and bespoke software tailored for individual companies, highlighting the pros and cons of each. Additionally, it outlines considerations for purchasing new software, including cost, compatibility, and user support.

1. Application Software
There are two main types of computer
software;
system
software
and
application software .
Application software caries out user-related
tasks and can be classified as generalpurpose,
specialist
or tailor-made
(bespoke).

2. General purpose packages
A general-purpose application package is a type of
software that can perform many different related tasks.
Word processors, desktop publishing, communication, CAD,
spreadsheets, databases, web page design, graphics and
presentation software are all examples of application
packages.
This type of software is sometimes called generic software.

3. Advantages of ‘off the shelf’ Software.
It is relatively cheap;
It is readily available and can be installed
quickly and easily;
It will have been thoroughly tested so
there will be very little chance of it having
any serious faults or ‘bugs’;
It will be well supported;

4. Common types of general purpose software
Database packages are used to store and retrieve
information;
Spreadsheet packages are used for tasks that
involve a lot of calculations or for the production of
graphs and charts;
Word processing packages are used to produce
text based documents such as letters, reports and
memos;

5. Integrated packages
These combines many different types of application together
in one single package. E.g word processing, spreadsheets,
databases, graphics, presentation and communications.
Integrated packages are much cheaper than buying many
different application packages but their different applications
have a limited number of features compared with individual
application packages.
Microsoft WORKS is an example of an integrated package.

6. Specialist application software
Specialist application software performs a single very
specific type of task.
Examples include
programs to work out
payroll, calculate
accounts, deal with stock
control and handle
appointments.

7. Tailor-made software
Tailor-made, or bespoke software specially developed
for a particular company.
The main drawbacks of this approach:
• High cost;
• Time to develop;
• Possible bugs.

8. Buying new software
What sort of tasks will the software be used for?
How much does the software cost?
What operating system does the software need?
What are the minimum system requirements for the software?
Will the software be used on a single computer or on a network?
How much support is available for users? More popular software will
have more of these resources;
How easy is the software to install.