Selection and Use of appropriate Software Features

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Selection and Use of appropriate Software Features

• 12.11

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Types of software

• Name given to computer programs
• Programs are needed to control the hardware.

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Types of software
Applications Software Systems Software
Is designed to make use of the computer system for specific purposes performs tasks that are required because a computer is used
EG Generic Applications EG Operating Systems
EG Bespoke Applications EG Utility Programs
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Operating Systems

• Interacts with hardware to ensure system is
  managed.
• It hides the complexity
• of the hardware from the
• user.
• Useful for creating
• File Directories on a computer

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Utility Programs

• Provides Tools to support the management of a
  system
• COMPRESSION
• Covert data into a format that takes up less
  memory space.
• FILE CONVERSION
• Each file has a file extension (.doc). It enables
  other programs to open files with different
  extensions
• CONFIGURATION FILES
• Contain information on system parameters. When a
  program is run, it may need to see what
  conditions it should adapt to

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GenericWord Processing

• Scenarios include
• Writing a book
• Writing a letter
• Features include
• Bold
• Underline
• Font Size
• Alignment

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Desktop Publishing

• Scenarios include
• Creating a leaflet
• Features include
• Re-sizing images
• Importing images
• Modifying text

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Spreadsheets

• Scenarios include
• Creating an electronic register
• Features include
• Formulae
• Functions
• Charts/Graphs

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Database Management Software

• Scenarios include
• Keeping Customer Records
• Police records of criminals
• Features include
• Storing data
• Searching data
• Sorting data

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Internet

• The Software is called a WEB BROWSER!
• Scenarios include
• Viewing a website
• Features include
• Email

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Web Design Software

• Setting up and testing web pages
• Uploading pages to the web
• Entering and formatting text
• Inserting hyperlinks
• Inserting tables

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Email Software

• Sending emails to one or more addresses
• A reply button for easy response
• Forwarding emails
• Setting priority to URGENT

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Image Manipulation Software

• Resizing images
• Cropping images
• Increasing or decreasing brightness
• Blurring or colouring images
• Cloning parts of images

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Presentation Software

• Creating slides
• Include text, graphics and video
• Formatting text
• Use bullet points to highlight information
• Sound files

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Macro

• A sequence of instructions that performs a task
  on a regular basis.
• An example is
• In Word Processing, you can record a macro to add
  your name to every document automatically.
• Another example is
• In Databases, you can record a macro to add an
  instruction every time you click on a button.

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Which software should I use?

• How do you decide which one to use?
• Performance - how quickly does it operate?
• Functionality Does it have all the features that
  I want?
• Usability is it easy to use?
• The Interface is the layout clear
• User Support is it available does it cost extra?