EOC Summary

1. What’s the difference between application software and system software? System software is the software that helps run the computer and coordinates instructions between application software and the computer’s hardware devices. System software includes the operating system and utility programs. Application software is the software you use to do everyday tasks at home, school, and work. Application software is productivity software, such as word-processing and finance programs; media software, such as those used for image editing; home/entertainment, such as games or educational programs; and business software.

2. What kinds of applications are included in productivity software I might use at home? Productivity software programs include word-processing, spreadsheet, presentation, personal information manager (PIM), and database programs. You use wordprocessing software to create and edit written documents. Spreadsheet software enables you to do calculations and numerical and what-if analyses easily. Presentation software enables you to create slide presentations. Personal information manager (PIM) software helps keep you organized by putting a calendar, address book, notepad, and to-do lists within your computer. Database programs are electronic filing systems that allow you to filter, sort, and retrieve data easily. Individuals can also use software to help with business-like tasks such as preparing taxes or managing personal finances.

3. What are the different types of multimedia software? Multimedia software includes digital image, video- and audio-editing software, animation software, and other specialty software required to produce computer games. A wide variety of software programs is used to play, copy, record, edit, and organize MP3 files. Modern users have so many audio, video, and image files that there are a number of software solutions for organizing and distributing these types of files.

4. What are the different types of entertainment software? Beyond the games that most of us are familiar with, entertainment software includes virtual reality programs that use special equipment to make users feel as though they are actually experiencing the program in a realistic 3-D environment.

5. What is reference software? Software applications that act as sources for reference materials, such as the standard atlases, dictionaries, and thesauri, are referred to collectively as reference software. A lot of reference software on the market incorporates complex multimedia.

6. What are the different types of drawing software? Drawing software lets you create and edit line-based drawings to produce both imaginative and technical illustrations. Floor plans, animations, and mind-maps are some of the types of images that can be created.

7. What kinds of software do small and large businesses use? Many businesses, including home businesses, use general business software, such as Business Plan Pro and Marketing Plan Pro, to help them with tasks common to most businesses. In addition, businesses may use specialized business software (or vertical market software) that is designed for their specific industry.

8. Where can I go for help when I have a problem with my software? Most software programs have a Help menu built into the program with which you can search through an index or subject directory to find answers. Some programs group those most commonly asked questions in a single frequently asked questions (FAQ) document. In addition, vast resources of free or fee-based help and training are available on the Internet or at booksellers.

9. How can I purchase software or get it for free? Almost every new computer system comes with some form of software to help you accomplish basic tasks. All other software you need to purchase unless it is freeware or open-source code, which you can download from the Internet for free. You can also find special software called shareware that lets you run it free of charge for a test period. Although you can find software in almost any store, as a student you can purchase the same software at a reduced price with an academic discount.

10. How do I install, uninstall, and open software? When installing and uninstalling software, it’s best to use the specific Add/Remove Program feature that comes with the operating system. Most programs are installed using an installation wizard that steps you through the installation. Other software programs may require you to activate the setup program, which will begin the installation wizard. Using the Add/Remove Programs feature when uninstalling a program will help you ensure that all ancillary program files are removed from your computer.