This document provides an overview of application software. It defines application software as programs designed for end users to perform tasks beyond running the computer itself, such as word processors, web browsers, and spreadsheets. It discusses why application software is used to increase productivity and organize personal tasks. Common features of application software are described, such as insertion points, scrolling, windows, menus, and dialog boxes. Methods of software distribution including packaged, custom, open source, shareware, and freeware are also summarized.

1. Application Software
Dasun Hegoda
Software Engineer

2. What we are going to talk
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What's Application Software
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Why Use Application Software
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Software Application Types
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Common Features
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Software Management
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Software Distribution
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Programming Languages
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Software Issues & Trends

3. Application Software Definitions

4. What's Application Software
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Application software is all the computer software that
causes a computer to perform useful tasks beyond the
running of the computer itself. A specific instance of
such software is called a software application,
application program, application or app.
An application is a program, or group of programs, that
is designed for the end user. Applications software (also
called end-user programs) include such things as
database programs, word processors, Web browsers
and spreadsheets.
Application software vs System Software

5. What's Application Software

6. What's Application Software

7. What's Application Software
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Microsoft Windows
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Linux
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Mac OSX
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BIOS Software
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HD Sector Boot Software
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Device Driver Software i.e Graphics Driver etc
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Linker Software
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Assembler and Compiler Software

8. What's Application Software
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Opera (Web Browser)
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Microsoft Word (Word Processing)
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Microsoft Excel (Spreadsheet software)
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MySQL (Database Software)
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Microsoft Powerpoint (Presentation Software)
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iTunes (Music / Sound Software)
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VLC Media Player (Audio / Video Software )
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World of Warcraft (Game Software)
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Adobe Photoshop (Graphics Software)

9. What's Application Software
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System Software have direct control and access to your
computer hardware , and memory locations . They
perform I/O operations on various memory locations ,
and control the hardware , to make the application
software do a task . Operating systems , are the main
examples for system software.
Application software run under System Software , and
are made to do a specific task i.e ( Word Processing etc)
, which have indirect access to the hardware (i.e Behind
System Software) .

10. Why Use Application Software

11. Why Use Application Software
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Software is indispensable for any computer
System Systems software needed for input, calculations,
and output
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Application software aids in productivity & easily
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Personal tasks using software
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To keep everything looking neat and organized

12. Software Application Types

13. Software Application Types
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Business → Office Package
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Graphics & Multimedia → AutoCAD, 3D Max
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Home/Personal/Educational → Dictionary, Encyclopedia
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Communication → Skype, Yahoo Chat
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Utility Programs → Anti-Virus, DC/DVD Burning S/W

14. Common Features

15. Common Features
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Insertion point It is the movable symbol on the display
screen that shows you where you may enter the data
next. You can move the insertion point around using
either the keyboard’s directional arrows keys or by
pointing with the mouse.
Scrolling It is the activity of moving quickly upward or
downward through the text or other screen.
Window It is a rectangular section of the display screen
with a title bar on the top.
Menu Bar Row of menu options displayed across the
top or the bottom of the screen.

16. Common Features
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Pull-Down Menu It is a list of command options, or
choices, that is “pulled down” out of the menu bar.
Help menu and screens Offers a choice of Help
screens, specific displayed explanations of how to
perform various task.
Toolbars Rows of Screen buttons
Dialog Box It is a box that appears on the screen. It
collect information from the user and display helpful
messages.

17. Software Management

18. Installing & Removing Software
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It must be installed on a computer Software for personal
computers typically comes on CDs or is downloaded
from the Web.
The software is physically installed in your computer
and runs from your Hard Drive.
Most operating systems have an add/remove program
feature.
Installer vs Uninstaller Files

19. Installed SW Vs. Web-Based SW
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Installed Software: Software you buy from market or
download from the Internet to your computer. The
software is physically installed in your computer and
runs from your Hard Drive. Usually these kinds of
software are wrapped inside a CD case when you buy it
from market. Example: MS Office, Games etc.
Web Based Software: Software that are run from the
Internet. Example: Online games, Google Earth, Google
Maps

20. Software Distribution

21. How Is Software Distributed
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Packaged Software, mass produced
Custom Software, perform functions to a specific to a
business or industry
Open Source Software, provided for use, modification
and redistribution
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Shareware, distributed free for trial period
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Freeware, copyright software provided at no cost
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Public-domain software, freeware with no copyright
restriction

22. How Is Application Software Written

23. How Is Application Software Written
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Programming Languages
Sets of keywords, symbols, and a system of rules for
constructing statements by which humans can
communicate instructions to be executed by a
computer
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Different languages have different characteristics
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PHP, C#, C, Objective C, JAVA, Python

24. Software Issues and Trends

25. Software Issues & Trends
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Because software is such an important part of today’s
computer systems, software issues have received
increased attention.
We'll talk about
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Software bugs
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Copyright
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Software licensing
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Open-source software
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Software upgrades.

26. Software Bugs
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Defect in a computer program that keeps it from
performing as it is designed to perform
Tips for reducing impact of software bugs
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Register all software so that you can receive bug
alerts, fixes, and patches
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Check the manual or read-me files for work-arounds
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Access support area of the manufacturer’s Web site
for patches
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Install the latest software updates

27. Copyrights and Licenses
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Most software products are protected by law using
copyright or licensing provisions,
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you are given unlimited use of software on one or two
computers
you pay for your usage - if you use the software
more, you pay more
Some software now requires that you register or activate
it before it can be fully used

28. Open-Source Software
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Software freely available to anyone in a form that can
be easily modified Some widely used
Open-source software packages: Linux OS, MySQL,
Apache, FireFox, Open Office.
Open-source software is often more reliable and
secure than commercial software.(Could be other-way
around)
Open-source systems can contain hidden costs,
particularly for user support or solving problems with
the software

29. Software Upgrades
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Software companies revise their programs and sell
new versions periodically
Revised software may or may not offer any major
additional capabilities
Revised software can contain bugs or errors
Software upgrades usually cost much less than the
original purchase price

30. That's It!!!