CC101A – Introduction to Computing
General-Purpose Applications
General-Purpose Applications – are type of application that can be used for a variety of tasks. These applications are
widely uses by almost all professions. Examples of these applications include word processors, spreadsheets, presentation
graphics, and database management systems.
Examples of General-Purpose Application
Word Processors – these are text-based documents and are one (1) of the most flexible and widely used software
tools. These are used to create letters, manuals, brochures, reports, and etc. Microsoft Word is the most widely
used word processor. Other popular word processors include Apple Pages, Google Docs, Corel WordPerfect, and
OpenOffice Writer.
Spreadsheets – these are used to organize, analyze, and graph numeric data such as budgets and financial reports.
These are widely used by nearly every profession. The most widely used spreadsheet program is Microsoft Excel.
Other spreadsheet applications include Apple Numbers, Google Sheets, Corel Quattro Pro, and OpenOffice Calc.
Presentation Graphics – these are programs that combine a variety of visual objects to create attractive and
visually interesting presentations. Six (6) of the most widely used presentation programs are Microsoft
PowerPoint, Apple Keynote, Google Slides, Corel Presentations, OpenOffice Impress, and Prezi.
Database Management Systems – a database is a collection of related data. It is the electronic equivalent of a file
cabinet. A database management system (DBMS) or database manager is a program that sets up, or structures a
database. It also provides tools to enter, edit, and retrieve data from the database. All kinds of individuals use
databases, such as hospital administrators who records patient information. Four (4) widely used database
manaement systems designed for personal computers are Microsoft Access, Apple FileMaker, Google Obvibase,
and OpenOffice Base.
Specialized Applications
Specialized Applications – these are type of applications created to execute one (1) specific task. These are widely used
within specific discipline and professions. Examples of these programs include photo and video editing programs, game
development programs, web development programs, and etc.
Categories of Specialized Applications Within Specific Professions
Graphics Programs
These programs are widely used by professionals in the graphic arts profession.
o Desktop Publishing Programs – allow users to combine text and graphics to create publications of
professional quality. While word processors focus on creating text and have the ability to combine text
and graphics, desktop publishers focus on page design and layout and provide greater flexibility.
Professional graphic artists use desktop publishing programs to create documents such as brochures,
newsletters, newspapers, and textbooks. Popular desktop publishing programs include Adobe InDesign,
Microsoft Publisher, and QuarkXPress.
o Image Editors – are specialized graphics programs for editing digital photographs. Popular image editors
include Adobe Photoshop, Corel Photo-Paint, GIMP (GNU Image Manipulation Program).
o Illustration Programs – these are used to create and edit vector images. These programs are often used
for graphics design, page layout, and creating sharp artistic images. Popular illustration programs include
Adobe Illustrator, CorelDRAW, and Inkscape.
o Video Editors – these are used to edit videos to enhance quality of a video. There are several video editors
such as Adobe Premiere Pro.
Video Game Design Software
These help users organize their thoughts and guide them through the game design process including character
development and environmental design. There are many video game design software, but the most well-known
video game design software is Unity.
Web Authoring Programs
Creating a website is called web authoring. The web authoring programs are typically used to create sophisticated
commercial sites. Also known as web page editor or HTML editors, these programs provide support for website
design and HTML coding. The widely used web authoring programs are Adobe Dreamweaver and Microsoft
Expression Web.
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CC101A – Introduction to Computing
Software Suites
Software Suite – is a collection of separate application programs bundled together and made available as a group. The
applications share common user interface features and theme, and provide related and often integrated functionality that
helps users perform or automate related tasks.
Four (4) types of software suites
Office Suites
These are also known as office software suites and productivity suites. These contain general-purpose and
specialized application programs that are typically used in business situation. Productivity suites commonly include
a word processor, spreadsheet, database manager, and presentation application. Microsoft Office is the best
known office suite. Other well-known productivity suites are Apple iWork and OpenOffice.
Cloud Computing
Cloud suites or online office suites are stored at a server on the Internet and are available anywhere you can
access the Internet. Documents created using online applications can also be stored online, making it easy to share
and collaborate on documents with others. One (1) downside to cloud applications is that users are dependent on
the server providing the application to be available whenever they need it. Popular online office suites include
Google Docs, Zoho, and Microsoft Office 365.
Specialized Suites
These are collection of software bundled for specific purpose. These focus on specific applications. These include
the following:
o graphics suites like CorelDRAW Graphics Suite and Adobe Creative Suite;
o financial planning suites; ad many others.
Utility Suites
These include a variety of programs designed to make computing easier and safer. One (1) of the best known utility
software is Norton Security Suite.
System Requirements – these represent the minimum hardware configuration required in order to successfully install and
run the application. Failure to meet these requirements can result in installation problems or performance problems.
Minimum System Requirements – are the most basic requirement, these are enough for a product to install or
run, but the performance is not guaranteed to be optimal.
Recommended System Requirements – usually specify the operating system version, processor type, memory
size, available disk space, and additional peripherals such as sound and video card.
Hardware System Requirements – usually specify the operating system version, processor type, memory size,
available disk space, and additional peripherals, such as sound and video card.
Software System Requirements – may specify additional software dependencies, such as driver version,
framework version, and libraries.
REFERENCES:
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CC101A – Introduction to Computing
O’Leary, T., O’Leary L., and O’Leary D. (2017). Computing essentials 2017. USA: McGraw-Hill Education.
Wempen, F. (2014). Computing fundamentals digital literacy edition. United Kingdom: John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
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