Types of Software Applications
The following table describes different kinds of software applications that would be suitable for different tasks:
Word Processing software - Use this kind of tool to create worksheets, type letters, type papers, etc.
MS Word, WordPerfect, MS Works, AppleWorks, ....
Desktop Publishing software - Use this software to make signs, banners, greeting cards, illustrative worksheets, newsletters, etc.
Adobe PageMaker, MS Word, MS Publisher, AppleWorks, MS Works, Quark Express,.....
Spreadsheet software - Use this kind of tool to compute number-intensive problems such as budgeting, forecasting, etc. A spreadsheet will plot nice graphs very easily.
MS Excel, Quattro Pro, Lotus 1-2-3, MS Works, AppleWorks, ....
Database software - Use this software to store data such as address, membership and other text information. A database can be used to easily sort and organize records.
MS Access, Filemaker Pro, AppleWorks, MS Works, ...
Presentation software - Use this software to create multimedia stacks of cards/screens that can effectively present a lesson or a sales pitch. The user often clicks on buttons to advance to the next screen in a sequence.
MS PowerPoint, AppleWorks (slideshows), HyperStudio, Flash, Director, HyperCard, Digital Chisel, SuperCard, Corel Envoy,...
Internet Browsers - This software allows one to surf the Web. Often they can read email and create Web pages too.
Netscape Navigator (or Netscape Communicator), MS Internet Explorer, AOL Browser....
Email programs - These programs send and receive email.
Netscape Messenger (part of Netscape Communicator), MS Outlook Express, MS Outlook, Eudora, AOL browser (has email built in)....
Graphics Programs (pixel-based) - This software allows one to touch up photographs and create graphics from scratch.
Adobe Photoshop, Paint Shop Pro, AppleWorks, MS Works, MS Paint (comes free on Windows PC's), Painter, ....
Graphics Programs (vector-based) - This software creates graphics that are similar to illustrations or cartoon drawings.
Adobe Illustrator, Corel Draw, AppleWorks, MS Works, MS Word, .....
Communications software - This software allows two computers with modems to communicate through audio, video, and/or chat-based means.
MS NetMeeting, AOL Instant Messenger, IRC, ICQ, CU-SeeMe, ...