INFORMATION SHEET 2.

3
Software Packages and Use of Application Programs
Software is the component of a computer system which refers to the set of instructions
written in a code-that computers can understand and execute. Another name for this
set of instructions is program.
Three Types of Software
System Software
Application Software
Programming Language
System Software.
This software tells the CPU what to do, a more common term is
Operating System (OS). The most popular OS in use for PC microcomputer is Microsoft
MS DOS. DOS for short is a collection of various programs that help control your
PC. Other operating systems are Microsoft Windows (from the early Windows 95 and
98 to the current windows Vista, OS 2, MAC OS, Unix, Linux and Apples OS 9.

Application Software
This is designed and written to perform specific personal, business, or scientific
processing tasks, such as payroll, processing, human resource management, or
inventory management. Common Application software are the following:

Word Processor
- This serves as an electronic typewriter and even more. With word processors,
the user can easily produce quality documents like memos and reports. Popular
word processors include MS Word and WordPerfect.
Spreadsheets
- These are programs that simulate a paper divided into rows and columns, where
values can be placed. These are used for advanced numerical analysis and
calculations. Some of the more common spreadsheet programs are Lotus 1-2-3
and, MS Excel and Open Calculate.
Database Programs
- These serve to collect a structured collection of data, which can later be
managed and manipulated.
Presentation Software
- These are programs that allow users to create electronic presentation for reports
and other functions.
Desktop Publishing Software
- This allow the user to create page makeup sand do simple typesetting to produce
various materials, such as books pamphlets, reports, and booklets. Example of
DTP software are MS Publisher, and PageMaker.
Reference Software
- These are electronic versions of various references such as encyclopedia,
almanacs, atlases, dictionaries, thesauri, and the like.
Graphics Programs
- These allow the creation and manipulation of graphics, images, objects, and pictures. Some of
the common graphics programs are Corel Draw, Photoshop, and Computer Aided Design (CAD)

Educational Software

- These include tutorials and electronic lessons that give students knowledge or training in a
particular subject or skill, such as Math or Science or in gardening or cooking.

Computer Games

- These are programs that simulate real games or provide entertainment and adventure to users.

Network Software

- These are programs that make it possible for computers in different areas to be connected,
allowing their users to communicate with each other.

Language Software

- These provide programmers with the necessary tools to write programs and instructions to
computer.

Programming Software.

- Programmers use this software for making computer programs. Programming software is a tool
to make software using different programming languages.
SELF-CHECK 2 .3

A. TRUE OR FALSE. Write T if the statement is true and correct and F if it is not. Use a separate
sheet of paper in answering.
______ 1. Word processors are used to create special movie effects.
______ 2. Systems software tells the CPU what to do.
______ 3. Software refers to the set of instructions that computer can understand and execute.
______ 4. Reference software includes tutorial and electronic lessons that give students
knowledge or training in a particular subject or skill.
______ 5. Graphics Program allow the users to execute electronic presentations for reports and
other functions. B. Discuss briefly the three types of software.